Fresh Smoked Mozzarella Cheese

Fresh smoked mozzarella takes classic cow’s milk mozzarella and elevates it with gentle exposure to natural wood smoke, adding depth without overpowering its delicate, milky character. The result is a supple, moist cheese with a lightly golden exterior and a soft, elastic interior that balances creamy sweetness with subtle smoky notes. The smoking process enhances the aroma and flavor while preserving the fresh, clean texture that makes mozzarella so versatile.

This cheese excels in both cold and warm applications. Slice it for antipasto platters with cured meats, olives, and roasted peppers, or tear it into salads for a savory contrast to tomatoes, greens, and vinaigrettes. Fresh smoked mozzarella melts beautifully, making it an exceptional choice for pizza, flatbreads, grilled cheese sandwiches, and baked pasta dishes. Its gentle smokiness adds instant complexity to lasagna, stuffed shells, or eggplant parmigiana, while still feeling familiar and comforting.

For simple preparations, serve it at room temperature with crusty bread, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and cracked black pepper. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or stone fruits, and can be layered into panini or melted over burgers for a refined twist on a classic.

• Pairings: Pinot grigio, barbera, chianti, dry rosé, amber ales, pilsners, prosciutto, speck, roasted peppers, grilled vegetables, olives, balsamic glaze.