Why Does Mozzarella Smell Like Alcohol? (Answered!)

Homemade pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil

Mozzarella smells like alcohol due to fermentation by-products or a yeast infection from unpasteurized milk. Lactic, propionic, or acetic acid during cheesemaking can produce an alcohol scent. This odor is not harmful and rarely affects taste significantly. Eating the cheese sooner can prevent the smell from intensifying. What is the Cause of the Alcohol Smell … Read more

Why Do Mozzarella Sticks Explode? (Explained!)

Plate with cheese sticks, mozzarella and rosemary on violet background

What is the Science Behind Melting Cheese? Before I get specifically into why mozzarella sticks explode, it’s helpful to understand the science behind how the cheese melts.  It’s a bit complicated, so stick with me! Essentially, cheese is a combination of protein, fat, and water. The proteins are called caseins, and when rennet is added to … Read more

What Sauce is Good with Mozzarella Sticks Besides Marinara? (Answered!)

Home made mozzarella sticks with a bowl of marinara sauce

Which Sauces Go Well with Mozzarella Sticks? So, you have your crunchy mozzarella sticks heating up nicely to melt that delicious gooey cheese, but aren’t you bored of serving them with marinara sauce all the time? There must be alternatives that go well with mozzarella sticks! After experimenting with several options, I am pleased to … Read more

How Are Mozzarella Pearls Made? (Solved!)

Fresh Cantaloupe with Prosciutto and Pearl mozzarella salad

Mozzarella Pearls: How Are They Made? I love these cute little mozzarella pearls and have found so many uses for them. But it was only recently that I started wondering how they are made, so that’s why I looked into the subject!  The actual cheesemaking process is the same as when making the larger mozzarella … Read more

Can You Cook Mozzarella Sticks in the Microwave? (Answered!)

Homemade Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

Is It Possible to Microwave Mozzarella Sticks? Although mozzarella sticks don’t take too long in the oven, microwaving them would be even quicker. So, what are the potential downfalls, will it even work? Thankfully, yes, it’s perfectly possible to microwave mozzarella sticks, but there are some things you need to be aware of. First of … Read more