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Nichole Barnes - Hawthorn Homemaker

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese

A simple recipe for making Mozarella Cheese from scratch in your own kitchen!
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 Cheese Ball
Course: Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Gallon whole milk (best with raw or non-UHT pasteurized) **Please make your own decisions about the milk you use
  • 1/4 tsp citric acid *Must be disolved in water
  • 1/4 tsp liquid rennet *Must be disolved with water
  • 1/2 cup cool water *1/4 cup for each the citric acid and liquid rennet
  • 1 tsp cheese salt

Equipment

  • 1 Pot Large stainless steel pot
  • 1 Thermometer Food Thermometer
  • 1 Spoon Large Slotted Spoon
  • 1 Bowl

Method
 

  1. Pour the milk into your large pot and stir in the dissolved citric acid. Slowly heat the milk to 90°F over medium heat, stirring gently.
  2. Once the milk reaches 90°F, stir in the diluted rennet using an up-and-down motion for about 30 seconds. Cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes, until the curd has formed.
  3. Cut the curds into 1-inch cubes and return the pot to the heat. Gently heat the curds to 105°F while stirring slowly. Once the temperature is reached, turn off the heat and continue stirring for a few minutes.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds to a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then drain the whey. Fold and knead the curds with a spoon or your hands (wear gloves if it's hot). Microwave twice more for 35 seconds each, kneading and draining between each interval.
  5. Add salt, knead again until the cheese is smooth, stretchy, and shiny. Shape it into balls or logs.
  6. Cool in ice water for a few minutes before storing or serving.

Notes

Raw Milk Discloser: 

Here at Hawthorn Homemaker, we occasionally use raw milk in our kitchen, especially in traditional recipes like homemade cheeses and cream sauces. Please note, I’m not a medical professional and I’m not recommending raw milk consumption—this is simply what we choose to use on our homestead. Always do your own research, consult with a trusted healthcare provider, and use what you feel is best for your own family.

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