How to Make Mozzarella

Tyler Florence shows Food Network Magazine the step-by-step process for making homemade mozzarella cheese.

From: Food Network Magazine

Related To:

Homemade Mozzarella

Making mozzarella at home is easier than you may expect with Tyler's simple, foolproof two-ingredient method.

Get the Recipe: Mozzarella

Step 1

Heat a pot of water until very hot (160 to 170 degrees F). Add a generous amount of salt. Put the curd in a large bowl; add enough hot water to cover the curd.

Step 2

Place another large bowl filled with ice water nearby; dip your hands in the ice water before you stretch the hot cheese.

Step 3

Let the curd soften, about 3 minutes, then gather it into a ball and hold it over the water. Fold and pull it like taffy until it's elastic (about 5 minutes), dipping it back in the hot water if it gets stiff.

Step 4

Don't overwork the curd, as this will make the finished cheese rubbery. If the water cools too much, simply pour it off and add more of the hot water.

Step 5

When the curd is soft and smooth, divide it into 4 portions and form each into a ball.

Step 6

Plunge the mozzarella balls into the bowl of ice water and let cool.

Step 7

Serve the fresh cheese at room temperature. Cover leftovers with salted water and refrigerate up to a week.

Tyler uses homemade mozzarella on grilled pizza with sautéed Swiss chard, but the options are limitless.

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