The Perfect Mozzarella Partners: Cheeses That Complement Mozz

Mozzarella is a soft, fresh cheese with a light, sweet, and milky flavour. It is often paired with tomatoes, but it also goes well with onions, mushrooms, eggplants, roasted peppers, and spinach. When it comes to fruit, mozzarella is a good match for berries, peaches, melon cubes, and pears in a salad. In terms of meat, mozzarella is complimented by beef, lamb, and ham. But which other cheeses pair well with mozzarella?

Mozzarella is a popular pizza cheese due to its meltability and stretchability. However, it is fairly neutral in flavour. If you're looking for a more interesting cheese to pair with mozzarella on a pizza, you could try cheddar, fontina, gouda, or provolone. These cheeses all melt well and have more complex flavours than mozzarella. For a nuttier flavour, you could add gruyere or asiago to your pizza. If you're looking for saltiness, try pecorino romano or parmesan. For a spicy kick, pepper jack is a good option. For a classic pizzeria taste, a combination of mozzarella and provolone is a great choice.

Mozzarella and provolone

When used together, mozzarella and provolone create a well-balanced blend that enhances the flavour and texture of pizza. The mildness of mozzarella pairs well with the sharpness of provolone, resulting in a classic pizzeria taste. This combination is often used by pizzerias and can be purchased as a pre-shredded blend for convenience.

In addition to pizza, mozzarella and provolone can also be used in other dishes. Mozzarella is commonly used in hot dishes such as lasagna, pasta, and eggplant parmigiana, as well as in salads like caprese or prosciutto and melon. It melts extremely well and has a stretchy texture that is visually satisfying. Provolone, on the other hand, is a classic deli cheese that is better suited for cold dishes. It is often sliced thin and used in sandwiches or on charcuterie boards, where its mild flavour complements salty meats and sharper cheeses.

Mozzarella and cheddar

Origins and Milk Sources:

Mozzarella cheese hails from Italy, specifically made from the milk of water buffalos, giving it a unique flavour. On the other hand, cheddar cheese originated from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and is predominantly made from cow's milk. This difference in milk sources contributes to the distinct flavours and textures of the cheeses.

Texture and Colour:

Mozzarella is known for its soft and chewy texture, often described as semi-soft. Its colour is typically white, but it can sometimes turn slightly yellow depending on the animal's diet. In contrast, cheddar has a harder, firmer texture and is usually white to slightly yellow in colour. This textural difference is an important consideration when deciding how these cheeses will interact in a dish.

Taste and Flavour:

Mozzarella has a delicate, milky flavour that is not too overpowering. It is often used fresh in recipes like salads or cooked dishes, especially Italian cuisine such as pizzas and pastas. Cheddar, on the other hand, has a sharper, richer flavour that can range from mild to extra sharp, depending on its age. Its flavour can be described as nutty and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or as an accent in various dishes.

Melting Properties:

When it comes to melting, mozzarella excels. It is known for its stretchability, creating those delightful, gooey strands that make pizza so enjoyable. Cheddar also melts well, but it doesn't have the same stretchiness as mozzarella. This makes cheddar a good pairing option with mozzarella, as it adds flavour without sacrificing meltability.

Shelf Life and Storage:

Mozzarella has a decent shelf life and can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month or even up to six months or more in some cases. Cheddar, however, boasts an impressive lifespan, often lasting for 60 or more months. This extended shelf life is partly due to the fact that cheddar is commonly pasteurized, while mozzarella is not. Additionally, cheddar requires special storage facilities with controlled temperatures to maintain its quality.

In conclusion, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses each bring their own unique attributes to the table. When used together, they create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The soft, stretchy mozzarella pairs well with the sharper, firmer cheddar, making them a dynamic duo in various recipes. Whether you're crafting a pizza, grilled cheese sandwich, or an Italian pasta dish, the interplay of mozzarella and cheddar is sure to elevate your culinary creations.

Mozzarella and beef

Mozzarella is a mild, creamy, and stretchy cheese that goes well with beef. Here are some recipe ideas combining mozzarella and beef:

Beef and Mozzarella Bake

This recipe combines ground beef, basil, pepper, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, macaroni, and mozzarella cheese. It is a simple and mild-flavoured dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal. The beef is cooked with seasonings and combined with soup, water, and cheese. It is then baked in the oven until melted and golden. This recipe is versatile and can be customised by adding vegetables like onions, broccoli, or corn, or using milk instead of water for a richer flavour.

Buffalo Beef Mozzarella Pies

These hand pies feature a filling of seasoned beef, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in a flaky phyllo dough pastry. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dish impressive yet simple. The filling is cooked with onion, garlic, ranch seasoning, and buffalo sauce, then wrapped in pastry and baked until golden. These pies can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pizza with Mozzarella and Beef Toppings

When it comes to pizza, mozzarella is a classic choice due to its meltability and stretchability. While it has a mild flavour, it pairs well with beef toppings such as spicy sausage or pepperoni. For a more complex flavour profile, consider combining mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or provolone. These cheeses offer a balance of meltability and flavour, enhancing the overall taste experience of your pizza.

Mozzarella and ham

When making a sandwich or panini, a popular choice is to use Parma ham and mozzarella, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and served with tomatoes and wild rocket. This combination is a delicious, fresh-tasting option for a summer lunch or light dinner. For an extra special touch, serve with fresh Italian ciabatta to mop up the juices.

For a more substantial sandwich, a pressed picnic sandwich with mozzarella, smoked ham, and other ingredients such as tapenade, red pepper, and arugula or basil, is a tasty option.

Mozzarella and lamb

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with lamb. Here are some ideas for combining mozzarella and lamb:

Mozzarella-Stuffed Leg of Lamb

For a delicious and impressive main course, try making a mozzarella-stuffed leg of lamb. This recipe involves butterflying a leg of lamb and stuffing it with a mixture of mozzarella, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices before roasting it to perfection. The melted mozzarella adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the lamb, making it a decadent and satisfying dish.

Marinated Lamb with Potatoes and Mozzarella

Another option is to create a flavourful marinade for lamb that includes ingredients such as olive oil, oregano, mustard, and vinegar. After marinating the lamb, combine it with cubed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and low-moisture mozzarella on a baking tray. By wrapping the ingredients in parchment paper and baking them together, you'll create a juicy and tasty meal where the mozzarella complements the lamb perfectly.

Mediterranean Mozzarella-Stuffed Lamb

For a Mediterranean twist, you can stuff a boneless leg of lamb with a mixture of mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, milk, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley. After seasoning the lamb and spreading the stuffing mixture, roll it up and tie it with kitchen twine before roasting. The combination of mozzarella and lamb creates a tender and flavourful roast that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Variations and Tips

When preparing these dishes, consider the following tips and variations:

• You can ask your butcher to butterfly the leg of lamb for you, making the preparation easier.
• For a cheesier option, you can use Swiss, Gruyere, or Asiago cheese in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can be substituted for mint leaves to add different flavour profiles.
• Roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables are excellent side dishes to accompany the lamb and mozzarella creations.

Frequently asked questions