Are you a cheese lover? Do you worry about the calories while indulging in your favorite food? Worry no more! 1/4 cup (28 g) Finely Shredded Italian Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese has only 90 calories. Delicious and healthy, it's the perfect topping for your pizzas, pastas, and salads.

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese is loaded with calcium and protein, making it a great addition to your diet. In addition, it's low in carbs, which is an added bonus for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake. A quarter cup serving of this cheese blend provides 20% of the daily recommended calcium intake and 7 grams of protein.

Whether as a topping or an ingredient, Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor and texture to any dish. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value, health benefits, and various ways of using these versatile cheeses in cooking.

The Nutritional Value of Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese blend is rich in essential nutrients. The nutritional value of 1/4 cup (28 g) serving of this cheese includes 6 grams of fat, 90 calories, 20% of daily calcium, and 7 grams of protein. In addition, it provides 6% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and 2% of iron. The cheese is also low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for people looking to maintain a healthy diet. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones, and it also plays a vital role in nerve, heart, and muscle functions. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscles, and organs in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy eyesight and a robust immune system, while iron maintains healthy blood vessels and oxygen transport in the body.

The Health Benefits of Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese blend offers numerous health benefits. Calcium is good for building and maintaining strong bones in kids and adults. Protein is beneficial for muscle growth and recovery post-workout. Vitamin A is crucial for strengthening our immune system and vision. Iron is needed to maintain healthy blood vessels and transport oxygen throughout the body. In addition, Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese is low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for people on low carb or keto diets. The cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that is found to lower the risk of heart disease and promote weight loss.

How to Use Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese in Cooking

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from classic Italian pasta dishes to American favorites like burgers and pizza. This cheese blend adds a rich and tangy flavor to any dish. Here are some ways to use it:

• Sprinkle it over the pasta for added flavor.
• Add it to soups or stews for a creamy texture.
• Top it over homemade pizzas for making it taste like restaurant-made pizza.
• Combine it with breadcrumbs and use it as a stuffing for chicken or fish.
• Use it as a garnish for your favorite salads.

The Origins of Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella and Parmesan are both Italian cheeses with a rich history. Mozzarella cheese originated in Naples, Italy, in the 16th century. It was traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo but is now commonly made from cow's milk. Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, dry cheese made from cow's milk. It originated in the Parma region of Italy. Mozzarella was initially made by heating curdled milk and pulling it apart to create a stringy texture. Today, most mozzarella cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and can be found in a wide range of varieties from fresh to aged. Parmesan is made by heating curdled milk and pressing it into shape. It is then aged for up to two years before being sold. Parmesan is often added on top of Italian pasta dishes, soups, and salads for added flavor.

The Difference between Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

While Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese may appear similar, they are vastly different in terms of texture, taste, and use. Mozzarella is a soft and creamy cheese, while Parmesan is a hard, dry, and granular cheese. Mozzarella is often used in pizzas, salads or grilled cheese sandwiches because of its melting property. Parmesan, on the other hand, is used as a topping or grated on Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine or ravioli for its tangy flavor and texture. Mozzarella cheese is often sold in plastic-wrapped blocks or shredded form. Parmesan, however, is mostly sold in a block and grated or shaved according to need. Mozzarella cheese is best used fresh or consumed within a few days of opening, while Parmesan can be stored in the fridge for up to a year.

How to Store Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese are best kept refrigerated. Once open, store the cheese in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. If the cheese gets slightly hard or dry, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will help to restore the moisture of the cheese. It's best to use Mozzarella within 5-7 days of opening, and Parmesan lasts up to a year in the refrigerator.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese Alternatives

If you're not a big fan of Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese or have allergies to dairy, here are some alternatives that you can use in your dishes. Try:

• Cheddar Cheese - for a sharp and tangy flavor
• Feta Cheese - for a salty flavor
• Goat Cheese - for a creamier texture
• Plant-based Cheese - for a vegan option

The Best Recipes with Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese blend can be used in a wide range of recipes. From appetizers to main dishes, these cheeses add delicious flavors to your food. Here are some of the best recipes you can try:

• Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan - breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and a blend of mozzarella & parmesan cheese.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese Strata - a savory bread pudding that's perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Pesto Pasta - made with a delicious homemade pesto and topped with grated parmesan cheese.
• Caprese Salad - sliced fresh tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese topped with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Italian Stuffed Peppers - stuffed with a ground beef and mozzarella & parmesan cheese blend filling.

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Making Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese at home is a fun activity and a great way to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are the steps to make homemade cheese:

• Warm the milk - heat the milk to 32-35°Celsius, and mix the rennet or starter cultures.
• Curdling - let the milk curdle for 1-2 hours, and cut it into curds.
• Heating the curds - place the curds back in the pot and heat them to release the whey.
• Molding - add salt to the curds and mold them into desired shapes.
• Ripening - Let the cheese age for 2-3 weeks for the desired flavor and texture.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese Pairings

Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese blend can also be paired with various foods and drinks. Here are some of the best pairings for these cheeses:

• Wine - Pair Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese with a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Prosciutto - Wrap Mozzarella with Prosciutto for a savory appetizer.
• Tomatoes - Pair fresh mozzarella with sweet cherry tomatoes in a Caprese Salad.
• Basil - Top mozzarella with basil for a pesto pizza.
• Apples - Pair Parmesan cheese with apples for a sweet and savory snack.