How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Cheese (and Why You Should!)
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re adding it to a farm-fresh Caprese salad, melting it over homemade pizza, or simply enjoying a slice with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, making mozzarella at home is an incredibly rewarding skill. Plus, it’s easier than you might think!
At BLeaves Farms, we love creating farm-to-table recipes, and fresh cheese is no exception. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making homemade mozzarella, the best types of milk to use, and essential tools to make the process simple and successful.
Why Make Your Own Mozzarella Cheese?
Store-bought mozzarella can’t compare to the flavor and texture of fresh, homemade cheese. When you make it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a rich, creamy, and flavorful result. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on experience that connects you with traditional homesteading skills.
Some of the benefits of making mozzarella at home include:
✅ Better taste and texture than pre-packaged cheese.
✅ Fewer additives and preservatives for a cleaner, healthier product.
✅ A budget-friendly way to enjoy high-quality cheese.
✅ A fun and rewarding kitchen project for any cheese lover.
What Kind of Milk Should You Use?
The quality of your milk makes all the difference when making cheese. Here’s what to look for:
Raw Milk: If you have access to it (and local laws allow), raw milk makes the best-tasting mozzarella with the highest yield.
Pasteurized, Non-Homogenized Milk: The next best option is low-temperature pasteurized milk, which retains more of its natural structure.
Avoid Ultra-Pasteurized Milk: This type of milk has been heated at high temperatures, breaking down the proteins needed to form curds.
To ensure success, look for local, farm-fresh milk whenever possible.
What You Need to Make Mozzarella Cheese
Making mozzarella at home requires just a few simple ingredients and tools. You can find many of these items in our recommended cheese-making kit below to make the process even easier.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of whole milk (raw or pasteurized, but NOT ultra-pasteurized)
- 1 ½ teaspoons citric acid
- ¼ tablet rennet (or ¼ teaspoon liquid rennet). For vegetarians, make sure to use a plant-based rennet.
- 1 teaspoon cheese salt (or kosher salt)
- Filtered water
Essential Cheese-Making Tools:
✔ Basic Beginner Cheese-Making Kit: Everything you need in one place!
✔ Kitchen Thermometer: Precision is key!
✔ Cheese-Making Book: Learn more techniques and recipes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fresh Mozzarella
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Dissolve the citric acid in 1 cup of filtered water. In a separate cup, dissolve the rennet in ¼ cup of water.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it to 90°F, stirring gently. Add the citric acid solution and mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Rennet & Form Curds
Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the rennet solution for about 30 seconds. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing the milk to form a gel-like consistency.
Step 4: Cut & Cook the Curds
Once the curds have formed, use a knife to cut them into 1-inch cubes. Slowly heat the curds to 105°F, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 5: Drain & Stretch the Cheese
Drain the curds into a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Heat the curds in hot water (or microwave for 30 seconds at a time) until they become stretchy. Knead the curds until smooth and shiny, then shape them into a ball.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Fresh Mozzarella!
Drop the cheese ball into cold, salted water to firm up for 10 minutes. Slice, serve, and savor the creamy deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade mozzarella last?
Fresh mozzarella is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but it can be stored in brine or an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make mozzarella with goat’s milk?
Yes! Goat’s milk makes a deliciously creamy mozzarella with a slightly tangy flavor.
What can I do with leftover whey?
Use it in smoothies, soups, or homemade bread recipes for extra nutrition! Pets love it, too!
Get Started with Cheese Making Today!
Making mozzarella at home is an incredibly rewarding skill, and with the right tools, it’s easier than ever. If you’re ready to start your cheese-making journey, get your cheese making kit. If you enjoy the adventure, read up on additional cheese recipes in our favorite cheese making book Home Cheese Making: Recipes for 75 Homemade Cheeses!
We’d love to see your homemade mozzarella creations! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and share your cheesy success!
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