All About Mozzarella balls
Your complete guide to mozzarella balls - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Mozzarella balls Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for mozzarella balls in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Freezer (for longer storage)2-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
After thawing: excessively watery, crumbly, or grainy texture (beyond the expected change from freezing); sour or off-smell; any signs of mold (which should not occur if properly frozen and thawed, but indicates prior spoilage or contamination).
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure the mozzarella is fresh. After thawing in the refrigerator, visually inspect for excessive liquid weeping or unusual discoloration. Smell it – it should still have a mild dairy scent, not sour or unpleasant. The texture will be softer and less elastic than fresh, but it should not be mushy or slimy.
Storage Tips
Freezing fresh mozzarella is best for cooked applications (e.g., pizza, lasagna) as the texture becomes less desirable for raw consumption (e.g., Caprese salad). Drain the mozzarella well, pat dry, and either portion into smaller pieces or grate it. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, ideally overnight. Do not refreeze thawed mozzarella.
Unopened in original brine/liquid (Fridge)1-4 weeks past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudy, discolored, or excessively thick liquid; sour, yeasty, or ammonia-like smell; visible mold (pink, green, black spots) on the cheese or liquid; slimy or excessively soft/mushy texture of the cheese.
How to Check
Visually inspect the liquid for clarity and color. Open the container and smell the cheese – it should have a mild, milky aroma, not sour or unpleasant. Check the cheese surface for any discoloration or mold. Gently touch (if no visible mold) – it should be smooth and elastic, not slimy or mushy.
Storage Tips
Always check the 'best by' or 'use by' date on the package. Ensure your refrigerator is consistently at or below 40°F (4°C). Do not store at room temperature for extended periods.
Opened in original brine/liquid (Fridge)3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong sour, pungent, yeasty, or ammonia-like odor; slimy or sticky surface on the cheese; dull appearance or discoloration (yellowing, pinkish hues); visible mold; very soft, mushy, or crumbly texture.
How to Check
Smell the cheese immediately after opening. It should still have a mild, fresh dairy scent. Visually inspect for any changes in color, dullness, or mold growth. Touch the surface – it should be smooth, not slimy or sticky. If any of these signs are present, discard immediately.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, store leftover mozzarella in its original liquid (or fresh, lightly salted water) in an airtight container. Change the liquid daily if possible. Minimize exposure to air. Do not consume if any spoilage signs are present, as dairy products can harbor harmful bacteria.