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Handmade Mozzarella Recipe: A Simple Guide

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Handmade Mozzarella Recipe: A Simple Guide to Making Fresh Cheese at Home

Few culinary experiences are as satisfying as making your own cheese — and nothing quite compares to the delicate stretch and creamy bite of freshly handmade mozzarella. Soft, milky, and wonderfully meltable, mozzarella is a favorite in countless dishes, from classic Caprese salads to bubbly, oven-baked pizzas.

The best part? You don’t have to be a professional cheesemaker to create this kitchen magic. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can craft your own fresh mozzarella in under an hour — no fancy equipment needed.

In this simple guide, you’ll learn how to make handmade mozzarella right at home, step by step. It’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding.


Why Make Mozzarella at Home?

  • Superior Freshness: Store-bought can’t compete with the soft, delicate texture of freshly made mozzarella.
  • Better Flavor: You control the quality of the milk and the saltiness of the cheese.
  • It’s Fun and Educational: Stretching mozzarella is not only satisfying — it’s a great intro to home cheesemaking.
  • Impress Your Friends: Serve this at a dinner party, and you’ll be the talk of the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon whole milk (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)
  • 1 1/4 tsp citric acid dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water
  • 1/4 tsp liquid rennet (or 1/4 rennet tablet) dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water
  • 1 tsp kosher or cheese salt

Note: You can find citric acid and rennet at cheese-making supply stores or online.


Equipment

  • Large stainless steel pot
  • Thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Long knife or spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl (or hot water bath)
  • Rubber gloves (optional for hot cheese handling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Milk

Pour the milk into your large pot and stir in the dissolved citric acid. This helps the milk curdle properly. Slowly heat the milk to 90°F (32°C) while gently stirring.

Step 2: Add Rennet

Once at temperature, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the rennet solution. Stir with an up-and-down motion for about 30 seconds, then stop. Cover and let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes, or until the milk sets into a gel-like curd.

Step 3: Cut the Curd

Using a long knife, cut the curd into 1-inch cubes. Make vertical and horizontal cuts to create a grid pattern. Let the curds rest for 5 minutes.