21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (2024)

Fresh mozzarella is a tasty addition to any recipe and these side and main dishes are no exception. Whether it's used in a classic combo like tomatoes and basil or paired with something unexpected like salmon, these mozzarella recipes are delicious. Recipes like Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata and Hasselback Caprese Chicken are tasty, fresh and highlight a yummy cheese.

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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (1)

We've taken the key ingredients of the popular caprese salad--tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil--and piled them into portobello mushroom caps to make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main dish. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2018

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Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (2)

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Make it for breakfast, or serve for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil-drizzled crusty baguette. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2014

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Eat-the-Rainbow Chopped Salad with Basil & Mozzarella

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (3)

This fresh and colorful salad has all of the delicious flavors you love from the classic caprese salad, plus even more healthy veggies. Double this and top each portion with 3 ounces grilled or roasted chicken to take it from a simple side to a quick main dish. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

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Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella & Basil

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (4)

Sweet peppers like red, orange and yellow bells stand in for tomatoes in this caprese-style salad and pair deliciously with the fresh mozzarella and acidic balsamic drizzle. Try green bell peppers if you prefer less sweetness. This easy, healthy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Pizza Sliders

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (5)

Mini burgers make a fun, kid-friendly meal. Italian herbs, marinara and melty mozz give them the appeal of pizza. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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American Flag Caprese Salad with Blueberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (6)

This caprese salad with a patriotic twist marries the flavors of cherry tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella with fruity blueberries. A sweet and tangy blueberry dressing served on the side helps pull it all together on the plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to round out the summery flavors. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2020

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Hasselback Caprese Chicken

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (7)

Using the hasselback technique (cutting crosswise slits every half-inch along the chicken breast) cooks the chicken faster and ensures you get a burst of flavorful gooey filling with each bite. This quick one-pan high-protein and veggie-packed dinner is easy to make and the whole family will love it. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017

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Caprese Zucchini Casserole

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (8)

A summertime favorite--zucchini casserole--gets an Italian spin in this delicious and healthy side dish with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. You can use zucchini or summer squash in this caprese-style casserole, or a combination of the two. A sprinkling of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar just before serving brightens up the flavors. Serve with grilled or roasted chicken and some quinoa, rice or couscous to soak up the juices from the casserole for a satisfying and easy dinner. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

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Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (9)

This easy inside-out ravioli lasagna is the ultimate weeknight comfort food--no layering or mixing bowls required. Feel free to swap in ground turkey for the beef. Look for fresh mozzarella balls (also called "pearls") in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

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Roasted Salmon Caprese

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (10)

This oven-ready recipe is snap to prep. Salmon fillets and cherry tomatoes roast side by side on one pan, then are drizzled with balsamic glaze to pull it all together. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

Avocado Toast with Burrata

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (11)

Burrata (cream-filled fresh mozzarella cheese) takes this avocado toast recipe to the next level for a decadent, yet weekday-friendly breakfast. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2019

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Slow-Cooker Caprese Spaghetti Squash with White Beans

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (12)

This recipe feels and looks indulgent without being high in calories. The "caprese" components--fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and tomatoes--beautifully shine through, while the white beans add protein and a creamy texture. If you can't find fresh small mozzarella balls, tear a large ball of fresh mozzarella into small pieces. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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Sheet-Pan Caprese Pizza

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (13)

This light and flavorful caprese pizza is ready when the tomatoes are just heated through and the mozzarella cheese is slightly melted. If you want a little more on this pizza, it'd be delicious with a few slices of prosciutto. Chef tip: let your dough come up to room temperature before you stretch it--it'll make it much easier to work with. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

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Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Melon Plate

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (14)

This perfect picnic for two is great for an outdoor date night or even just a quick, romantic dinner at home. The fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese pair perfectly with prosecco for sipping. Chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert make the meal extra-special. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2018

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Caprese Turkey Burgers

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (15)

If you're a fan of caprese salads, you'll love this healthy turkey burger recipe. The patties are seasoned with Italian spices, then topped with juicy tomatoes drizzled with balsamic, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella. We've doubled down on the basil in this recipe by mixing it into the mayo and using whole leaves to top the burger, but if you prefer less basil flavor, you can swap out the basil leaves for spinach or arugula. Serve this summery burger with a simple side salad for a healthy dinner that's full of fresh flavors. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

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Polenta Pizza with Mushrooms & Arugula Salad

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (16)

This healthy homemade pizza for two is small enough that it can be made in the toaster oven, if your toaster oven has a "broil" function. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

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Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (17)

Use the hasselback technique to upgrade plain caprese salad with this fun twist! Cutting partially into the whole tomato creates openings to layer in fresh mozzarella cheese, basil and a balsamic drizzle for tons of flavor in this unique vegetable side dish recipe. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2017

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Whole-Grain Orzo & Grilled Vegetable Salad

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (18)

This lovely Mediterranean orzo salad is rich with basil, grilled vegetables and tender fresh mozzarella cheese. The combination of vegetables, vinaigrette and fresh basil is a perfect base for the orzo and the cheese. Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

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Roasted Beet & Blueberry Salad

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (19)

Chef Scott Graden of New Scenic Café outside Duluth, Minnesota, pickles beets to use in the winter, but in summer he cooks them up fresh in preparations like this blueberry salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Stacks

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (20)

You can grill the eggplant rounds up to a day in advance, then assemble the eggplant, tomato and mozzarella "stacks" at the last minute. To make the eggplant and tomato stacks look symmetrical, use eggplant and tomatoes with approximately the same diameter. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2010

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Pesto, Mozzarella & Egg Breakfast Sandwich

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21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (21)

This healthy vegetarian breakfast egg-sandwich recipe is a delicious way to use up pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese and it's ready in just 5 minutes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2013

21 Recipes Using Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (2024)

FAQs

Can I freeze fresh mozzarella? ›

It is possible to freeze mozzarella cheese; however, because it is a softer cheese you will have the most success when the mozzarella is shredded. Whereas a hard or semi-hard block of cheese will stay fresh in your freezer up to 6 months, fresh shredded cheeses such as mozzarella will last around 3-4 months.

How long will fresh mozzarella last? ›

Once opened, fresh mozzarella will last only around five days in the refrigerator, although the expiry date on the packaging are often longer. Stick mozzarella's best to consume period lasts for approximately 21 days if refrigerated after opening.

Does fresh mozzarella melt in the oven? ›

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay 4 slices of Italian bread out on the prepared baking sheet; top each piece of bread with a tomato slice, a basil leaf, and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted, about 7 minutes.

How long does fresh mozzarella last in fridge? ›

Once you open it, fresh mozzarella or burrata will keep refrigerated for five days. Same goes for shredded mozzarella, despite whatever date is stamped on the package. Loaf mozzarella has a 21-day refrigerator shelf life once opened, and smoked mozzarella will keep for 28 days, according to Strange.

How long does fresh mozzarella last in fridge after opening? ›

The short answer is that fresh mozzarella typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

How do Italians eat fresh mozzarella? ›

When presented with mouth-watering fresh mozzarella, many Italians don't hesitate to eat it with their bare hands. Fresh mozzarella is delicious just as it is, or with a bit of salt and pepper, basil or fresh marjoram or oregano, and topped off with a good extra virgin olive oil.

What can I do with a lot of mozzarella? ›

  1. Mozzarella Schnitzel. ...
  2. Heirloom Tomato & Cornbread Panzanella. ...
  3. Pizza Party Strata With Garlic Bread & Pepperoni. ...
  4. Tomato, Nectarine & Mozzarella Salad. ...
  5. Summer Farro Salad. ...
  6. Jim Lahey's No-Knead Pizza Dough + Margherita Pie. ...
  7. Easiest, Cheesiest Skillet Dip. ...
  8. Creamiest Baked Mac & Cheese.
May 9, 2023

Is fresh mozzarella good for your gut? ›

Aids digestion: Probiotics found in mozzarella cheese promote gut health and improve digestion. Supports healthy skin: Vitamin A in mozzarella cheese contributes to healthy skin and vision. Provides energy: B vitamins in mozzarella cheese help convert food into energy, keeping you fueled throughout the day.

How can you tell if fresh mozzarella has gone bad? ›

There are a few things to look and smell for to determine it they are "off". Aged or drier varieties may have visible mold on the exterior. Pre-grated mozzarella can also exhibit visible mold as well as a sour or yeasty smell. Brined varieties may have a musty, sour, or smelly-foot odor or an excessively cloudy brine.

Can you eat mozzarella 2 weeks out of date? ›

You can usually find that mozzarella last about 3–4 weeks as long as properly stored from the manufacture date.

How do you keep fresh mozzarella from going bad? ›

Store the mozzarella in an airtight container, immersed in cold water or olive oil for up to five days.

Why is my mozzarella rubbery on pizza? ›

Most of the domestic fresh Mozzarella that I've purchased tend to melt nicely in the oven, but tend to get rubbery if the pizza is allowed to sit more than a few minutes. In some cases, they go rubbery during the cooking process itself and are never soft.

Can you make pizza with fresh mozzarella? ›

Fresh mozzarella can be great for pizza, but it requires some prep work. If you take it straight out of the brine and put it on your pie to cook, you'll undoubtedly be left with puddles of cheese-water after cooking that can weaken your crust and muddle the sauce.

Why is my fresh mozzarella not melting? ›

A big reason why your cheese isn't melting is the moisture content. The moisture content of the cheese has a great effect on the melting process. A cheese that contains higher amounts of fat will melt better than one that doesn't.

How do you store fresh mozzarella after cutting it? ›

Wrap your loaf mozzarella in plastic wrap after you open it.

Cheese is alive and breathing, so never store it in tightly wrapped plastic wrap. Wrap wedges and rounds like a present in cheese, parchment, or wax paper and store in a plastic bag. Store your cheese in the "warmest" spot in the fridge.

Is it OK to freeze mozzarella balls? ›

While fresh mozzarella balls can be frozen, they may lose their texture and become rubbery, due to their high moisture content. If you plan to freeze fresh mozzarella balls, it is best to use them in cooked dishes such as lasagna or baked ziti.

Can you vacuum seal and freeze fresh mozzarella? ›

Vacuum-sealed mozzarella can also be stored in the freezer but it is important to make sure the packaging is sealed properly and is not damaged before freezing it.

Can you freeze Belgioioso fresh mozzarella cheese? ›

A: The Bel Gioioso Pre-Sliced Mozzarella is best if used by the expiration date. However, it can be frozen. Be sure to seal in a plastic bag with all of the air removed. You might even want to wrap it in plastic wrap first to better keep the air out.

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