Craft your own mozzarella cheese slices at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, pizza, or a simple snack, these mozzarella slices boast a creamy texture and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with just about anything. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking to add a homemade touch to your meals, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating delicious, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella slices.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon whole milk (preferably raw or non-homogenized)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons citric acid
- ¼ teaspoon liquid rennet (or 1/4 tablet rennet, dissolved in ¼ cup water)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Ice water (for cooling)
- Cheesecloth (for draining)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Milk:
- Pour the milk into a large pot and sprinkle the citric acid evenly over the surface. Stir gently to dissolve.
- Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 90°F (32°C).
- Add Rennet:
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the liquid rennet. Stir slowly for 30 seconds, then cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, or until the milk forms a firm curd.
- Cut the Curd:
- Once the curd has set, use a long knife to cut it into 1-inch cubes. Let the curds rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat and Stir:
- Return the pot to medium heat and gently stir the curds, gradually raising the temperature to 105°F (40°C). Keep stirring slowly for about 5 minutes, allowing the curds to firm up.
- Drain the Curds:
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Let them drain for a few minutes.
- Stretch the Cheese:
- Gather the cheesecloth into a ball and dip it into a bowl of hot water (around 170°F/77°C) for a few seconds to soften the curds.
- Remove the cheese from the cloth and gently stretch it, folding it over itself until it becomes smooth and shiny. Add the salt during this process.
- Shape and Chill:
- Shape the cheese into a log or ball, then flatten it to your desired thickness for slices.
- Place the cheese in ice water to cool and firm up. Once cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, slice the mozzarella into even pieces. Enjoy them fresh, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These homemade mozzarella cheese slices are perfect for adding a fresh and authentic touch to your favorite dishes!