Have you ever wondered what low moisture mozzarella is and how it differs from regular mozzarella cheese? If so, I’ve got the post for you! In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing the differences between low moisture mozzarella and regular mozzarella cheese, as well as the pros and cons of each. So, if that sounds interesting, pull up a seat. Let’s getting started on this delicious topic right now.
Table of Contents
- What Is Low Moisture Mozzarella?
- What Is Considered Low-Moisture Mozzarella?
- Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella the Same As Fresh Mozzarella?
- What Is Considered Low-Moisture Mozzarella?
- Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Better?
- What Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Used for?
- Which Mozzarella Cheese Is Best for Pizza? Low-Moisture Mozzarella vs Fresh
- Is Shredded Mozzarella Low Moisture?
- What Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Used for?
- Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella the Same As Fresh Mozzarella?
- Low Moisture Mozzarella – Perfect For Pizza, Pasta, and More!
- FAQs
What Is Low Moisture Mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella is mozzarella cheese that has been soured and dried out for use as pre shredded cheese or whole cheese blocks. Because low moisture mozzarella has most of the water evaporated from it, it lasts much longer in terms of shelf life.
Fresh cheese, on the other hand, is quite different. Fresh mozzarella acts more like cream than it does a melty cheese. It is often used uncooked (in salads or on cold sandwiches) as cooking it can often cause it to release water. When this happens, it can make a soupy mess!
Fresh mozzarella also looks quite different from low moisture mozzarella. It is a soft cheese, has a denser texture, and comes in the form of a soft ball. You’ll notice this type of cheese comes in water or brine. The cheese is separated from the water with the use of lemon juice (or citric acid) and rennet.
Though both types of mozzarella melt wonderfully, they have different uses, as we’ve discussed.
Want more information on how to properly use both? Stay tuned until the end for details!
What Is Considered Low-Moisture Mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella cheese is mozzarella cheese that has had much of its moisture removed. This kind of cheese often comes in whole blocks or as pre shredded mozzarella, and typically has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella.
Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella the Same As Fresh Mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella cheese isn’t the same as fresh mozzarella. Mozzarella purists often avoid this kind of mozzarella cheese and claim the “real” thing to be much different than the whole block or pre shredded kind.
In reality, mozzarella cheese that is low moisture certainly does behave differently than regular mozzarella cheese but that isn ‘t all bad. It really depends on your needs. For example, you’ll need to know that fresh mozzarella releases water whereas low moisture cheese won’t.
What Is Considered Low-Moisture Mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella is a kind of mozzarella cheese that has been soured for longer than fresh mozzarella. After souring fresh mozzarella cheese, the cheese is then dried out extensively. The resulting product is a cheese that still melts beautifully but that tastes and looks much different than fresh mozzarella.
Still, it serves multiple great purposes, including a topping for pizza, cheesy baked casseroles, and so much more.
Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Better?
Not necessarily. It depends on what you need it for.
In general, I’d would say that low moisture mozzarella cheese is best for snacking, baking, and melting. This cheese, much like string cheese, is hard and pulls apart easily. It isn’t soft like fresh mozzarella cheese, and it isn’t wet either. You can purchase it as whole milk low moisture mozzarella or as part skim. Low moisture mozzarella melts evenly, lasts a bit longer when opened, and can be used in multiple recipes.
What Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Used for?
Low moisture mozzarella is typically used for pizza, baked goods, and other cooked dishes. Notice that we emphasize the word “cooked” here . That’s because whether you’re using part skim mozzarella, whole milk mozzarella, or another pre shredded mozzarella type, these are typically the best options for getting that cheesy melty goodness you’re looking for without all the water.
Having said that, fresh mozzarella has several uses as well. Because it is stored in water or brine, this solution often leaks out when cooked. Because of this, fresh mozzarella is best used on salads or as a creamy substance to top crackers and tomatoes.
Although pre shredded or whole block mozzarella is often used for pizza and baking, this isn’t always the case. There are many instances when people might choose to use fresh mozzarella atop their pizza, in lasagna, or in other dishes. The key is to remember that the cheese will look different and may let off a lot of moisture.
Which Mozzarella Cheese Is Best for Pizza? Low-Moisture Mozzarella vs Fresh
Fresh mozzarella can be awesome for pizza, but honestly, low moisture mozzarella works best. Try to get a high quality brand mozzarella cheese for optimal gooeyness and the cheese is sure to wow you. It melts evenly, is stringy, and has a delicious flavor.
Nevertheless, there are a few drawbacks to using low moisture mozzarella for pizza. If you buy a low moisture part skim version, you may be missing the wonderful melt that traditionally comes with whole milk shredded or block mozzarella cheese. When making pizza, it is important that you opt for whole milk mozzarella rather than skim so that you’re able to reap the benefits of its texture.
Want to use fresh mozzarella instead? Though it has a high moisture content, it can still be used on pizza. In fact, that’s what Margherita pizza is all about! Still, you’ll want to cook your pizza using fresh mozzarella on a high temperature and will need to do the prep work to keep your fresh mozzarella from rendering too much liquid.
Is Shredded Mozzarella Low Moisture?
Yes. Mozzarella cheese sold pre shredded is low moisture mozzarella. Regular mozzarella can either be made from buffalo milk (i.e. mozzarella di bufala) or cow’s milk. It is a bright white cheese that has a silkier texture, saltier flavor, creamy taste, is sold in balls, and has a short shelf life.
Comparatively, shredded mozzarella is much easier to deal with in terms of cooking and baking. It has a longer shelf life, has more uses, and won’t leave behind a puddle after the water evaporates.
What Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella Used for?
The following are the most common ways that low moisture mozzarella can be used:
- Pizza topper
- Sprinkled over salad
- Melted over garlic bread
- Lasagna cheese
- Cheesy pasta bakes
- Taco topper
- Sprinkled over nachos
- Spaghetti topper
Is Low-Moisture Mozzarella the Same As Fresh Mozzarella?
Remember that low moisture mozzarella isn’t the same as fresh mozzarella. In fact, it will behave very differently! Because of that, it is imperative that you pick the right mozzarella cheese in accordance with your needs when deciding which to use.
If you are making a pizza, pasta dish, or other dish that requires lots of melted cheese, it’s always suggested you go with low moisture mozzarella.
If, however, you really want to use mozzarella cheese in its different size ball formats, you can but you’ll need to use precaution when doing so. Using fresh mozzarella in this way can usually stand up to higher cooking temperatures but may require you to “dry out” the pieces before using them.
Never attempt to use freshly sliced mozzarella cheese straight out of the package on pizza. Doing so may render very soggy results! Instead, try slicing them very thinly and laying them on a paper towel for at least 15 minutes. This will yield the best results and keep too much moisture from exiting the cheese.
Low Moisture Mozzarella – Perfect For Pizza, Pasta, and More!
When it comes to precisely what low moisture mozzarella is, it is essential to remember that it is the same as “normal” mozzarella but with much of its water content removed. This makes low moisture mozzarella perfect for cooking and baking versus fresh mozzarella.
Remember that fresh mozzarella, whether mozzarella di bufala or the traditional sort, may render moisture when cooked. This means that it may require prep work before being used if you plan to cook it. If using it uncooked, it will work fine, as will low moisture mozzarella cheese. Both are incredible and can even be eaten raw.
Hope this helps answer the question. See you next time!
FAQs
Should I use low moisture mozzarella for pizza?
Yes, absolutely. Low moisture mozzarella is some of the best cheese to use for pizza. It melts well, provides that quintessential cheese pull when bitten, and tastes divine. It also doesn’t leave behind water when cooked. It’s definitely worth the purchase!
How do you melt low moisture mozzarella?
Low moisture mozzarella cheese will melt when exposed to heat. Just don’t raise the temperature too high. It will burn faster than fresh mozzarella cheese will.
