Go Back Email Link
+ servings
mozzarella cheese kit

One Hour Mozzarella Cheese

The Starving Chef
Learn to make fresh mozzarella cheese in just one hour with this straightforward and easy-to-follow recipe.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Finger Food, Snack
Servings 1 ball mozzarella

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gal whole milk ***MUST be fresh & NOT ultra-pasteurized***
  • ¼ teaspoon citric acid
  • ¼ tablet rennet enzyme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups water

Instructions
 

  • Dissolve the citric acid in one cup of water. Pour the milk into a large pot over medium heat. Bring the milk to 85°F, then pour in the citric acid mixture. Whisk until the milk starts to curdle.
  • Dissolve the quarter tablet of rennet in 1/4 cup of water. Freeze the remaining rennet tablet for later use. Bring the milk to 100°F and pour in the rennet mixture. Gently stir until it starts to coagulate, then when the milk temperature reaches 105°F, cover the pot and turn off the heat.
  • Let the milk mixture rest for about ten minutes. At this point, there should be a distinguishable curd mass that has pulled away from the side of the pot and is floating on top. The whey will be yellowish in color. If not yet at this point, let it set for another five minutes. The curds should slowly spring back after being pressed upon with the back of a spoon.
  • Carefully transfer the curds to a colander. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to press the liquid out of the curds. Be sure to handle the curds as gently as possible. Move the drained curds to a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave for one minute. Put on the gloves then use your knuckles to press as much of the liquid out of the curds as possible. Drain and continue to press as much of the liquid out.
  • Microwave for another thirty seconds - the cheese should be about 130°F. Continue to press and drain out as much of the liquid as you can (you may have to do this several times). When there is about a half teaspoon (or less) of liquid in the bottom of the bowl, add the salt. Fold the melted cheese into itself to distribute the salt.
  • Microwave for another thirty seconds so that the cheese is 130°F. Stretch the cheese a few times and roll it into a ball. Don't let the cheese get too cool during this process. If you need to, bring the cheese back up to 130°F and continue to stretch until the cheese reaches the desired consistency and shape.
  • Wrap in plastic to maintain the shape. Serve right away, warm and fresh; or chill and use in other recipes or enjoy as a snack!

Video

Keyword cheese, mozzarella
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!