Homemade Fresh Mozzarella

Equipment

Large Pot

spoon

Gloves, (optional)

Bowls

Plastic wrap

Thermometer

 

 

Ingredients

Half-Gallon of Raw Milk or Pasteurized Whole Milk Do NOT use ultra-pasteurized or homogenized milk, they won't work. (1.89L)

7 Tbsp. white distilled vinegar (4 to 5% acidic) 105ml

 

1/4 tsp cheese salt, flaky sea salt, kosher salt (optional) don't use iodized table salt (1g)

 

Water for soaking

 

Instructions

Pour the milk into a large pot and place it on the stovetop burner. Set the heat between medium-low and medium. Gently keep stirring the milk so it heats evenly and reaches right around 115 F/46 C.

Turn off the heat and add in the vinegar. Stir in the vinegar for about 30 seconds so it evenly mixes in with the milk. It will start to curdle almost immediately.

Add a lid and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Gather the curd by taking a spoon or spatula and bring the curd to the side against the pot. Make sure to fish around in the whey, because you will always find extra curd hanging out in there.

Then remove the curd from the whey and place it in a bowl.

Use very clean hands or wear gloves and grab the curd and cup it in your hands and gently squeeze. Allow the whey to fall into the bowl and then discard it into the big pot of whey.

Keep repeating this process several times, using a bit more force each time. You can also place it in the bowl and knead it a bit.

*If you want to add salt, add it at this time.

Place the pressed ball of cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for about 30 seconds, then check the temp. Stir the cheese and heat it up again for about 20 seconds. The temp of the cheese needs to be about 160F/71C. OR if you don't want to use the microwave heat the whey in the pot to 170 F and soak and stretch the cheese in that.

After the cheese hits the proper temp start stretching and folding the dough with a spoon, it will be hot. If there is any leftover liquid/whey pour it into the pot. Then switch to your hands when it cools enough to handle.

Then shape it into a ball and place it into a bowl of cool water for about 10 minutes. Next, add in some ice to further cool the water and chill the cheese.

The cheese is done. Pat the cheese dry with a paper towel and eat it. Or you can wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for later use, it will last 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Grating works better when the cheese is really cold or frozen. Enjoy!