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Homemade Mozzarella Cheese

Experience the joy of making mozzarella cheese from scratch with this easy and fun recipe that's perfect for beginners. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful delight in various dishes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 gallon whole milk Use high-quality, full-fat milk for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon rennet Helps the milk to coagulate.
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar Works with rennet to form curds.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor and preserves the cheese.
  • as needed cup ice water Used to cool the cheese after kneading.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grab a large, heavy pot, and gently pour in the whole milk. Slowly heat it on medium until it reaches 190°F (88°C), stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the milk hits the right temperature, turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow curds to form.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, carefully gather the soft curds, letting the whey drain away as you transfer them into a colander lined with cheesecloth.
  4. Rinse the curds under cold water for a minute or two to wash away the whey. Let them drain for a few minutes.
  5. Transfer the curds to a bowl, sprinkle in the salt, and begin kneading until the cheese becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. Shape the curds into balls of your preferred size and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool.
  7. Enjoy your fresh mozzarella immediately or store it in the refrigerator.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs or spices during the kneading stage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days for the best freshness.