If the word mozzarella brings to mind only one type of cheese (the kind thats sprinkled atop your favorite pizza), then you havent discovered all the different types of mozzarella in the cheese case. From fresh to smoked and from cows milk to mozzarella di bufala, there are many different types of mozzarella to enjoy.
Mozzarella is a stretched curd cheese that originates from Italy, though most mozzarella sold in the U.S. is made domestically. The fresher the mozzarella, the better it tastes. If you can, try to buy from a local cheesemaker or learn how to make your own mozzarella at home.
Bocconcini. Bocconcini, meaning “small mouthfuls,” are smaller, bite-sized forms of mozzarella – perfect for adding to salads or enjoying in a single bite with fresh basil and tomato. They’re the cute little sisters of mozzarella!
Bocconcini can either be made with water buffalo or cow’s milk or a combination of the two but in North America, cow’s milk bocconcini is the most common. If it’s made with water buffalo milk it will usually say bocconcini di bufula or buffalo bocconcini.
Buffalo mozzarella and bocconcini originated from Italy and were once only made from the milk of domestic water buffaloes. However, nowadays you can find them made with cow’s milk as well.
Buffalo mozzarella (aka mozzarella di bufula) is soft, unripened mozzarella cheese that is made from the milk of a domestic water buffalo.
Bocconcini (which means “little mouthfuls” in Italian) are small, round balls of young mozzarella cheese that are usually made from cow’s milk. These can be great for making hors d’oeuvres or a quick and easy salad with cherry tomatoes and basil.
For the longest time I thought that buffalo mozzarella and bocconcini were the same thing (just different sizes) but that’s not the case. They are actually two very different things.
If the word mozzarella brings to mind only one type of cheese (the kind thats sprinkled atop your favorite pizza), then you havent discovered all the different types of mozzarella in the cheese case. From fresh to smoked and from cows milk to mozzarella di bufala, there are many different types of mozzarella to enjoy.
Mozzarella is a stretched curd cheese that originates from Italy, though most mozzarella sold in the U.S. is made domestically. The fresher the mozzarella, the better it tastes. If you can, try to buy from a local cheesemaker or learn how to make your own mozzarella at home.
Mozzarella Differences: A Look at All the Varieties | Potluck Video
FAQ
Can I substitute bocconcini for mozzarella?
What is the difference between bocconcini and mozzarella?
Is bocconcini baby mozzarella?
Is bocconcini buffalo mozzarella?