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Homemade Mozzarella Recipe recipe photo - Homemade Mozzarella Recipe by Jan

Homemade Mozzarella Recipe

Published: March 17, 2025 Prep Time: About 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Serves: 1 pound Difficulty: Hard Category: Side Dish Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon whole milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet
  • 1/4 cup cool water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup ice water

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat milk to 55°F (13°C).
  2. Dissolve citric acid in 1/4 cup cool water.
  3. Add citric acid to milk and stir.
  4. Heat milk to 90°F (32°C).
  5. Dissolve rennet in 1/4 cup cool water.
  6. Add rennet to milk and stir gently.
  7. Let sit for 5 minutes until curd forms.
  8. Cut curd into 1-inch cubes.
  9. Heat to 105°F (40°C) and stir gently.
  10. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  11. Drain whey and transfer curd to a bowl.
  12. Add salt and mix gently.
  13. Heat curd in microwave for 30 seconds.
  14. Stretch and fold until smooth and elastic.
  15. Shape into balls and place in ice water.

Special Notes

This fresh mozzarella is perfect for caprese salads, pizza, or any dish that needs high-quality cheese. The combination of milk, citric acid, and rennet creates a smooth, elastic cheese that's much better than store-bought. The key is to heat the milk slowly and to stretch the curd while it's warm. It's a great way to experience the art of cheese making and create a truly special ingredient.

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