Here’s a simple method for making Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Slices:
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
- 1 ½ teaspoons citric acid (dissolved in 1 cup of water)
- ¼ teaspoon liquid rennet (or 1/4 rennet tablet dissolved in ¼ cup of water)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Milk:
- Pour the milk into a large pot and heat it slowly to 85°F (30°C) over medium heat. Stir gently to prevent scorching.
- Add Citric Acid:
- Once the milk reaches 85°F, add the dissolved citric acid. Stir gently, and you should notice the milk beginning to curdle.
- Add Rennet:
- Add the dissolved rennet into the milk. Stir slowly and gently for about 30 seconds, then cover the pot and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. The milk should form a custard-like consistency.
- Check for Curds:
- After 10 minutes, check the curds. They should have formed a solid mass that can be cut. If not, wait a few more minutes.
- Cut the Curds:
- Once the curds are set, use a long knife to cut them into 1-inch cubes, cutting in both directions to create small squares. Let the curds sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat and Stir:
- Heat the curds slowly to 105°F (40°C) while gently stirring to prevent them from clumping together. As you stir, the curds will firm up.
- Drain the Whey:
- Once the curds reach 105°F, turn off the heat and continue stirring for a few more minutes. Then, pour off as much whey as possible while keeping the curds in the pot.
- Stretch the Curds:
- Heat a separate pot of water to about 175°F (80°C). Take a portion of the curds and dip them into the hot water using a slotted spoon or strainer.
- Stretch the curds using your hands or a spoon, folding them onto themselves until they become smooth and stretchy. Add salt if desired during the stretching process.
- Shape into Slices:
- Once the curds are smooth and stretchy, flatten them out and shape them into thick slices. You can use a mold or freehand the shape to your preference.
- Cool and Store:
- Place the mozzarella slices in cold water or a light salt brine to cool them down and help them firm up. After about 10 minutes, they are ready to use or store in the fridge.
Tips:
- The mozzarella can be sliced and used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve your mozzarella slices on sandwiches, pizzas, or salads!
Enjoy your Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Slices!
