Mozzarella Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

Ricotta Salata Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mozzarella Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Mozzarella Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
  • "Is Mozzarella Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Mozzarella Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Mozzarella Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
  • "Is Mozzarella Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese better?"

Mozzarella Cheese Overview

Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.

Ricotta Salata Cheese Overview

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Ricotta Salata Cheese originated from Italy.

Milk Type and Treatment

Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized. Ricotta Salata Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Ricotta Salata's texture can be described as "semi-hard, whey".

Taste and Aroma

Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Mozzarella Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in balls, blocks, shredded and is aged eaten fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none and uses calf's or microbial rennet.

Ranking

Mozzarella is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta Salata is ranked #61 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Mozzarella Ricotta Salata
Best Pairings Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey Vinho Verde

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mozzarella and Ricotta Salata pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Mozzarella Cheese Ricotta Salata Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Italy
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Not Specified
Fat Content Varies Not Specified
Moisture Content High Not Specified
Rind None Not Specified
Texture Soft, creamy Semi-hard, whey
Taste Mild, milky Not Specified
Aroma Mild Not Specified
Colors White Not Specified
Forms Balls, blocks, shredded Not Specified
Age Eaten fresh Not Specified
Rennet Type Calf's or microbial rennet Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, creamy cheese, go for Mozzarella. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, whey consistency, Ricotta Salata might be the better pick.

Compare Mozzarella Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Salata Cheese to Other Cheeses

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