Ask Us: Smoked Mozzarella, Bocconcini and More

What is smoked mozzarella and what can I do with it?

Many people love the flavour of food imbued with hardwood smoke, whether it is fish, meat or cheese. For those who savour that smoky flavour, smoked mozzarella is a beautiful thing. The subtle milky flavour of the cheese really lets the smoke shine through, and the soft, creamy texture of mozzarella adds the perfect taste experience. The smoking process gives the exterior of the cheese a golden brown hue, while the interior remains moist and tender. Smoked mozzarella is a fabulous addition to a sandwich, pizza or risotto and it marries beautifully with the flavours of asparagus, tomato, zucchini and eggplant. It makes wonderful stuffing for chicken too!

What is the difference between mozzarella and bocconcini?

Essentially, bocconcini are small nuggets of fresh mozzarella that undergo no further ripening after being packed in water. Translated from Italian, bocconcini means ‘little bites,’ which perfectly describes these balls of semi-soft, unripened cheese. With a sweet and lightly buttery taste, bocconcini is the perfect cheese to accompany other flavours. In late summer when tomatoes are at their peak, a salad of bocconcini, fresh tomato slices, fresh basil and a good olive oil is a treat to the senses. Tre Stelle offers delicious bocconcini in two sizes – regular and the smaller mini mini’s.

Can you offer some tips for grating mozzarella or other soft cheeses?

Grating soft cheeses can be a challenge, especially if the cheese is allowed to reach room temperature. If too much pressure is applied cheese can fall apart and it will often stick to the grater as well. A quick tip for grating mozzarella and other soft cheeses is to place the cheese in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to grating. As for the type of grater, like every kitchen utensil there are many choices and an equal range of pricing. Many cooks swear by the box-style grater. It is stable and less messy as it contains the grated cheese within the box and it also fits on top of a container. Check out the many varieties of ‘inshredibly’ good cheese from Tre Stelle.

I love the convenience of shredded cheese. Can I freeze it to make sure I’ve always got some on hand?

Absolutely. Shredded cheese can go moldy faster than a block of cheese simply because of the increased surface area. Just pop it in the freezer and use it as you would fresh – it thaws in no time and works perfectly well for cooking.