Fresh mozzarella is one of the most popular and rewarding cheeses to make at home. Its delicate, milky flavor and soft, stretchy texture make it perfect for salads, pizzas, and simple snacks. Best of all — it’s surprisingly easy to create with just a few ingredients and tools.
What You’ll Need
- Whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
- Citric acid
- Liquid rennet
- Salt
- A large pot, thermometer, slotted spoon, and cheesecloth
Step 1: Preparing the Milk
Start by gently heating your milk in a large pot. Slowly bring it up to about 90°F (32°C), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. At this stage, add dissolved citric acid — this helps the milk acidify and prepares it for curdling.
Step 2: Adding the Rennet
Once the milk reaches the right temperature, stir in the rennet carefully and let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes. The milk will begin to coagulate, forming a soft gel-like curd. You’ll know it’s ready when the curd pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pot.
Step 3: Cutting and Cooking the Curd
Cut the curd into small cubes using a knife, then slowly heat the curds to about 105°F (40°C), stirring gently. This process helps firm up the curds and releases whey.
Step 4: Draining the Whey
Scoop the curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander to drain the whey. Gently press to remove excess liquid, but don’t squeeze too hard — you want the curds to stay soft and moist.
Step 5: Stretching the Cheese
Now the fun part: heat the curds in hot water or microwave them briefly until they become stretchy and elastic. Knead and fold the cheese repeatedly, adding salt to taste. This step creates mozzarella’s characteristic texture.
Step 6: Shaping and Cooling
Shape the cheese into balls or logs and cool them in cold water to set their form. Your fresh mozzarella is ready to enjoy immediately — or store in the fridge for a few days.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality milk for best flavor.
- Keep your hands clean and equipment sanitized.
- Don’t rush the stretching — the more you knead, the better the texture.
Making fresh mozzarella at home is not only fun but also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with homemade goodness. Give it a try, and you’ll discover how satisfying it is to turn simple ingredients into a delicious, fresh cheese.