How to Make Mozzarella Cheese at Home Easily

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Our experts tested eight options to find the best mozzarella cheese brand for everything from lasagna and homemade pizza to sandwiches and artichoke dip.

Claire Krieger/Taste of Home

Whether it's a gooey lasagna, creamy casserole or homemade pizza, mozzarella cheese is what makes so many of our favorite comfort foods so darn comforting. And to make those mozzarella recipes downright irresistible, you need the best mozzarella cheese.

But with a slew of different cheese brands on the market, it can be hard to know which is going to deliver the best results. So our Test Kitchen conducted a blind taste test of mozzarella cheese from some of the most popular brands.

What Makes the Best Mozzarella Cheese

Our Test Kitchen tried eight different brands of block mozzarella cheese (here's why you should grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-grated cheese) and judged them according to these standards:

• Flavor: Mozzarella is a mild cheese, but that doesn't mean it should be tasteless; it should have some saltiness. Bonus points for a little hint of something extra.
  
• Appearance: A good mozzarella cheese should look appetizing whether you grate it, slice it or melt it.
  
• Texture: The best mozzarella cheeses are smooth, and the block versions should be somewhat firm.
  

In order to compare all of the brands fairly, our Test Kitchen followed their rigorous product-testing process and tasted each cheese blindly, side by side.

Our Test Kitchen's Preferred Mozzarella Cheese

Here are the best mozzarella cheese brands that you should reach for on your next grocery run.

The Most Flavorful Mozzarella: Good & Gather

Via target.com

Taking our top spot is Good & Gather, a Target-exclusive brand. This mozzarella offered our Test Kitchen exactly what they wanted from a brick of this cheese. The texture was fairly firm but still had a bit of springiness to it, making it good for grating, slicing or eating by the chunk. The cheese itself offered us more than just your normal mellow mozzarella flavor; this one had a bit of tang to it (think the mildest of cheddars). This extra kick is what set Target's cheese apart from the others. That little bit of extra flavor is what's really going to make your recipes their best yet.

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The Creamiest Mozzarella: Trader Joe's

Courtesy Trader Joe's

Up next was Trader Joe's block mozzarella. This cheese has a great creamy texture and flavor accented with a bit of salt. It's precisely what many of our Test Kitchen experts expected from a nice, firm mozzarella. We recommend grabbing this the next time you're at TJ's, along with these other inexpensive Trade Joe's must-haves.

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The Best Mozzarella for Grating: Kraft

Via meijer.com

Cheese giant Kraft also gained one of our top spots in this test. Kraft's mozzarella was a bit firmer than others in our test, which makes it great for grating. This cheese also had a nice level of salt, and it reminded a few members of our Test Kitchen of a nice string cheese. Who doesn't love that?

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What to Make with Mozzarella Cheese

The best mozzarella cheese deserves a place in your refrigerator for a tasty Italian dinner or your next at-home pizza party (for recipe inspiration, check out our best pizza recipes from across the country).

One of our favorite mozzarella recipes is this Slow-Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna—it's simple to make and deliciously creamy! We also love this Green Chile Grilled Cheese Melt, Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini and Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip. When there's cheese involved, you really can't go wrong.

Slow-Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna

Give your traditional lasagna a twist with this all-white version. The creamy sauce combined with mozzarella will have company asking for more. Not sure which brand of cheese to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.

Cheese and Fresh Herb Quiche

With herbs from the garden to use, I created a quiche with basil, parsley and dill along with feta, Swiss, Gruyere and mozzarella. Goat cheese is also yummy. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute

This side dish is full of flavor and so quick to put together. The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella are perfect alongside almost any main dish you can think of. —Summer Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Pizza Quesadillas

When my husband and I needed a quick meal, I fixed this recipe using leftover ingredients. Unlike traditional Mexican quesadillas, it calls for Italian meats, cheeses and seasoning. Serve it with a green salad for a simple dinner for two. —Barbara Rupert, Edgefield, South Carolina

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza and I grow lots of zucchini, so this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Bruschetta Chicken Wraps

As an Italian American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio

Pancake Lasagna

Take this dish along to your next potluck supper, and don't be surprised when there isn't a morsel left over—it's that good! It's also a unique way to serve lasagna. —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Pizza Monkey Bread

I cannot throw a party without making this recipe. It's fast and easy, and my kids love it. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

Marinated Mozzarella

I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Pepperoni Pan Pizza

I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida

Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake

This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

Makeover Creamy Artichoke Dip

Folks are sure to gather around this ooey-gooey, lightened-up dip whenever it's placed on any buffet table. With cheese, jalapenos and a hint of lemon, it's a treasured favorite. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin

Overnight Baked Eggs Bruschetta

I like to spend as much time as I can with my guests when they stay with me for the holidays, so I rely on make-ahead recipes to help that happen. Because most overnight brunch casseroles are so similar, I came up with a breakfast bruschetta for a fun change of pace. —Judi Berman-Yamada, Portland, Oregon

Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza

This Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week. It fits right in on Friday pizza night. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois

Three-Cheese Jumbo Shells

I love cooking, but I'm not into fancy gourmet foods. I think it's more challenging to make delicious, down-home foods like this beefy casserole with ingredients easily found in the refrigerator and on my pantry shelves. —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado

Bistro Mac & Cheese

I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

Homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Since I live near Chicago, I've managed to sample more than my share of deep-dish pizzas. This recipe lets you re-create the best of my town—right in your town! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois

Calzone Pinwheels

Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio

Shrimp Enchiladas with Green Sauce

I started making these enchiladas last year during the Lenten season. It allows my family to observe Lent and still enjoy Mexican food. When I brought it to school, my co-workers couldn't get enough of it.—Mari Acedo, Chandler, Arizona

Baked Simple Meatball Stroganoff

If you like meatball subs, you'll love this tangy casserole that has all the rich flavor of the popular sandwiches with none of the mess. Italian bread is spread with a cream cheese mixture, then topped with meatballs, spaghetti sauce and cheese. Bravo! —Gina Harris, Seneca, South Carolina

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

White Pizza Dip

I first served this dip during a Super Bowl party, and boy, did it disappear fast. It's a great addition to a snack table because it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to pop it in the oven.—Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers

Inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake

This casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There's no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio

Chipotle Manicotti Bake

I found this recipe while searching for a vegetarian dish that I could use as a main course. This rich manicotti has the added spiciness that I love in Mexican cuisine. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Mozzarella & Spinach Breakfast Casserole

Sun-dried tomatoes and sausage add lots of texture and flavor to this gooey casserole. We've even enjoyed it reheated after a night game at our local college. It's always a winner in my book. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Grilled Caprese Quesadillas

Here's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Hot Cheese Dip

When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

Chicken Parmesan Slider Bake

Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won't disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia

My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes! —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland

Italian Pasta Bake

I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana

Waldorf Turkey Pitas

Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Looking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spaghetti Meatball Bake

When we gather for Sunday dinner, we crave pasta. I had a hankering for meatballs, too, so I developed a meaty spaghetti casserole. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire

Round Cheese Bread

Warm buttered wedges of this gorgeous round bread are tasty with a pasta dinner or tossed salad. —Deborah Bitz, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti

This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pasta

Take an ordinary chicken breast into wow territory with just a few extra ingredients. Use prosciutto instead of ham to make the dish extra smoky. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Sausage & Crescent Roll Casserole

I made this tasty breakfast casserole with crescent rolls for a baby shower. It saved me; preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

Quick Chicken Parmesan

My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni

My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini

I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side dish, too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Italian Stuffed Shells

A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Baked Ham and Colby Sandwiches

This yummy ham sliders recipe is a winner with friends and family. Not only are the warm sandwiches a snap to prepare, but they smell so good when baking that no can resist them. They are a staple at our get-togethers. —Sherry Crenshaw, Fort Worth, Texas

Favorite Skillet Lasagna

Whole wheat noodles and zucchini pump up nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, it has an extra touch of decadence. No one will believe this one's lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

Green Chile Grilled Cheese Melt

My daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products

Teddy Nykiel, Taste of Home Associate Digital Editor, contributed to this article.

Note: This blind taste test was performed by our staffers and was not part of a sponsorship. All opinions shared are our own, and have not been influenced by advertisers.

How to Make Mozzarella Cheese at Home Easily

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/best-mozzarella-cheese/

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