What Makes Fresh Mozzarella So Special?

Unlike aged cheeses, fresh mozzarella is made to be eaten soon after it’s produced. It’s usually white, soft to the touch, and smells clean and milky. Because it’s made from fresh milk (cow or buffalo), fresh mozzarella has a gentle tang and a smooth texture that’s a dream to bite into.

Once shaped into balls, traditional fresh mozzarella is stored in brine or whey to keep it moist. This is why, when you buy it, the packaging often contains some cloudy liquid. That’s not just water, it’s key to preserving aroma and texture!

We also love fresh mozzarella because it doesn’t overpower. It balances stronger flavours in dishes rather than competing with them. Whether you’re pairing it with herbs, meats, or ripe tomatoes, mozzarella brings it all together.

Have You Tried La Fresca Margarita Mozzarella?

At the heart of authentic Italian cooking is quality mozzarella. One we can recommend is the beautifully creamy La Fresca Margarita. It’s a fresh, cow’s milk mozzarella that melts into pizzas and pasta dishes like a dream, without going oily. It’s great to turn over a hot dish just before serving to keep the softness intact.

This mozzarella is also perfect for Caprese salads and pairs wonderfully with vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp basil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, blissfully simple but never boring.

Delicious Recipes Featuring Fresh Mozzarella

1. Classic Caprese Salad

This is a dish that proves less is more. Slice your La Fresca Margarita mozzarella and layer it with thick-cut tomatoes and basil leaves. Dress it with olive oil and a drop of balsamic vinegar. Serve fresh, keep it away from the fridge for 20 minutes before eating to bring out all the flavour.

2. Baked Aubergine and Mozzarella Stack

Cut an aubergine into thick rounds, grill them lightly, then layer with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce. Repeat until you’ve built a mini-tower and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Bake until golden and bubbling.

3. Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Slice a pocket into a chicken breast and fill it with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped basil. Seal it with a cocktail stick and pan-fry until browned. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts inside. Serve with new potatoes and salad.

4. Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Pizza

Spread your pizza base with basil pesto instead of traditional tomato sauce. Add torn La Fresca Margarita mozzarella on top with some cherry tomatoes and bake until bubbling. Serve with rocket leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

How to Store Fresh Mozzarella at Home

Fresh mozzarella, once opened, is best eaten quickly. If your cheese is sitting in liquid, keep it in that brine in the fridge and try to use it within two to three days. If you’ve opened it and have some left, put it back in fresh water or lightly salted water, but don’t expect it to last more than another day or two.

Never freeze fresh mozzarella; it changes the texture. Soft cheeses like mozzarella depend on moisture for that soft, milky bite. Once frozen and thawed, it becomes rubbery and loses its delicate quality.

Grab only what you need and keep it sausage-sized in your fridge drawers, not near the freezer box, as too much cold can affect taste and texture.

If you’re exploring other soft cheeses that need similar storage care, don’t forget to try Somerset Camembert or our creamy and bold Gorgonzola Dolce.

Mozzarella’s Soft Cheese Friends Worth Trying

While fresh mozzarella holds its own, soft cheeses are a huge field worth tasting. Here’s what we love besides mozzarella, all available at Cheese Shop Nantwich:

• Try the Scottish fresh yet tangy Black Crowdie, a soft cheese with a crumbly texture that surprises pleasantly.
• Fancy something with a rich blue streak? Shropshire Blue brings that boldness in a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth format.
• Look at crust-ripened cheeses like Camembert de Normandie AOC or our delicate Golden Cheshire Brie for buttery goodness.

These cheeses team beautifully with fruits, nuts, and soft breads. Preparing a cheese board? Add fresh mozzarella as a mild guest among bold players like Oxford Blue and Bath Soft Cheese Organic. It balances every bite.

FAQs

How is Fresh Mozzarella Made?

Fresh mozzarella is made by curdling fresh milk with rennet. Once the curds form, they are heated until stretchy, pulled into soft strands, and then shaped into balls or logs. It is then added to brine or whey for storing.

Can You Eat Mozzarella Raw?

Yes, and that’s how we recommend you try it. It’s smooth, creamy, and perfect on its own or in salads and sandwiches.

What Is the Difference Between Fresh and Shredded Mozzarella?

Shredded mozzarella is often lower in moisture and made for melting on pizzas. Fresh mozzarella has more water and a softer texture. Fresh varieties like La Fresca Margarita are richer in flavour and better eaten raw or lightly cooked.

Is Buffalo Mozzarella Different?

Yes. Buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of water buffalo and is slightly tangier, richer and creamier than cow’s milk versions. It often has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label within Europe.

Ending Summary

Fresh mozzarella brings something special to every table. Its soft, creamy texture and mild flavour mean it can be used in simple salads, melted on hearty meals, or paired with stronger cheeses for a soft counterpoint.

Cheese Shop Nantwich is home to a delicious variety of soft cheeses and flavourful pairings. Don’t just stop at mozzarella. Explore soft beauties like Golden Cheshire Brie, Gorgonzola Dolce and Bath Soft Cheese Organic. We have it all, wrapped and ready.

Try something new today from our cheese collection, and let your taste buds enjoy the softer side of flavour!