I have the answer to exactly what you’re looking for. You want to know how to melt mozzarella cheese in a microwave, right? Well, continue reading if you want to find out how you can easily do this at home.
It’s an undeniable fact that mozzarella cheese is a staple ingredient in so many of our favorite recipes. It is used to add texture (and of course, excitement) to mozzarella steaks, grilled cheese sandwiches, and delicious pizza, just to name a few recipes.
In this article, I will let you in on all the juicy, cheesy secrets that you need to know in order for you to successfully melt mozzarella cheese in your microwave.
Can mozzarella cheese be melted in a microwave?
YES! Mozzarella cheese can be melted in a microwave, though some people may have had challenges trying to do so. This is because there are certain requirements necessary for melting this versatile cheese in a microwave oven.
If you have tried to melt mozzarella cheese in a microwave before and were unsuccessful in doing so, it was likely due to one (or all) of the following reasons:
- Incorrect temperature
- Insufficient preparation of cheese
- Using fresh mozzarella that is high in moisture content
Even though fresh mozzarella can still be melted in a microwave, failure to prep the cheese may result in an unfavorable blob of…well, unmelted cheese.
Which mozzarella is best for melting in a microwave?
I would recommend using any low moisture, whole milk mozzarella for microwaving. These give a nice even layer of gooey goodness that stays moist and stretched for longer than the alternatives.
Of course, it all depends on what exactly you want to do with your melted mozzarella cheese. Generally speaking, we mozzarella connoisseurs tend to live by the motto: “If it’s nice and elastic, then it’s all fantastic but if it doesn’t get the stretch, then a Karen will kvetch.”
Or maybe that’s just my thing. Either way, most people want their mozzarella to be nice and elastic after being melted so it’s always best to go for the not-so-fresh, or processed mozzarella cheese since they are low in moisture.
How to prepare mozzarella cheese before microwaving
As you would have picked up by now, mozzarella cheese cannot be melted in a microwave without doing some form of preparation. Instead of putting a large chunk of the cheese into your microwave, it is best for you to melt the cheese into small pieces.
You may do this by slicing the mozzarella into thin squares, or you may want to dice it into small cubes. You may even choose to use a grater which is a very easy method of quickly shredding your cheese in preparation for melting. The idea is for you to get the cheese into smaller portions before placing it into the microwave oven.
Once you have chosen your preferred method from the above options, place the cheese into a microwave-friendly container or bowl and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
At what temperature does mozzarella cheese melt?
Generally speaking, mozzarella cheese will melt at about 130 °F (54.4 °C).
All cheese may not melt at the same temperature because there are certain factors that determine the melting point of cheese. Such factors include moisture content, age of the cheese, and acid content.
So, when trying to determine the best temperature for melting your mozzarella cheese, consider that all these factors may cause a variation in the temperature required for each batch. However, it is safe to go with 130 °F (54.4 °C).
How long does it take to microwave mozzarella cheese?
Once you have allowed your sliced/diced/chopped mozzarella cheese to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, you will be required to microwave it for 45 seconds. But wait! Before you place it in the microwave oven, there is another important step for you to take.
It typically takes about 45 seconds to microwave mozzarella cheese after you have sliced it up and allowed it to rest at room temperature. However, there are a few other things you might want to consider doing to ensure that it is melted perfectly.
You want to add some evaporated milk to the container of cheese. Additionally, you will need to add about ⅕ teaspoon of cornstarch.
If you do all of these things, the preparation stage of your cheese melting endeavors are complete and the next step is for you to put it into the microwave oven for 30-45 minutes.
- Quick and easy steps for melting mozzarella cheese in a microwave.
- Choose low-moisture, whole milk, or processed mozzarella for melting.
- Use a grater to shred the mozzarella cheese and transfer it into a container that is safe for microwaving. If you do not have a grater, you may shred or slice your cheese using a knife.
- Leave shredded cheese in the container for approximately 20 minutes before microwaving, to allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Next, add some evaporated milk and ⅕ tablespoon of cornstarch to the bowl of shredded cheese and stir.
- Place the container of cheese into the microwave and allow it to heat for 30 – 45 minutes.
And there you have it. A nice melted bowl of stretchy mozzarella cheese.
How to store mozzarella cheese after melting?
You may have melted an excessive amount of mozzarella cheese while attempting to do so for the first time, and now you want to know if it can be stored. Unfortunately, the answer is that melted mozzarella cheese goes bad if it remains at room temperature for too long, due to the microbial activities occurring within the cheese.
Try to start off by melting small portions to avoid wasting the cheese.
Conclusion
Mozzarella cheese adds great flavor, texture, and aesthetics to many of our favorite recipes (both nationally and internationally). You do not need to go to a fancy restaurant nor do you need to order out so that you can experience the deliciousness of melted mozzarella cheese. Now that you know how to melt mozzarella cheese using the steps provided above, you can now enjoy your favorite homemade recipes that require melted mozzarella for preparation. I hope this article was helpful.
FAQ
How can I melt mozzarella cheese without it becoming rubbery?
To avoid having your mozzarella cheese become rubbery when melting, use fresh or low moisture mozzarella. Shred the cheese and place it in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the shredded mozzarella cheese for 30 seconds at a time until melted to your desired consistency.
Can I make a cheese sauce with fresh mozzarella?
Yes, you can make a delicious cheese sauce with fresh mozzarella. Simply shred the fresh mozzarella and place it in a microwave safe bowl along with some milk or cream. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each interval until you have reached your desired consistency.
What is the best way to melt sliced mozzarella cheese?
The best way to melt sliced mozzarella is by placing it on top of whatever dish you are cooking and allowing it to melt naturally in the oven or under the broiler. If using sliced low moisture mozzarella, you can also microwave it for 15-20 seconds at a time until melted.
Can string cheese be used as a substitute for shredded or sliced mozzarella?
Yes, string cheese can be used as an alternative to shredded or sliced mozarella if needed. Simply cut up the string into small pieces before adding them onto your dish.
Is there any difference between melting fresh vs shredded mozarella?
There may be slight differences when melting fresh vs shredded mozarella due to their different moisture content levels. Fresh mozarella may take longer to fully melt compared to pre-shredded low-moisture mozarella which melts more quickly and evenly.
How does mozzarella cheese begin its production process?
Mozzarella cheese begins as a low moisture, smooth and creamy sauce made from partly skimmed milk.
What makes mozzarella string cheese different from regular mozzarella?
Mozzarella string cheese is made using the same melting process as regular mozzarella, but it is stretched and rolled into thin strips to create its unique texture.
Can you make vegan cheese using similar methods to traditional cheeses like mozzarella?
Yes, vegan cheeses can be made using alternative ingredients such as olive oil or nut milks in place of dairy products like mozzarella.