Imagine whipping up your own fresh mozzarella cheese at home with just two simple ingredients. It’s not only possible, it’s also quite easy and takes less than 30 minutes! This delightful cheese has that perfect, stretchy texture, ideal for topping pizzas, enhancing salads, or simply enjoying fresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. Here’s how you can make fresh mozzarella in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients and Tools:
1 gallon of whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid dissolved in 1/4 cup of water
A thermometer
A slotted spoon
A microwave-safe bowl
Instructions:
Prepare the Milk: Heat the milk in a large pot over medium heat. Stir gently to prevent scorching. When the milk reaches 55°F, slowly add the dissolved citric acid to the milk, stirring gently. Continue to heat the milk until it reaches 90°F. At this point, the milk should start to curdle slightly.
Curd Formation: Once the milk has reached 90°F, stop stirring and allow the mixture to heat further to 105°F. You will see the curds (solid parts) separate from the whey (liquid part). Remove the pot from the heat.
Separate the Curds: Use a slotted spoon to gently scoop out the curds and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Be careful to leave as much whey in the pot as possible.
Microwave the Curds: Microwave the curds for one minute. Drain off any excess whey, then gently fold the cheese over and over (as if kneading bread) with your hands or a spoon. Microwave two more times for 35 seconds each, kneading between each heating. This process will help the mozzarella become stretchy and smooth.
Shape the Cheese: After the last microwave session, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cheese (optional) and quickly shape it into a ball or several small balls. Use caution as the cheese will be extremely hot.
Enjoy Your Mozzarella! Your homemade mozzarella is ready to be enjoyed immediately. Whether melted over a homemade pizza, tucked into a caprese salad, or savored on its own, the freshness and flavor are unbeatable.
This easy homemade mozzarella recipe not only brings a touch of artisanal charm to your meals, but it also adds a fun and rewarding activity to your cooking adventures. Enjoy the process and your delicious results!