Homemade Mozzarella Cheese from Scratch Recipe
This simple two-ingredient mozzarella cheese recipe uses fresh full cream milk and vinegar to create homemade mozzarella with minimal effort. The process involves warming the milk, curdling it with vinegar, straining the curds, and stretching the cheese using a microwave technique. Ideal for cheese enthusiasts seeking a quick and fresh homemade mozzarella without complex ingredients or equipment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 200-250 grams of fresh mozzarella 1x
- Category: Cheese
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 litre full cream milk (not UHT or a2)
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour the full cream milk into a pot and gently heat it to about 50°C (122°F). If you do not have a thermometer, test by dipping your finger in; it should be quite hot but still bearable for only about 3 seconds.
- Add Vinegar: Once the milk reaches the correct temperature, stir in the half cup of vinegar thoroughly. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 20 minutes to let the milk curdle and separate into curds and whey.
- Strain the Curd: After the 20-minute resting period, pour the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or clean muslin cloth to strain out the curds. Squeeze gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Microwave and Stretch the Cheese: Transfer the strained curds into a microwave-safe bowl (without the cloth) and microwave for 1 minute. Remove and fold the cheese with a spatula, working it until it starts to become stretchy and shows small cracks. Microwave again for 30 seconds and continue folding.
- Add Salt and Stretch Again: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the curds and fold the cheese repeatedly until it becomes smooth, shiny, and elastic.
- Cool in Water: Form the cheese into a ball and place it into a bowl of super cold water. Let it cool and set for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy: Remove the mozzarella from the water and it is ready to be enjoyed fresh or used in your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Ensure to use fresh full cream milk that is not UHT or specially treated like a2 milk to achieve the best curdling results.
- The temperature of the milk is critical; overheating can affect curd formation, while too cold milk will not curdle properly.
- If a microwave is not available, the curds can be stretched in hot water, but timing and technique may vary.
- Adding salt is optional but recommended to enhance flavor.
- Use the cold water bath at the end to help the mozzarella ball firm up and hold its shape.
Keywords: homemade mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, cheese recipe, 2 ingredient mozzarella, easy mozzarella cheese
