Mozzarella Cheese Wheels: Perfect Pairing Ideas For You

Mozzarella is a soft cheese with an ooey-gooey texture that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different foods to create delicious meals. Some popular combinations include using mozzarella in lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, quiches, pizzas, quesadillas, and casseroles. Mozzarella also goes well with herbs, tomatoes, and meats, making it a perfect addition to many Italian dishes.

Mozzarella cheese recipes

Mozzarella is a soft, gooey cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savoury dishes to sweet treats. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

Main Courses

Lasagna

A classic Italian dish, lasagna is a layered masterpiece of pasta, meat, and cheese. Mozzarella is a key ingredient in the cheesy, gooey goodness that holds it all together.

Grilled Cheese

For a simple yet indulgent meal, try an ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. Layer thick slices of mozzarella between two slices of buttered bread and grill to perfection. Serve with a side of sliced apples for a touch of sweetness.

Pizza

Mozzarella is the star of any pizza, whether you opt for a traditional Margherita or get creative with toppings. Try a deep-dish Chicago-style pizza or mix things up with a pizza quesadilla.

Chicken Parmesan

This classic Italian dish features breaded chicken breasts baked in a tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Serve it with a side of pasta for a filling and flavourful meal.

Baked Spaghetti

For a twist on traditional spaghetti, try baking it with mozzarella. This easy dish combines spaghetti, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Appetizers and Sides

Marinated Mozzarella

This simple yet impressive appetizer can be made ahead of time and brought out when you're ready to serve. Marinate fresh mozzarella in olive oil, herbs, and spices for a flavourful and festive dish.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread. Add a generous helping of mozzarella for a gooey twist on this traditional favourite.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

For a low-carb option that satisfies your pizza cravings, try zucchini pizza bites. Top zucchini slices with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favourite pizza toppings.

Breakfast

Mozzarella and Spinach Breakfast Casserole

This gooey casserole combines sun-dried tomatoes, sausage, and spinach with melted mozzarella. It's a perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches.

Mozzarella with other cheeses

Mozzarella is a soft, mild, and creamy cheese with a delicate flavour that pairs well with other cheeses. Here are some ideas for cheeses that go well with mozzarella:

Fresh Mozzarella and Feta

Fresh mozzarella and feta cheese are a classic combination that works well together. Feta is a salty and tangy Greek cheese that balances the mildness of mozzarella. This pairing is commonly used in salads, such as a tomato, mozzarella, and feta salad, or in recipes like the Cheese and Fresh Herb Quiche.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. When paired with mozzarella, it adds a sharp and savoury note. This combination is commonly used in Italian dishes like lasagna, baked spaghetti, and chicken parmesan. The contrast between the soft mozzarella and the crunchy parmesan also adds texture to the dish.

Mozzarella and Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, has a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly sweet taste. When paired with mozzarella, it adds depth of flavour without overwhelming the dish. This combination works well in sandwiches, such as grilled cheese, or in recipes like the Cheese and Fresh Herb Quiche.

Mozzarella and Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It has a creamy texture and melts well, making it a perfect pairing with mozzarella in grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, or quiches. The combination of mozzarella and Gruyere creates a rich and indulgent flavour profile.

Mozzarella and Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy flavour with a unique sharpness. When paired with mozzarella, it adds a distinct flavour profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish. This combination works well in salads, pasta dishes, or recipes like the Cheese and Fresh Herb Quiche.

Mozzarella with meat

Mozzarella is a soft, gooey cheese with an ooey texture that pairs well with many types of meat. Here are some ideas for combining mozzarella with meat:

Italian Meats

Mozzarella and Italian meats are a classic combination. Create a hearty Italian sub sandwich with mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, and capicola. You could also make pizza quesadillas with Italian meats, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. For a more sophisticated option, try an antipasto platter with sliced mozzarella, cured meats such as salami and prosciutto, and marinated vegetables.

Chicken

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that combines breaded chicken cutlets with mozzarella and tomato sauce. For a lighter option, try a grilled chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella and served with a side of pasta. You could also make chicken and cheese noodle bake, or chicken lasagna with a buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

Beef

Slow-cooked Italian beef sandwiches are a delicious way to enjoy mozzarella with beef. For a more indulgent option, try baked meatball stroganoff, which combines meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella in a creamy sauce. If you're looking for something a little different, smoked mozzarella pairs well with beef – try a smoked mozzarella cheeseburger or a beef and smoked mozzarella panini.

Pork

Pork and mozzarella are a classic combination, especially when paired with Italian flavours. Try a pork tenderloin stuffed with mozzarella and sundried tomatoes, or a panini with mozzarella, prosciutto, and fresh basil. For a heartier option, make a pork ragù with mozzarella melted on top, or a pork sausage and mozzarella calzone.

Mozzarella with bread

Mozzarella is a soft, gooey cheese that pairs well with bread in many dishes. Here are some ideas for combining mozzarella with bread:

Bruschetta

For a classic Italian appetizer, try bruschetta with mozzarella. Grill or toast slices of a crusty Italian bread like ciabatta or baguette. Rub the bread with garlic and top with diced tomatoes, basil, and a generous amount of mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Grilled Cheese

For an ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich, layer sliced mozzarella between two slices of bread, such as sourdough or country bread. Butter the outside of the bread and cook in a panini press or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.

Pizza

Of course, one of the most famous combinations of mozzarella and bread is pizza. Start with a homemade or store-bought pizza dough and stretch it into a circle. Top with a tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. Bake in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garlic Bread

For a simple side dish, make garlic bread with a twist. Slice a baguette in half lengthwise and spread with butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake in the oven until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Panzanella

Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad that can be a great side dish or light meal. Combine cubed mozzarella with chunks of stale bread, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh basil. Dress with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together and let it sit for a few minutes to let the bread soak up the flavors.

Mozzarella with pasta

Mozzarella is a soft, mild, stretchy cheese with a delicate, creamy flavour. It is a perfect match for pasta dishes, adding a creamy texture and a savoury taste. Here are some ideas for combining mozzarella with pasta:

Baked Pasta Dishes

Mozzarella is an excellent cheese for baked pasta dishes, such as lasagne or baked spaghetti. Its mild flavour and gooey, stretchy texture make it a perfect topping for pasta bakes. When baked, mozzarella becomes beautifully golden and develops a slightly nutty flavour. Try layering pasta sheets with a rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and slices of mozzarella for a hearty, comforting dish.

Pasta Salads

Mozzarella also works well in pasta salads. Its mild flavour and creamy texture complement other ingredients without overwhelming them. Try combining cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and diced mozzarella for a simple, tasty salad. Dress it with a balsamic vinaigrette, and perhaps add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial dish.

Macaroni Cheese

For a twist on the classic macaroni cheese, try using mozzarella. Its stretchy texture and mild flavour will appeal to both children and adults. You can also add some diced tomatoes and basil to the dish for added freshness.

Three-Cheese Pasta

Mozzarella is a great base for a three-cheese pasta sauce. Try combining it with Parmesan and Gorgonzola for a rich, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta. The sharpness of the Parmesan and the tang of the Gorgonzola will balance the mildness of the mozzarella.

Chicken and Mozzarella Pasta

Chicken and mozzarella is a classic combination, and for good reason. Try a dish of chicken breast in a creamy mozzarella sauce, served with pasta. The protein-rich chicken and the creamy cheese make for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Frequently asked questions