Mozzarella, the Italian touch to the aperitif
Mozzarella is a fresh cheese made from buffalo milk, or cow’s milk (which is then called mozzarella “fior di latte”). This milk is then curdled with lactic ferments, then immersed in brine (salted water) for better conservation. Its taste is sweet, milky, and its texture elastic. Many people love it, especially in Italy! There, mozzarella is the star of pizzas.
Serve mozzarella as an aperitif
It is the star of the famous caprese salad made with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil, the famous melting ball of summer that is served as a main course or starter, and one of everyone’s favorite cheeses. While it is customary to serve it in full meals, such as lasagna, pizzas or salads, consider bringing it out as an aperitif. The aperitif is the time when we offer small bites to nibble on, a cheese platter and cold cuts. However, mozzarella is not like camembert, brie or saint-nectaire that are served as is or on some toast. What sets it apart? Mozzarella is a fresh cheese, on toast, it would moisten the bread too much and would run.
On the other hand, in small balls, mozzarella is perfect for an aperitif. For example, served on skewers with cubes of melon and slices of speck ham; or with small grilled vegetables; or even on its own, sprinkled with Provençal herbs to be picked with wooden skewers. What if we cooked mozzarella as appetizers?
© Virginie Garnier
4 ideas for using mozzarella as an aperitif
Idea #1: In arancini
Small, arancini are delicious appetizers to nibble on. Prepare mini arancini with a melting mozzarella center. Ideal for making these breaded and fried risotto balls irresistible. A recipe straight from Sicily!
Discover the recipe for small rice arancini with pesto, mozzarella heart and candied tomato sauce
Idea #2: in croquettes
For a crispy mozzarella, succumb to the pleasure of small fried cheese fritters, to nibble on with friends or family.
Discover the recipe for melting mozzarella di bufala croquettes
Idea #3: in a mini-pizza
What if we took eggplant slices to replace the pizza dough? Melt nice pieces of mozzarella in it, and create gluten-free mini pizzas!
Discover the recipe for eggplant pizza
Idea #4: in crostini
In crostini, melt the mozzarella with anchovy butter and sage leaf on beautiful wholemeal bread toasts.
Discover the recipe for crostini with smoked mozzarella, anchovy butter and sage
