How to Make Mozzarella Cheese: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever had fresh mozzarella cheese — and I’m talking still warm fresh — you know that it is truly one of the greatest foods ever created. The problem is, the window for optimal enjoyment is a small one. The “fresh” stuff you get in the most groceries pales in comparison; as soon as it’s refrigerated, it loses 90% of it’s deliciousness.

Luckily, you can make your own delicious fresh mozzarella cheese! Just follow these simple instructions:

Go to your local specialty Italian market to find some milk curd.



Do not be distracted by the fancy hanging meats. We’re on a mission here.



You’ll probably want to find two hot assistants.



Because we are about to make magic happen.



Cut the curd into small cubes and put them in a metal mixing bowl. Add enough warm water to cover the curds, but don’t pour the water directly over them (go along the sides of the bowl). Basically, you want to slowly heat them up. Repeat once or twice, using very hot water the last time (almost boiling). Save some of this water for salting and soaking the mozzarella in later.



Are you drinking while you do this? Because you should be drinking.



Once it’s nice and melty, stretch it out!



Form the cheese into balls, then drop into the water to soak and brine. Holy crap, that’s delicious.



Eat all of the cheese in one sitting. Wallow in shame (not pictured).