Mozzarella is one of the most commonly used cheeses in Italian cuisine; however, there isn’t just one type of “mozzarella.” Fresh (water-packed) mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, block mozzarella, mini balls, and mozzarella sticks for frying—each offers a different texture and caters to specific culinary needs. In this guide, we’ve compiled information on the varieties, their differences, uses, and practical recipes for professional kitchens.
A quick look at the different types of mozzarella:
- Fresh mozzarella: Stored in brine, it is usually served raw—in caprese, salads, and antipasti.
- Grated mozzarella: It melts and stretches when heated—pizza, pide, lasagna, toast, gratin.
- Block of mozzarella: A single piece; can be sliced or grated in the kitchen; melts when heated.
- Mini mozzarella: Bite-sized balls — for salads, canapés, and appetizer platters.
- Mozzarella sticks: Battered, frozen snack for frying.
What is mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a family of cheeses originating in Italy and produced using the “pasta filata” (stretched-curd) method. In its fresh form, it is soft, milky, and moist; in its low-moisture (grated or block) form, it melts and stretches when heated, making it suitable for pizza and baking applications. In other words, different moisture and form variations of the same cheese serve different culinary purposes.
Types of Mozzarella and Their Differences (Comparison Chart)
The table below compares different types of mozzarella in terms of texture/shape, primary uses, and suitable products:
| Variety | Form / Texture | Featured Use | Sample product |
|---|---|---|---|
| In water (fresh) | Soft, moist, in brine | Caprese, salad, antipasti, served raw | 3.5 kg, 500 gin water |
| Grater | Low-moisture, shredded | Pizza, pide, lasagna, toast, gratin | Kaanlar, Bahçıvan 2 kg |
| Block | Low-moisture, one-piece mold | Slicing/grating, pizza, toast | 1 kg block |
| Mini (bocconcini) | Small balls, fresh | Salad, canapés, appetizers, skewers | Mini 300 g |
| Sticks | Glazed, frosted | Fried snacks, appetizers | Mozzarella Sticks |
What is (fresh) mozzarella in water, and where is it used?
Mozzarella in brine is a fresh cheese preserved in its own brine and is typically consumed raw. With its soft, milky, and light texture, it adds freshness to Caprese salads, Margherita pizza (after baking), antipasto platters, salads, and sandwiches. Depending on the business’s volume, you can choose from 3.5 kg, 500 g, mini 300 g, or single-serving 125 g × 24 packages.
What is shredded mozzarella, and where is it used?
Grated mozzarella is a pre-grated pizza cheese that melts and stretches when heated. It creates a golden, stretchy topping on pizza, pide, lasagna, baked pasta, toast, and gratins; its ready-to-use form saves time in the kitchen. Brand and weight options: Kaanlar 1 kg, Teksüt 1 kg, Bahçıvan 2 kg, and Çobanoğlu Grated Cheese 2 kg.
What is block mozzarella used for?
Block mozzarella is a type of mozzarella produced in blocks that can be sliced or grated fresh in the kitchen. Because it melts and stretches when heated, it is used on pizza, on toast, and in lasagna; its block form offers flexibility to kitchens that prefer to cut it fresh. The Kaanlar 1 kg Block of Mozzarella is a practical option for this purpose.
In water, on a grater, or in a block? Which one should I choose?
The choice depends on how you plan to use the cheese:
- Raw dishes / Caprese / salad → Water-packed (fresh) mozzarella or burrata for a premium option.
- Pizza / pide / lasagna / toast (melted) → Grated mozzarella (pre-packaged) or block (freshly sliced).
- Portioned à la carte / hotel breakfast → 125 g × 24 individual packages in water.
- Snack / Appetizer → Mozzarella sticks.
Uses of mozzarella
- Pizza and pide: A topping made with grated or block mozzarella that melts and stretches.
- Caprese salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in fresh water.
- Lasagna and baked pasta: Layered with grated mozzarella for a gratin-style finish.
- Appetizers and meze: An elegant presentation with mini mozzarella balls.
- Toast and sandwiches: A meltable filling made with block or grated mozzarella.
- Snack: Fried mozzarella sticks + marinara sauce.
Mozzarella Recipes
1. Classic Caprese Salad
Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and balsamic glaze (optional).
Preparation: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into slices of similar thickness, and arrange them alternately on a plate. Place basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper; finish with a balsamic glaze if desired. Prepare just before serving to preserve freshness.
2. Margherita Pizza
Ingredients: Pizza dough, tomato sauce, grated mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella grated from a block), fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt.
Preparation: Roll out the dough and spread the tomato sauce in a thin layer. Distribute the grated mozzarella evenly. Bake in a preheated oven (at the highest possible temperature) until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted and turned a light golden color. Once out of the oven, add fresh basil and a few drops of olive oil. For a creamier presentation, you can also add a piece of burrata before serving.
How do you store mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella in water (in its own liquid) should be stored in the refrigerator at 2–4 °C and consumed shortly after opening; freezing is not recommended, as it will compromise its fresh texture. Grated and block mozzarella, on the other hand, are stored at 2–4 °C; for long-term storage, they can be kept in the freezer and thawed in the refrigerator before use. In all cases, maintaining the cold chain is critical for quality.
Wholesale mozzarella supply: Santral Gıda
Santral Gıda supplies a variety of mozzarella products—including mozzarella in water, grated, in blocks, and mini mozzarella, as well as mozzarella sticks—to restaurants, pizzerias, hotels, cafes, and catering businesses via wholesale, with cold-chain assurance and next-day delivery to all 39 districts of Istanbul. Check out our “Cheeses” category for all our mozzarella and other cheese varieties; contact us for wholesale prices and quotes.
Explore our mozzarella products
- Fresh: 3.5 kg in water, 500 g in water, Mini 300 g, 125 g × 24
- Suitable for melting: Rende Kaanlar, Rende Teksüt, Rende Bahçıvan 2 kg, Çobanoğlu Rende Cheese 2 kg, Block 1 kg
- Snack: Mozzarella Sticks
