Lots of fresh mozzarella

[trev80]

I'm doing a little catering this weekend and need to get some fresh mozzarella. Any recommendations on where to get some bulk?

[kate used to be 50]

JJ Pace sells mozzarella. I usually buy 6 or 7 lbs. when making lasagnas (all cheese, no meat). Easily makes 2 lasagnas

[winedude]

Costco actually sells fresh *Buffalo* mozzarella, from Italy, in bulk. It's not as cheap as "regular" mozzarella, but it's much, much better. I served it for a party in a giant insalata caprese, and my guests loved it.

[Karl S]

How fresh is it? Fresh mozzarella is usually best within 24 hours of being made, and the fact that something is mozzarella di bufala many days old may not make that better.

[winedude]

It's typical, imported from Italy, mozzarella di bufala, packed in water. It lasts for a few weeks. Aside from one small maker in Vermont (and I've never seen there products, only read about them), I think if you want mozzarella di bufala, it has to be like this.

[Karl S]

I'd rather have fresher cow's milk mozzarella. Much better texture. Italians generally buy fresh mozzarella to use within the day for that reason.

[AnjLM]

My friend just bought some of the mozarella de bufala at the everett costco the other week. It was pretty good and for the price, comparable to the buffalo moz we buy at formaggio.

[thunderbug84]

Hi! I'm Anjlm's friend who bought the buffalo mozzarella at Costco. Its REALLY worth it (4 balls in brine for $10). I normally buy fresh local cow's milk mozz which I do really enjoy, but it really isnt comparable to the mozzarella di campania. The cow's milk mozz is very dense while the buffalo mozz is only dense on the very outside (like an egg shell) and is wonderfully moist and soft on the inside. I was in Italy in March and had the freshest mozz di campania I've ever had and it was a religious experience. Though the stuff from Costco isnt quite that fresh, its definitly well worth it!!

[kristabat]

I can't believe I typed "Does Costco carry fresh Mozzarella?" into Google and found this chain. Very cool. Anyhow, Thunderbug84, do you happen to remember how much, weight-wise, you got for $10? I've got to feed 55 people this weekend and I'm trying to decide which pasta salad recipe to make. It pretty much depends on how much mozzarella/sun-dried tomatoes I can get for how much money. Speaking of which, anyone know if Costco sells sun-dried tomatoes in oil or have any recommendations as to where I might find some at a discount?

[thunderbug84]

Thats great! The balls are anywhere from 8-10 ounces each(I think) but I'm not exactly sure. They are each about the size of a baseball and Costco sells 4 per tub. If the container hasnt been recycled yet, when I get home, I'll try to check to see how much they weigh.I hope that helps!

[kristabat]

Wow! You're fast. Thanks for the info! You've been a big help. Now to track down those sun-dried tomatoes.

[Seamus]

I have seen sun-dried tomatoes at the Costco at Dedham. I have not tried them yet.

[kristabat]

Cool! Thanks, Seamus. You've at least given me hope.

[meghanclaire66]

Tutto Italiano on Fleet Street in the North End has amazing fresh mozz that he makes right there.

[yumyum]

I'd call Russo's and see what they can do for you. The fresh mozzerela they carry is made in Everett -- they might just give you the number so you can contact the factory, depending upon how much you need.

[itaunas]

If they get it from Everett, its from Gigi's (and I believe Russo's does carry their products). Their phone can be gotten handily on the web, but at 3pm on a Saturday you won't find anyone there. Fresh Cheese probably just closed, but Restaurant depot opens at 9am. Costco also has tubs of Polly-O.