Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese that originated in Italy. It has a mild, milky flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that makes it perfect for melting. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste, mozzarella is a popular pizza and pasta topping. But what else goes well with mozzarella?
What is mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a stretched curd cheese made from the milk of water buffalo (for real Italian mozzarella di bufala) or cow’s milk. Fresh mozzarella is sold in ball-shaped packages packed in whey or water. Low-moisture mozzarella comes in blocks and is often used for shredding. The low-moisture variety has a longer shelf life but lacks the soft, creamy texture of fresh mozzarella.
The name “mozzarella” comes from the Italian verb mozzare which means “to cut.” Fresh mozzarella curds are cut and then stretched into strands to make the cheese. Real mozzarella di bufala has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status in the European Union, meaning it can only be called mozzarella di bufala if it comes from specific areas of Italy and is made according to traditional methods from the milk of Mediterranean water buffalo.
Nutrition Facts
A 1 ounce serving of whole milk mozzarella cheese contains:
- 72 calories
- 6 g fat
- 5 g protein
- 0 g carbohydrates
- 11% of the RDI of calcium
Mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium, but it’s relatively high in fat and sodium as well. Part-skim mozzarella contains less fat and calories than whole milk varieties.
What does mozzarella taste like?
Fresh mozzarella has a soft, milky flavor with lactic notes from the whey. Low-moisture mozzarella is saltier and more buttery in taste. When melted, the fat in mozzarella carries its subtle flavor into the dish it’s cooked with. The texture also becomes stretchy and gooey when melted.
What goes with mozzarella?
With its mild taste and melty texture, mozzarella pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here are some classic pairings:
Tomatoes
The simple combination of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella is a match made in heaven. The acidity of tomatoes balances the rich dairy flavor of the cheese. Try them together in a Caprese salad or on pizza margherita.
Basil
Fresh basil accentuates the milky notes in mozzarella and adds a touch of spice. Basil and mozzarella are a signature combo in pesto, Caprese salads, and bruschetta.
Balsamic vinegar
Aged balsamic vinegar adds sweet-tart flavor to balance soft mozzarella. Drizzle good quality balsamic over a Caprese salad or brush it on pizza or calzones.
Prosciutto
Salty prosciutto ham complements the mildness of mozzarella. Enjoy them together as an antipasto platter or as filling for sandwiches or panini.
Pesto
Nutty basil pesto is an ideal topping for mozzarella. Spread pesto over mozzarella toast or mix pesto into melted mozzarella for a quick pasta sauce.
Fresh herbs
Chopped basil, oregano, parsley or chives add a punch of freshness to mozzarella dishes. Sprinkle them over pizza, salads, bruschetta or cheese plates.
Olive oil
Good quality extra virgin olive oil lets the subtle flavor of mozzarella shine. Drizzle it over fresh mozzarella with tomatoes or use it to make mozzarella herb balls.
Summer squash
Thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash and eggplant pair nicely with the creamy texture of mozzarella. Try them on antipasto skewers or grilled pizza.
Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms add interest layered with mozzarella on pizza or baked into casseroles and lasagnas.
Peppers
The sweetness of bell peppers or the spicy kick of jalapeños complement mozzarella’s milky taste. Use them as pizza toppings, in stuffed peppers, or together on sandwiches.
Onions
Caramelized onions give a touch of sweetness while red onions add a pleasant crunch and mild bite to mozzarella dishes.
Greens
Wilted spinach, arugula, kale or other greens pair nicely with mozzarella in calzones, sandwiches, salads and more.
Sundried tomatoes
The concentrated flavor of sundried tomatoes makes an excellent match for mild mozzarella. Try them together on pasta, pizza, bruschetta or salads.
Olives
Salty, briny olives contrast with the milky softness of mozzarella. Use them as pizza toppings or mix into pasta.
Anchovies
Bold, umami anchovies pair surprisingly well with mozzarella. Top pizza or pasta with them or make bagna cauda for dipping.
Cured meats
In addition to prosciutto, soppressata, salami and other cured meats complement the mildness of mozzarella cheese. Serve them together as an antipasto platter.
Nuts and seeds
Chopped or toasted nuts like pine nuts, walnuts and almonds add crunch and flavor paired with mozzarella. Sprinkle them over salads or add to pesto.
What dishes use mozzarella?
Here are some classic recipes and dishes that feature mozzarella:
Pizza
Fresh and low-moisture mozzarella are both popular pizza cheeses. Mozzarella gives pizza its distinctive stretchy, gooey texture.
Caprese salad
This simple Italian salad features sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Bruschetta
Grilled or toasted bread is topped with diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and olive oil for this easy appetizer.
Lasagna and baked pasta
Melted mozzarella layered between pasta and sauce gives lasagna its signature taste and texture.
Panini
Grilled Italian sandwiches are often filled with mozzarella plus ingredients like tomatoes, prosciutto, pesto or arugula.
Risotto
Creamy mozzarella melted into risotto adds a rich, cheesy element.
Rolls
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto and basil are wrapped in dough or puff pastry for easy appetizers.
Skewers
Alternating bites of fresh mozzarella, basil and cherry tomatoes makes a simple party snack or appetizer.
Stuffed peppers
Halved and seeded bell peppers are filled with mozzarella and baked.
Eggplant Parmesan
Breaded, fried eggplant layers are alternated with tomato sauce and mozzarella and baked.
Mozzarella sticks
These popular apps feature mozzarella coated in breadcrumbs and fried until gooey and melted inside.
Mozzarella in carrozza
This Italian grilled sandwich is made with fried mozzarella sandwiched between slices of bread.
What wines pair with mozzarella?
Here are some suggested wine pairings for mozzarella:
Sparkling wines
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco, Cava, Champagne and other sparkling wines cut through the rich dairy flavor of mozzarella.
Pinot Grigio
The light citrus and mineral notes of Pinot Grigio balance salty and delicate mozzarella.
Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with fresh mozzarella dishes.
Chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnay has enough body and acid to stand up to melted mozzarella without overpowering it.
Rosé
Dry rosé has a berry flavor that contrasts nicely with milky mozzarella.
Beaujolais
The light fruit and low tannins of Beaujolais complement many mozzarella preparations.
Valpolicella
The cherry notes of this Italian red wine match nicely with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.
Chianti
Sangiovese-based Chianti has enough acidity to cut through the richness of melted mozzarella.
How to buy and store mozzarella
Follow these tips for selecting and storing fresh mozzarella:
- Look for mozzarella packed in water or whey. Avoid mozzarella sitting in a puddle of milky liquid which indicates spoilage.
- Check the use-by date and choose the package with the latest date.
- Avoid mozzarella with yellowish liquid or unusual mold spots.
- Refrigerate mozzarella in its original packing liquid. Change out the liquid every 2-3 days.
- Use fresh mozzarella within 5 days of opening.
- Freeze fresh mozzarella balls submerged in whey or water for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen mozzarella thaw in the refrigerator before using.
For low-moisture, block style mozzarella:
- Select cheese that has a consistent white color throughout.
- Avoid cheese with brown or yellowish areas which indicate oxidation.
- Check for mold and avoid packages with mold spots.
- Refrigerate blocks of mozzarella tightly wrapped for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze blocks of mozzarella up to 3 months.
Conclusion
With its mellow milky flavor and soft, stretchy texture, mozzarella is one of the most versatile cheeses. It pairs deliciously with tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, cured meats and other Italian ingredients. Beyond Caprese salad and pizza, mozzarella shines in risotto, panini, pastas and more. Sparkling wines, light reds and whites pair nicely with dishes made with fresh or melted mozzarella. Follow these simple guidelines for selecting and storing fresh mozzarella to enjoy its signature sweet, creamy flavor.