From Scratch: Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Made Simple

There’s something truly special about Homemade Mozzarella Cheese—its fresh, milky flavor and tender, stretchy texture are unmatched by anything you can buy at the store. Surprisingly simple to make, this recipe allows you to craft your own mozzarella in just about 30 minutes, using basic ingredients. Whether you want to top off a pizza, layer it in a lasagna, or simply enjoy it with fresh tomatoes and basil, this homemade version elevates any dish with its authentic taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Creamy – Nothing compares to the taste of fresh, homemade cheese.
Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Only 4 Ingredients – Simple and clean, with no unnecessary additives.
Perfectly Meltable – Ideal for pizzas, pastas, and more.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon of low-fat or whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
• 1 ¼ tsp citric acid dissolved in 1 cup cool water
• ¼ tsp liquid rennet (or 1/4 rennet tablet) dissolved in ¼ cup cool water
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Prep the Milk
In a large pot, pour the milk and stir in the dissolved citric acid. Heat over medium heat to 90°F (32°C), stirring occasionally.

Add Rennet and Let It Set
Remove from heat and stir in the diluted rennet using a gentle up-and-down motion. Cover and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the milk solidifies into a custard-like texture.

Cut the Curd
Using a long knife, cut the curd into 1-inch cubes. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Heat and Stir
Return the pot to low heat and slowly bring the temperature up to 105°F (40°C), stirring gently to prevent clumping. The curds will firm up slightly.

Drain the Curds
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds to a colander, allowing the whey to drain off.

Stretch and Knead
Heat the curds in the microwave for 30 seconds or dip them into hot water (150°F/65°C) until warm and pliable. Sprinkle with salt, then knead and stretch the cheese until smooth and elastic.

Shape and Cool
Form the mozzarella into a ball or small logs. Place in cold water for 5 minutes to set the shape.

Serve and Store
Enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator in a lightly salted water brine for up to a week.

Nutritional Information (Per 1-ounce serving)

Calories: 70
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Milk – For best results, avoid ultra-pasteurized milk; it won’t curd properly.
• Temperature Matters – A thermometer is key to getting the right texture.
• Handle Gently – Stir the curds gently to keep them tender and soft.
• Store in Brine – To keep it moist and flavorful, store your mozzarella in a simple brine solution.

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade mozzarella is incredibly fresh, with a soft, milky flavor that can’t be found in store-bought varieties. Using just four simple ingredients and a bit of hands-on time, you can create a cheese that’s perfect for melting, slicing, or snacking. The process of heating, stretching, and shaping the curds ensures that perfect, satisfying stretch and smooth finish every time.

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese is a simple but rewarding recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something truly special. Its soft, stretchy texture and fresh flavor make it perfect for pizzas, salads, and more. With just 30 minutes of effort, you’ll be enjoying fresh, creamy mozzarella that’s worlds apart from anything you can buy.