Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Making mozzarella cheese at home is a rewarding process that yields fresh, creamy cheese perfect for salads, pizzas, and more. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create this delicious cheese in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon of whole milk (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon citric acid, dissolved in 1/2 cup cool water
• 1/4 rennet tablet or 1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet, dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Milk: Pour the milk into a large, non-reactive pot (stainless steel works best). Stir in the citric acid solution and heat the milk over medium heat to 90°F (32°C), stirring gently.
2. Add Rennet: Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the rennet solution. Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the milk solidifies into a gel-like consistency.
3. Cut the Curd: Once the milk has set, cut the curd into 1-inch cubes using a long knife. Make sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pot.
4. Cook the Curd: Place the pot back on the stove and heat the curds to 105°F (40°C) while gently stirring. Once the curds reach the desired temperature, remove from heat and continue stirring for 5 minutes.
5. Drain the Curds: Pour off the whey, leaving just the curds. You can save the whey for other uses if desired.
6. Heat and Stretch the Curds: Transfer the curds to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Drain off any excess whey, then knead and stretch the curds with your hands (be careful, they will be hot). If the curds cool down too much, microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue to stretch the cheese until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7. Add Salt and Shape: Sprinkle the salt over the cheese and knead it in. Shape the mozzarella into a ball or log.
8. Chill the Cheese: Place the mozzarella in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to help it firm up and hold its shape.
9. Serve or Store: Your homemade mozzarella is now ready to eat! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Mozzarella

• Use High-Quality Milk: The quality of your milk greatly affects the final product. Non-ultra-pasteurized milk works best.
• Don’t Overheat: Heating the milk or curds too quickly can result in tough cheese. Be patient and heat slowly.
• Stretching: The more you stretch the curds, the firmer your cheese will be. For a softer mozzarella, stretch less.

Variations

• Herb-Infused Mozzarella: Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary during the stretching process for a flavorful twist.
• Smoked Mozzarella: After shaping, smoke the mozzarella using a smoking gun or in a smoker for a rich, smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade mozzarella is a delightful cheese that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can enjoy the fresh, creamy taste of homemade cheese. Perfect for pizza, caprese salad, or simply enjoying on its own, this mozzarella will elevate any dish.