What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the actual process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:
- 1 gallon of whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons of citric acid
- ¼ tablet of rennet
- 1 teaspoon of cheese salt
- Large pot
- Thermometer
- Long knife or curd cutter
- Slotted spoon
- Cheesecloth
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the gallon of whole milk into a large pot and heat it slowly over medium heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and heat it to around 55°C (130°F).
Step 2: Add Citric Acid
Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, dissolve the citric acid in ¼ cup of cool water and slowly pour it into the pot, stirring gently. Continue heating the milk until it reaches 88°C (190°F), stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
Step 3: Add Rennet
Dissolve ¼ tablet of rennet in ¼ cup of cool water and gently stir it into the pot. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the curds to form.
Step 4: Cut and Stir the Curds
Use a long knife or curd cutter to cut the curds into ½ inch cubes. Let them rest for 5 minutes, and then gently stir them to release more whey.
Step 5: Microwave the Curds
Transfer the curds to a microwave-safe bowl, draining off the whey using a slotted spoon. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 1 minute on high. Carefully remove the bowl, drain any additional whey, and fold the curds over with the spoon.
Step 6: Stretch the Curds
Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat it for another 35 seconds. Drain off the whey, then carefully stretch and fold the curds until they become smooth and elastic. This is the time to add salt to the cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 7: Shape the Mozzarella Sheets
Take a piece of the warm, stretchy mozzarella and flatten it into a thin sheet. Keep in mind that the cheese will become firm as it cools, so make it slightly thinner than your desired final thickness. Repeat this process with the remaining mozzarella curds.
Step 8: Enjoy or Store
Your homemade mozzarella sheets are now ready to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes! You can use them right away or refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure to wrap each sheet in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making mozzarella sheets, the culinary possibilities are endless. Whether you use them as a base for gourmet sandwiches, roll them up with fresh herbs and other fillings, or layer them in lasagnas or casseroles, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your homemade mozzarella creations. So roll up your sleeves, get creative, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade mozzarella sheets!