Beyond Caprese: 25 Unexpected Buffalo Mozzarella Delights

Discover the World of Buffalo Mozzarella: Ultimate Recipes for Every Occasion

Embark on a culinary journey with buffalo mozzarella, an exquisite cheese renowned for its rich flavor and creamy texture. This guide brings you an inspiring collection of buffalo mozzarella recipes, perfect for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary Italian-inspired feasts. From sizzling pizzas to comforting pasta dishes, vibrant salads, and delightful appetizers, cooking with fresh buffalo mozzarella is simpler and more rewarding than you might imagine. Even without cooking, its delicate essence shines through in many fresh mozzarella recipes, such as the beloved Caprese salad. Prepare to elevate your cooking and make this incredible ingredient a new favorite in your kitchen!

The Irresistible Allure of Buffalo Mozzarella

What sets buffalo mozzarella apart from its cow’s milk counterpart? Hailing predominantly from the Campania region of Italy, authentic Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is crafted from the milk of domestic Italian water buffalo. This unique origin imparts a distinct creaminess, a tangier flavor profile, and a more tender, delicate texture that melts beautifully. Its high moisture content and delicate casing give way to a soft, milky interior that instantly elevates any dish. Whether served fresh or gently melted, buffalo mozzarella brings an unparalleled depth of flavor and luxurious mouthfeel, making it a star ingredient in traditional Italian and contemporary cuisine alike.

Savory Chicken & Mozzarella Creations

Keto Caprese Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Image Credit: Summer Yule

Transform your weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering Keto Caprese Chicken. Featuring succulent chicken breast, vibrant ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil pesto, and generous slices of fresh buffalo mozzarella, this dish captures the essence of Italian flavors. It’s a low-carb masterpiece that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for a healthy yet delicious meal.

Get the recipe: Keto Caprese Chicken Recipe

Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Caprese Sandwiches
Image Credit: Carriesexperimentskitchen.com

Indulge in a gourmet Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. This sandwich combines crispy chicken cutlets with juicy Campari tomatoes, tangy buffalo mozzarella, aromatic fresh basil, and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. It’s a winning combination that elevates a simple sandwich into a truly memorable culinary experience, perfect for a sophisticated lunch or light dinner.

Get the recipe:  Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Hasselback chicken
Image Credit: xoxobella.com

For bacon lovers seeking a low-carb delight, this Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken is an absolute must-try. Chicken breasts are artfully sliced and stuffed with crispy bacon and gooey buffalo mozzarella, then baked to perfection. This easy air fryer dish offers a fantastic blend of savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors, making it an exciting option for tonight’s dinner.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Caprese Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Glaze

Chicken Balsamic Salad
Image Credit: creativecynchronicity.com

Prepare a delightful Caprese Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Glaze recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight. This incredibly flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, fresh buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all enhanced by a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a quick and elegant meal that takes only 20 minutes to create, promising a taste of Italy right at your dinner table.

Get the recipe: Caprese Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Irresistible Pasta & Gnocchi Dishes

Caprese Pasta

Mozzarella Pasta
Image Credit: everydaydelicious.com

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this delicious Caprese Pasta. This dish is a simple yet elegant combination of al dente pasta, sweet basil, ripe cherry tomatoes, and creamy fresh buffalo mozzarella. It’s the ideal choice for a speedy and satisfying dinner, coming together in just 20 minutes to bring an authentic Italian taste to your table.

Get the recipe: Caprese Pasta

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Mozzarella Bake
Image Credit: thesuburbansoapbox.com

Indulge in the comforting classic that is Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This easy-to-make Italian dish features soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with generous amounts of melted buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s the quintessential Italian comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in, offering warmth and authentic Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Get the recipe: Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad
Image Credit: theartoffoodandwine.com

This Pesto Pasta Salad is a fantastic solution for a quick and simple side dish or a light main meal. With just five key ingredients, including pasta, vibrant pesto, and delicate buffalo mozzarella pearls, it comes together effortlessly. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a base to which you can add grilled protein for a complete, satisfying meal, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Traditional Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Buffalo Mozzarella Recipe
Image Credit: www.the-pasta-project.com

Experience the true taste of Sorrento with this mouthwatering traditional Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This cherished dish features tender potato gnocchi baked to perfection with a rich passata, generous dollops of buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil. It’s a comforting and flavorful masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the simple yet profound culinary traditions of Italy.

Get the recipe:  Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Pizza Perfection with Buffalo Mozzarella

Grilled Margherita Pizza

Caprese Pizza
Image Credit: 365daysofbakingandmore.com

Take your pizza night outdoors with this fantastic Grilled Margherita Pizza. The smoky char from the grill elevates the classic combination of tangy tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil to new heights. Once you taste this delightful creation, it’s bound to become a regular feature on your weekly dinner menu, offering a uniquely delicious twist on a beloved Italian staple.

Get the recipe: Grilled Margherita Pizza

Classic Caprese Pizza

Pizza Caprese
Image Credit: splashoftaste.com

For an effortlessly delicious pizza night, look no further than this Classic Caprese Pizza. This simple yet incredibly flavorful pizza showcases the timeless trio of ripe tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all atop a crispy crust. It’s remarkably easy to make and guaranteed to be devoured in minutes, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or casual entertaining.

Get the recipe: Caprese Pizza

Authentic Margherita Pizza

Mozzarella Pizza
Image Credit: splashoftaste.com

Ever wondered how to master the art of a classic Italian Margherita pizza? Wonder no more! This recipe guides you through creating the iconic dish with its simple yet powerful combination of San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and vibrant basil leaves. Discover the secrets to a perfect crust and a truly delicious pizza that tastes like it came straight from Naples.

Get the recipe: Margherita Pizza

Pull Apart Pizza Monkey Bread

Pull apart monkey bread
Image Credit: cookedbyjulie.com

This Pull Apart Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun family meal. Made incredibly easy with canned biscuits, pizza sauce, an abundance of garlic, and plenty of gooey buffalo mozzarella, it’s a savory delight that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun twist on pizza, this dish is always a hit.

Get the recipe:  Pull Apart Pizza Monkey Bread

Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza

Flatbread
Image Credit: theheirloompantry.co

Prepare for a flavor explosion with this Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza! This exquisite flatbread combines the best of sweet and salty elements, featuring savory prosciutto, creamy ricotta, melting buffalo mozzarella, and a drizzle of hot honey for an unexpected kick. It’s an amazing combination that creates a sophisticated and utterly delicious pizza experience you won’t want to miss.

Get the recipe: Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza

Heart Shaped Pizza (Gluten-Free)

Heart Pizza
Image Credit: xoxobella.com

For those seeking a thoughtful and delicious gluten-free option, this Heart Shaped Pizza is absolutely perfect. Ideal for Valentine’s Day, a romantic date night, or simply to show some love, this pizza offers a delicious gluten-free crust topped with your favorite ingredients, including creamy buffalo mozzarella. It’s a heartfelt way to enjoy a classic comfort food.

Get the recipe: Homemade Gluten Free Heart Shaped Pizza

Fresh & Flavorful Salads & Appetizers

Strawberry Caprese Skewers

Skewers
Image Credit: creativecynchronicity.com

These delightful Strawberry Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are an effortless appetizer sure to be a hit at any family gathering or party. Combining sweet strawberries, fresh basil, and creamy buffalo mozzarella pearls, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, these colorful bites are visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Even kids will adore this fun food on a stick!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Stacks with Pan-Seared Prosciutto

Caprese Stacks
Image Credit: carriesexperimentalkitchen.com

Elevate your appetizer game with these elegant Caprese Stacks. Crafted with layers of fresh buffalo mozzarella, perfectly juicy heirloom tomatoes, and savory Italian prosciutto, each stack is a burst of exquisite flavors. A final drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dish a sophisticated and visually stunning starter for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Caprese Stacks with Pan Seared Prosciutto

Crustless Quiche Caprese

Buffalo Mozzarella Quiche
Image Credit: wholesomeyum.com

For a light and flavorful meal, try this easy Crustless Caprese Quiche. Packed with gooey buffalo mozzarella cheese and the vibrant flavors of summer, this quiche is a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner. Requiring only eight simple ingredients, it’s a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic Caprese combination in a wholesome, eggy form.

Get the recipe: Easy Crustless Quiche Caprese Recipe

Simple Caprese Panini

Caprese Sandwiches (2)
Image Credit: christinascucina.com

Elevate your lunchtime routine with a Simple Caprese Panini. This exquisite sandwich proves that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated, requiring only four ingredients: crusty bread, fresh buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Grilling it turns these simple components into a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying feast, perfect for a quick yet luxurious midday meal.

Get the recipe:  Simple Caprese Sandwich (Panini)

Fried Mozzarella Sandwich (Mozzarella in Carrozza)

Fried Mozzarella Sandwich
Image Credit: thepetitecook.com

If you haven’t yet experienced the wonder of Mozzarella in Carrozza, you are truly missing out on an Italian treasure! This popular fried sandwich features slices of buffalo mozzarella enveloped in bread, then perfectly fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with a luscious, melting interior. It’s a decadent and delightful treat that will melt in your mouth, perfect as an appetizer or a rich snack.

Get the recipe: Mozzarella in Carrozza

Classic Caprese Salad

Caprese Stacks (2)
Image Credit: whatagirleats.com

The Classic Caprese Salad is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most profound delight. This iconic Italian salad features layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, all finished with a sprinkle of salt and a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil. It’s a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly satisfying dish that celebrates the freshness of its ingredients.

Get the recipe: Caprese Salad (Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil)

Insalata Caprese: Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad

Salad Caprese
Image Credit: christinascucina.com

Insalata Caprese, or Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad, is a quintessential Italian staple that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This vibrant and refreshing salad, featuring the harmonious trio of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and luscious buffalo mozzarella, is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for entertaining at a party, a delightful addition to a picnic, or simply a light and satisfying lunch.

Get the recipe: Insalata Caprese or Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad

Peach Burrata Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Peach burrata salad
Image Credit: thesuburbansoapbox.com

This stunning Peach Burrata Salad manages to be a true showstopper while effortlessly coming together for busy weeknights. Combining sweet, ripe peaches with creamy burrata (a close cousin to buffalo mozzarella, with a liquid-filled center), and drizzled with a tantalizing hot honey vinaigrette, this salad is an explosion of flavors and textures. Easy weeknight dinners have never looked – or tasted – so good!

Get the recipe: Peach Burrata Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella

Spelt flour pizza dough
Image Credit: happykitchen.rocks

Here’s another incredible spin on the summer peach salad, this time featuring creamy mozzarella or burrata. This vibrant salad incorporates peppery arugula, sweet blueberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy avocado, all harmoniously brought together with a zesty balsamic honey mustard dressing. The combination of grilled peaches and fresh mozzarella creates a truly yummy and refreshing dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

Get the recipe:  Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella

Pizza Salad

Buffalo mozzarella salad
Image Credit: delicioustable.com

Enjoy all the flavors you crave from pizza in a healthier, low-carb format with this colorful Pizza Salad. Loaded with your favorite pizza toppings like mini pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, tangy pepperoncinis, sweet grape tomatoes, and delicious little balls of buffalo mozzarella cheese, this Italian-inspired salad is a true delight. It’s all drizzled with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing, making it a satisfying and fresh take on pizza night.

Get the recipe: Pizza Salad

Spinach Caprese Salad

Spinach Caprese Salad
Image Credit: Summer Yule

Watch How to Make It!

Watch a short video demonstrating how to prepare this delicious Spinach Caprese Salad with buffalo mozzarella and fresh ingredients.

buffalo mozzarella recipes

25 Buffalo Mozzarella Recipes for Pizza, Pasta, and more!

Summer Yule

Get 25 buffalo mozzarella recipes, including this delicious spinach Caprese salad! This vibrant salad is a fresh and healthy way to enjoy the classic Caprese flavors with a twist.
5 from 7 votes
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Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 3
Calories 564 kcal

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces buffalo mozzarella (198 grams; buffalo milk mozzarella), sliced
  • 1 lb. grilled chicken breast (454 grams; boneless and skinless), sliced
  • 5 ounces baby spinach (142 grams)
  • 2 medium peaches, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise (340 grams; can use quartered cherry tomatoes instead)
  • ½ cup roasted corn (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the buffalo mozzarella recipe dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Carefully slice the buffalo mozzarella balls and the grape tomatoes in half. Next, thinly slice the fresh peaches and the red onion. If using fresh corn, roast it; otherwise, thaw your frozen corn. Finally, slice the grilled chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips for easy mixing and enjoyment.

  2. Assemble your salad bowls. Divide all the prepped ingredients equally between three serving bowls. Layer them in the following order for best presentation and flavor distribution: start with a bed of baby spinach, then add the sliced chicken, followed by peaches, red onion, roasted corn, grape tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and finally, fresh basil leaves. This layering ensures a beautiful and balanced salad.

  3. Prepare the Caprese dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder until well combined. Taste the dressing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. This simple yet flavorful dressing will tie all the ingredients together beautifully.

  4. Finish and serve. Drizzle your prepared spinach Caprese salad bowls generously with the homemade dressing. For an extra burst of freshness and aroma, sprinkle the lemon zest on top of each salad. Serve immediately and savor the delightful blend of textures and authentic Italian flavors in every bite!

Equipment

  • Knife

Notes

Nutrition information is for one serving. This recipe is incredibly adaptable; feel free to add grilled shrimp or other vegetables to customize it to your taste. For best results, use the freshest buffalo mozzarella you can find!

 

Nutrition Info Disclaimer

 

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

 

The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.

 

“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.

Nutrition

Calories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 29.8gProtein: 42gFat: 33.4gSaturated Fat: 13gPotassium: 751.2mgFiber: 4.7gVitamin A: 127.1% DVVitamin C: 73.2% DVCalcium: 36.4% DVIron: 14.9% DV
Keywords buffalo mozzarella recipes, spinach caprese salad, fresh mozzarella, Italian salad

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Conclusion: The Versatility of Buffalo Mozzarella in Your Kitchen

From the creamy indulgence of a Caprese salad to the satisfying melt on a classic pizza, buffalo mozzarella proves itself to be an incredibly versatile and rewarding ingredient. Its distinct flavor and luscious texture elevate simple dishes into gourmet experiences, making every meal feel special. We hope this curated collection of buffalo mozzarella recipes inspires you to explore new culinary horizons and embrace the rich traditions of Italian cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these fresh mozzarella creations promise to bring joy and deliciousness to your table. Enjoy discovering your new favorite buffalo mozzarella dish!