Mozzarella Mastery: Finding The Perfect Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas to sandwiches. But with so many types of mozzarella available, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

The best type of mozzarella depends on how you plan to use it. Fresh mozzarella, for example, has a high moisture content, making it ideal for salads or sandwiches, where it can be enjoyed without cooking. On the other hand, low-moisture mozzarella is better suited for cooking, as it melts well and has a more balanced composition. When heated, low-moisture mozzarella develops a crispy, chewy texture that's perfect for pizza and casseroles.

When it comes to flavour, shredded or low-moisture mozzarella tends to be saltier and tangier than fresh mozzarella. It also comes in thicker ribbons, which melt better and provide a more tantalising texture.

So, whether you're looking for a creamy, salty snack or the perfect stretchy cheese for your pizza, there's a type of mozzarella that's sure to suit your needs.

Mozzarella for cooking

Mozzarella is a stretched curd cheese that originates from Italy. The fresher the mozzarella, the better it tastes. Fresh mozzarella is sold in small plastic containers or bags filled with water or whey and has a mild flavour. Once opened, it should be eaten within a few days.

Mass-produced mozzarella, on the other hand, has a firmer and more rubbery texture. It is also milder in flavour and a little salty. This type of mozzarella melts well without becoming watery, which makes it a popular choice for cooking, especially as an ingredient for lasagne or pizza.

When choosing mozzarella for cooking, it is important to consider the salt and fat content, the way it melts, and the overall flavour. It is also recommended to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly. Instead, opt for a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

Some popular brands of mozzarella for cooking include:

• Galbani: This brand is commonly used in pizzerias and is known for its low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which has a tangier flavour. It can be found in grocery stores and comes in one-pound balls.
• Grande: Another favourite among pizzamakers, Grande is known for its fresh cheeses, such as fior di latte, which are ideal for Neapolitan-style pizzas. However, it may be harder to find in retail stores and is usually available in larger quantities from restaurant supply stores.
• Kraft: This brand offers a firmer mozzarella that is excellent for grating. It has a nice level of saltiness and resembles string cheese.
• Good & Gather: This Target-exclusive brand offers a slightly springy and firm texture, making it suitable for grating, slicing, or eating by the chunk. It has a tangier flavour, similar to a mild cheddar.
• Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's block mozzarella has a creamy texture and a salty flavour. It is a good choice for those seeking a firm and creamy mozzarella.

When using mozzarella for cooking, it is generally recommended to use full-fat, low-moisture mozzarella, as it melts better and has a silkier texture compared to part-skim varieties.

Mozzarella for snacking

Mozzarella is a type of pasta filata cheese, which means "spun paste" in Italian, referring to the process of stretching, heating, and kneading curd cheeses. It is usually made from cow's milk in the US and can be fresh in brine or slightly dried and vacuum-packed. All mozzarella varieties are considered soft cheeses and are not aged for very long, if at all.

Mozzarella can be divided into two main categories: fresh and low-moisture. Low-moisture mozzarella is an aged and dried version of fresh mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella is best for eating plain, in Caprese or panzanella salads, or on a Neapolitan-style pizza. It is also great for snacking! Fresh mozzarella is stored in water and has a much shorter shelf life. Most types of fresh mozzarella are super soft and easy to cut or tear apart. Fresh mozzarella comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including balls, ovaline, bocconcini, and perline.

When it comes to snacking, here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the best mozzarella:

• Fresh mozzarella is a great option for snacking and is typically sold in small plastic containers or bags filled with water or whey. Look for mozzarella that is creamy and milky, with a mild flavour.
• Choose a local cheesemaker or consider making your own mozzarella at home if you want to indulge in the freshest, best-tasting cheese.
• If you're looking for a convenient, portable snack, string cheese is a brilliant option. It's easy to toss in your bag, and it's individually wrapped, protein-packed, and mess-free.
• When it comes to string cheese, there are a variety of brands to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese is a classic choice, with a rich and cheesy yet light flavour and a bouncy texture. Crystal Farms String Cheese has a tangy and salty flavour, reminiscent of fresh mozzarella, and scores high on pull-apart-ability. Good & Gather String Cheese is a mild and creamy option that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Polly-O String Cheese has a familiar flavour and a winning balance of salt, richness, tanginess, and milkiness. Galbani String Cheese has a luxurious creamy texture, a briny and buttery flavour, and is a bit more challenging to pull apart into strings. Organic Valley string cheese has a more sophisticated flavour that's richly savory and earthy.
• For a more indulgent snack, consider burrata, a type of mozzarella with a decadent centre of thick cream and tiny shreds of thin mozzarella curd. It's super creamy and fantastic spread on bread with salt and olive oil.
• Smoked mozzarella is another option that adds a smoky flavour to your snack. It has a brown, edible rind, and the intensity of the smokiness varies by brand.
• Scamorza is similar to mozzarella but drier and firmer, with less wateriness. It melts well and is available in plain and smoked varieties.

So, the next time you're looking for a mozzarella snack, consider trying one of these options! Whether you opt for fresh mozzarella, string cheese, burrata, smoked mozzarella, or scamorza, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat.

Mozzarella for sandwiches

Mozzarella is a popular choice for sandwiches, with its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavour. There are a few types of mozzarella cheese to choose from when making a sandwich, and the right one for you will depend on the type of sandwich you want to make.

Fresh mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice for sandwiches, especially when paired with ingredients like tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Its creamy texture and rich flavour make it a good match for roast beef sandwiches. Fresh mozzarella is also used in Italian fried mozzarella sandwiches, known as mozzarella in carrozza. This sandwich is made by dipping a mozzarella sandwich in egg, dredging it in breadcrumbs, and then frying it.

Low-moisture mozzarella

Low-moisture mozzarella is a good option for sandwiches as it melts well and creates a long cheese pull. It is also ready to use straight away, unlike fresh mozzarella which may need to be firmed up in the fridge first.

Buffalo milk mozzarella

This type of mozzarella is typically used in the Neapolitan version of mozzarella in carrozza. It has a higher moisture content, so it needs to be firmed up in the fridge before using to avoid a soggy sandwich.

Fior di latte

Fior di latte is the type of mozzarella used in the Roman version of mozzarella in carrozza.

Bread

When making a grilled mozzarella sandwich, it is important to use a sturdy bread that is not too airy, such as sourdough. For fried mozzarella sandwiches, plain white bread is typically used, while Italian bread is a good choice for a crispy, oven-baked mozzarella sandwich.

Mozzarella for salads

Mozzarella is a soft and mild cheese, making it a refreshing addition to light summer salads. It is traditionally made with cow or buffalo milk and is a popular ingredient in Italian dishes.

Fresh Mozzarella

When you see mozzarella in a tub of water, this is fresh mozzarella. It is more expensive and has a springy texture, a slight chew on the outside, and a creamy, bright, slightly salty flavour. It is best to drain off the liquid before using the cheese, and it should be sliced just before serving to retain moisture. Fresh mozzarella is the star ingredient in a classic Caprese salad, where it is served with tomatoes and basil. It can also be used in a chopped salad with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

Mozzarella Log

Mozzarella log has a slightly longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella and can be eaten at room temperature or baked into a pasta dish. It is a good alternative to fresh mozzarella in a Caprese salad and can also be used to top off dishes like eggplant and chicken Parmesan.

Mozzarella Pearls (Ciliegine)

Mozzarella pearls are pearl-sized balls of mozzarella found in liquid-filled tubs. They are a nice alternative to larger pieces of mozzarella in salads and can be used to make a chopped salad with tomatoes and basil.

Other Cheeses for Salads

Other cheeses that work well in salads include feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, Parmesan, halloumi, Manchego, pecorino Romano, and cheddar.

Mozzarella for grating

Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that can be challenging to grate. It tends to fall apart, stick to the grater, or create uneven chunks of varying sizes that don't melt evenly. However, grating your own mozzarella is worth the effort for the freshness and fewer additives compared to pre-shredded options. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and grating mozzarella cheese:

Choosing the Right Mozzarella

The type of mozzarella you choose can impact how well it grates. Fresh mozzarella, also known as regular or whole milk mozzarella, tends to have higher moisture content, making it softer and more challenging to grate. On the other hand, low-moisture mozzarella, often labelled as shredded or grated mozzarella, is a better option for grating. It melts better due to its lower moisture content and has a saltier, tangier, and more flavourful taste.

Freezing the Mozzarella

To make grating easier, consider freezing your mozzarella before grating it. Freezing the cheese for about 30 minutes will slightly harden it, making it easier to grate. This technique helps prevent the cheese from falling apart or sticking to the grater. However, be mindful not to freeze it for too long, as it may compromise the flavour and texture of the cheese.

Grating Techniques

When it comes to grating mozzarella, a box grater is often recommended over a microplane or food processor. The bigger holes of a box grater are better suited for softer cheeses like mozzarella. If using a food processor, make sure it has a grating attachment. Additionally, drying the mozzarella by placing it on paper towels or cloth before grating can help remove excess moisture, especially if you're using fresh mozzarella.

Recommended Brands

When choosing mozzarella for grating, look for low-moisture options. Here are some recommended brands:

• Tillamook Farmstyle Thick Cut Mozzarella Cheese
• Organic Valley Low Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
• 365 Low-Moisture Shredded Mozzarella (Whole Foods)
• Trader Joe's Shredded Lite Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
• Kraft Fat Free Shredded Mozzarella
• Great Value Shredded Mozzarella (Walmart)

Frequently asked questions