Mozzarella cheese – the classic Italian staple that brings a taste of sunshine to any dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple yet satisfying snack or a show-stopping main course, shredded mozzarella is the perfect ingredient to elevate your culinary game. From classic comfort foods like pizza and lasagna to innovative twists on traditional recipes, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility and delight of shredded mozzarella cheese.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the many ways in which shredded mozzarella can be used to create unforgettable dishes. From cheesy pull-apart bread to loaded nachos, and from savory stuffed chicken breasts to decadent mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of shredded mozzarella cheese! In our next section, we’ll dive into the first 10 recipes that showcase the star power of this beloved cheese. Stay tuned!
Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella
This iconic Neapolitan-style pizza is a masterclass in simplicity, featuring the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this beloved classic at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
7. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Arrange mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
10. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Creamy Baked Ziti with Shredded Mozzarella
Creamy Baked Ziti with Shredded Mozzarella: A comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook while preparing the cheese mixture.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with additional marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
A flavorful and visually appealing dish that combines the freshness of spinach with the creaminess of mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a juicy chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, sauté the spinach and garlic until wilted.
3. Lay a chicken breast flat and place about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture in the center.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
5. Fold the chicken breast over the filling to form a triangle or seal the edges with toothpicks.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Bread with Melted Mozzarella and Herbs
Savor the flavors of Italy with this classic garlic bread recipe, infused with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of Italian bread (about 12 inches long)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic-butter mixture evenly onto each bread slice, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter on each slice.
6. Top with chopped parsley and basil.
7. Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Elevate your meatball game with this creative twist, where creamy mozzarella cheese adds a surprising burst of flavor to classic beef and pork meatballs. Serve these tender treats with a rich marinara sauce for a hearty Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 12-15 portions and shape each into a ball.
4. Flatten each meatball slightly and place a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the meatball over to enclose the cheese.
5. Place the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each meatball.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
Savor the flavors of Italy with this classic Caprese salad, featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 3 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, followed by the balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves evenly over the top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just minutes.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread with Shredded Mozzarella
Elevate your snack game with this gooey, cheesy bread that’s perfect for dipping or devouring on its own. This pull-apart bread is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into an oblong loaf. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mozzarella-Topped Turkey Burgers with Pesto
Elevate your burger game with this flavorful and refreshing twist on a classic. Tender turkey burgers topped with melted mozzarella cheese, pesto, and crisp lettuce are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– Lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast buns on grill or in toaster.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading pesto on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, a slice of mozzarella cheese, and finishing with lettuce leaves. Top with remaining bun.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Layers of Mozzarella
Savor the flavors of Italy with this classic eggplant parmesan recipe, featuring crispy eggplant slices topped with rich mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Top each eggplant layer with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and creamy homemade mozzarella cheese sticks, perfectly paired with a tangy marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then add it to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Shape into sticks, about 6-8 inches long.
5. Place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each stick.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Loaded Nachos with Shredded Mozzarella and Jalapeños
Loaded Nachos with Shredded Mozzarella and Jalapeños Recipe
Get ready to elevate your nacho game with this loaded recipe featuring shredded mozzarella and spicy jalapeños!
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chips.
4. Top with sliced jalapeños, black beans, and chopped cilantro.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Slow-Cooker Mozzarella-Stuffed French Toast Casserole
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying breakfast casserole, filled with the creamy goodness of melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 slices of bread (French toast style or Challah)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
2. Arrange bread slices in the cooker, slightly overlapping each other.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure they’re all coated.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Mozzarella and Mushroom Quesadillas with Salsa
A twist on the classic quesadilla, this recipe combines creamy mozzarella cheese with earthy mushrooms and a fresh salsa for a flavorful and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Salsa (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each tortilla.
3. Place one tortilla, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with sliced mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve with salsa.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Mozzarella and Tomato
A classic comfort food gets a flavorful boost from melted mozzarella and fresh tomato.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of mozzarella cheese
– 1 medium tomato, sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a few tomato slices, and another slice of mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Melted Mozzarella
Elevate your slider game with this crispy, cheesy twist on the classic Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Sliced mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
– Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg and then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with marinara sauce.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns.
7. Assemble sliders by placing cooked chicken on toasted bun, topping with melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Shredded Mozzarella
Transform your pizza night into a healthier and tastier experience with this cauliflower crust recipe, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. Microwave the cauliflower “rice” for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until soft and cooked through.
5. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean dish towel. Wrap and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
6. Shape the cauliflower mixture into a circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Brush with olive oil and season with salt.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and optional toppings (if using).
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Mozzarella Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
This comforting casserole is a twist on the classic mac and cheese, with the added crunch of breadcrumbs and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lasagna Rolls with Ricotta and Shredded Mozzarella
Elevate your pasta game with this easy-to-make lasagna roll recipe, packed with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. On a flat surface, lay out a cooked lasagna noodle and spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture down the center of the pasta.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer.
6. Roll the pasta into a tight cylinder and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining noodles.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the rolls and sprinkle with chopped basil (if using).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella Bites with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your appetizer game with these Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella Bites, perfectly paired with a rich and tangy Balsamic Glaze.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap each mozzarella cube with a slice of prosciutto, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
3. Place the wrapped mozzarella bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.
5. While the mozzarella bites are baking, prepare the Balsamic Glaze by heating it in a small saucepan over low heat until warm and syrupy.
6. Remove the baked mozzarella bites from the oven and brush with the warmed balsamic glaze.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Mozzarella and Pesto Flatbread Pizza
Easy Mozzarella and Pesto Flatbread Pizza
Summary: A delicious and quick flatbread pizza recipe featuring creamy pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of Italian flair.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of flatbread (about 10-12 inches)
– 2 tablespoons of pesto
– 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the pesto evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
