Kamil Perry
Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its gooey, stretchy texture and delicious flavour make it a popular choice for recipes such as lasagne, grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and stuffed shells. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, mozzarella cheese is a great option to satisfy your cheese cravings. In this discussion, we will explore different ways to cook with mozzarella cheese, including mouth-watering recipes that will leave you wanting more. So get ready to indulge in some cheesy goodness as we uncover the best ways to use this beloved ingredient in your cooking adventures!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Main course, side dish |
| Texture | Gooey |
| Examples | Lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, stuffed zucchini, stuffed shells |
| Calories | Varies; e.g., 646 calories for a grilled cheese sandwich, 206 calories for 2 stuffed zucchini halves |
| Fat | Varies; e.g., 50g fat in a grilled cheese sandwich, 9g fat in 2 stuffed zucchini halves |
| Carbohydrates | Varies; e.g., 32g in a grilled cheese sandwich, 16g in 2 stuffed zucchini halves |
| Protein | Varies; e.g., 16g in a grilled cheese sandwich, 17g in 2 stuffed zucchini halves |
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Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 (28 oz) cans Italian tomatoes
- 16 oz. ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 package lasagna noodles, prepared
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 5 oz. parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 lbs. mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- For the sauce, heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced shallot and cook until tender, then add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, then add salt, pepper, and Italian tomatoes. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
- For the filling, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated parmesan cheese.
- To assemble the lasagna, place sauce on the bottom of an ovenproof 9 x 13 dish, followed by lasagna noodles, the ricotta mixture, sliced tomatoes, and slices of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly browned.
You can also make a Neapolitan lasagna with fresh mozzarella, which is a great alternative to the regular lasagna. The sauce for this version is lighter than a ragu Bolognese, and it typically includes pork, veal, and Italian sausage instead of beef. To assemble the Neapolitan lasagna, start by topping the ragu with 1/3 of the fresh mozzarella and 1/4 of the parmigiano. Then, layer the lasagna noodles on top. Repeat this process (adding 1/5 of the ragu, then the cheese and noodles) twice more for a total of 4 layers. Finally, spoon the remaining ragu over the top layer of noodles and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 of the parmigiano. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
To make a basic grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need butter, bread, and mozzarella cheese. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place the buttered sides facing outwards on a hot pan. Fill the sandwich with as much mozzarella as you like—a generous amount will ensure that the sandwich is extra gooey. You can also add sliced apples for a touch of sweetness and a nice crunch.
For an even more indulgent sandwich, try adding some sliced meat, like ham or bacon, or experiment with different types of cheese in addition to the mozzarella. You could also spread some pesto or a sauce of your choice on the inside of the bread for an extra flavor boost.
Once your sandwich is assembled, cook it on medium heat until the bread is toasted and golden, and the cheese is melted. This should only take a few minutes. Then, simply slice and serve. Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich on its own or with a side of salad, soup, or crispy chips.
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Stuffed zucchini
There are many dishes that can be cooked with mozzarella cheese, including lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, and stuffed zucchini.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini or 3 medium zucchini
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coarse breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pine nuts
- Lemon zest
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Pesto (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and trim off the stem ends.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy border of zucchini to support the filling.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini flesh and chop any larger chunks into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the zucchini flesh with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the zucchini shells with olive oil and spoon the filling into the shells.
- Bake in the oven for 16-18 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden brown.
- If desired, top with pesto before serving.
This recipe can be adapted to include different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, and can also be made with a meat filling, such as sausage or ground beef, for a heartier dish.
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Mac & cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be easily elevated with the addition of mozzarella cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making mouth-watering mozzarella mac and cheese:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated or finely chopped garlic
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the flour, salt, and garlic, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture turns lightly golden and smells nutty.
Next, slowly add the milk to the skillet, continuously whisking and scraping the bottom of the pan. Keep whisking until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat and add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and basil. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni until it is well coated with the cheese sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. This dish pairs well with a side salad and crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
For a more flavourful dish, consider adding other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. Some people also like to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, or paprika. If you want a crispy topping, you can finish the dish in the oven with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
Mozzarella mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your taste preferences. It's a perfect option for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends and family. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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Cheesy shells
If you're looking for a rich and comforting dish, look no further than these cheesy shells. This recipe is a great option when you're expecting company, as it can be made ahead of time and baked quickly when your guests arrive.
To make the cheesy shells, you'll need a filling and some shells. For the filling, pesto is a surprising and delicious choice that will leave your guests wanting more. Simply fill your shells with the pesto and top them with mozzarella cheese for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
If you want to make it a more substantial meal, you can include sausage in the filling or serve it as a meatless dish. Each serving of two stuffed shells contains 405 calories, 22g of fat, 90mg of cholesterol, 730mg of sodium, 26g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
For a slightly lighter option that's still packed with flavour, you can try making stuffed zucchini halves. This option has a similar filling but with zucchini as the shell. It's a great way to get your vegetables in while still indulging in a cheesy treat. Each serving of two zucchini halves has 206 calories, 9g of fat, 39mg of cholesterol, 485mg of sodium, 16g of carbohydrates, and 17g of protein.
Whether you choose the cheesy shells or the stuffed zucchini, your guests are sure to be impressed by your culinary skills and the delicious, comforting flavours of your chosen dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Some meal options with mozzarella cheese include lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, and stuffed zucchini.
Sides that go well with mozzarella include salad, apples, and bread.
You can make stuffed shells with pesto and mozzarella or a zucchini dish with mozzarella that doesn't include sausage.
You can include sausage in the zucchini and mozzarella dish or make a beef casserole.
