Kamil Perry
Shredded mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of dishes. From comforting classics like lasagna and macaroni and cheese to more creative recipes like pizza pasta casserole and cheesy rice balls, shredded mozzarella adds a gooey, delicious element to any meal. It can be used as a topping, a filling, or a key ingredient in appetizers, salads, pizzas, and pasta bakes. Shredded mozzarella is also great for adding extra flavor to dishes like grilled cheese, soup, and toast. With its ability to melt and stretch, shredded mozzarella is a crowd-pleaser and a favorite for many cheese enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack |
| Cuisine | Italian, Korean, American |
| Dish ideas | Pizza, Calzone, Stromboli, Pasta, Lasagna, Mac & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Arancini, Fried Cheese Sticks, Cheesy Rice Balls, Cheese Crisps, Cheese Toast, Cheesy chicken & dumplings, Quiche, Casserole, Savory Crepes, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Cheese-stuffed Garlic Bread |
| Other ingredients | Meat, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices, Sauces |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza
First, prepare your pizza dough. You can make your own with flour, water, and yeast, which will give you a chewy, delicious pizza crust. Alternatively, you can buy fresh pizza dough. Next, prepare your tomato sauce. You can use canned whole tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes, and blend them with olive oil, garlic, and salt to create a no-cook pizza sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a good variety to use, as they are sweet and flavorful.
Now it's time to assemble your pizza. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Stretch your pizza dough into a large round and place it onto a pizza peel or baking pan. Add a thin layer of your tomato sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some salt and pepper to taste.
Bake your pizza until the crust is bubbly and the cheese is beginning to brown, which should take around 15 minutes, depending on your oven. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two, then serve. Enjoy the classic combination of crispy crust and melted, stretchy mozzarella!
You can also experiment with different pizza toppings to suit your taste. Some popular options include pepperoni, spinach, artichoke, and vegetables.
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Lasagna
First, prepare a creamy ricotta cheese mixture. You can add an egg to the mixture to help bind the ricotta so that it doesn't ooze out when you cut into the lasagna. Next, make a savoury meat sauce. Heat olive oil over medium heat and add diced onions. Let them cook for 10 minutes, then add ground beef and sausage, and cook until done. Add garlic, then drain the grease and add chicken broth. Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Now it's time to assemble the lasagna. Spoon the meat sauce onto the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish. You can use store-bought or homemade lasagna noodles, but make sure they are completely covered in sauce. Add the creamy ricotta cheese mixture and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and lightly browned. Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
You can make this lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat leftover lasagna in a lightly greased, covered casserole dish at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna, and feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as basil, parsley, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavour!
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Calzone
To make calzones with shredded mozzarella cheese, you can follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
- Pizza/pasta sauce
- Toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pineapple)
- Flour for dusting
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat your oven to a temperature between 425°F and 525°F, depending on your oven and the recipe you follow. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Take a dough ball and dust both sides with flour. Keep in mind that the stickier side of the dough will be the top of the calzone.
- Stretch the dough by pressing your fingers into it and turning it in a circular motion. You can also use gravity to help stretch it. Aim for a circle that is roughly 8-10 inches in size.
- Place the stretched dough onto a wooden peel or your prepared sheet pan. Ensure it moves easily.
- Add your fillings: spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese (about 3 ounces) in the center of the dough circle. If using, sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Take around 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and form it into a ball. Place the mozzarella ball on top of the ricotta.
- Season the cheeses with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and add any other desired toppings.
- Wet the edges of the dough with a small amount of water. Then, carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the fillings.
- Crimp or pinch the edges of the calzone to seal it tightly. You can also use a pizza wheel to trim the seam and help seal it further.
- Cut a few small vents in the top of the calzone to allow steam to escape. You can also brush the calzone with oil at this point for a golden crust.
- Bake the calzone for around 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the recipe followed.
- Once baked, remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Calzones are best served warm, and they pair well with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your perfect calzone! Just remember not to overstuff it, as this can cause leakage during baking. Enjoy your homemade calzones!
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Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and shredded mozzarella can be a great addition to the dish. Here is a detailed recipe for a delicious and cheesy mozzarella mac and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated or finely chopped garlic
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain it.
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, salt, and garlic to the melted butter. Whisk constantly and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Slowly add the milk to the skillet, continuing to whisk. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to prevent sticking. Heat the mixture until it comes to a boil and thickens.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the shredded mozzarella cheese and basil (if using). Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni until it is well-coated with the cheese sauce.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- While this recipe uses shredded mozzarella, some people prefer using a different type of mozzarella for mac and cheese. Danish mozzarella is recommended by some, and fresh mozzarella balls are not ideal.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free noodles.
- To add extra flavour, you can sauté shallots and garlic in butter, deglaze with sherry wine, and add heavy cream before mixing in the cheese.
- If you want a more traditional mac and cheese, you can substitute shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses. However, pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well and can affect the texture of the dish.
- If you have extra sauce, simply boil more noodles to enjoy with your cheesy creation!
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Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Bread (thick-cut, preferably sourdough or firm white bread)
- Butter
- Mayo (optional, preferably chipotle mayo)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Dried oregano
Instructions:
- If you want to make chipotle mayo, blend an egg, oil, lemon juice, salt, and chipotle peppers in a blender until combined. Set aside for later.
- Preheat a pan over medium heat and add some butter.
- Spread mayo on both slices of bread. Alternatively, melt butter in a pan and add fresh chopped garlic.
- Place a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on one slice of bread. You can also add other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or asiago for extra flavour.
- Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
- Cook the sandwich for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- For an Italian twist, sprinkle dried oregano on top of the sandwich before serving.
This grilled cheese sandwich is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a pan or microwave the next day. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a crispy, buttery exterior and gooey, cheesy interior!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple dishes you can make with shredded mozzarella:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Pizza
- Pasta bakes
- Lasagna
- Mac & cheese
If you're looking for something more substantial, you can try these baked dishes:
- Calzone
- Stromboli
- Cheese pie
- Arancini
- Lasagna
- Cannelloni
- Manicotti
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try these unique dishes:
- Cheesy rice balls
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Cheese crisps
- Savory crepes
- Spaghetti & meatballs
- Cheese-stuffed garlic bread
Some kid-friendly options include:
- Pizza
- Make-your-own pizza night
- Mozzarella cheese pasta
- Stuffed shells
- Cheesy chicken & dumplings
