Best Mozzarella Bar Recipes

MOZZARELLA PILLOWS

Steps:

• Special equipment: scalloped ravioli cutter
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Place the marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until reduced to a thick, jam-like consistency, about 30 minutes. There should be 1 1/2 to 2 cups of reduced sauce. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and prosciutto.
• Meanwhile, place 1 piece of dough on a work surface. Roll the dough out gently until you can cut an 8 1/2 by 9 1/2-inch rectangle. Press the scraps into a small rectangle and roll it out to the same thickness as the other rectangle. Cut 3 rectangles from the large rectangle and 1 rectangle from the small rectangle. Each should measure 8 1/2 by 3 inches. Continue rolling and cutting the remaining pie dough.
• To form the tarts, place the rectangles on a work surface. Brush each rectangle with egg wash. Place a large spoonful of the marinara mixture in the middle of the bottom half of the rectangle. Fold the dough in half over the marinara mixture to make a 3 by 4-inch rectangle. Press the edges to seal. Using a scalloped ravioli cutter, trim the rectangles to make a decorative edge. Place the tarts on the baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and generously sprinkle with cheese. Bake until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.

BRUSCHETTA BAR TO GO

Steps:

• For the tomatoes and olives: Add the tomatoes, green and black olives, basil, olive oil, garlic and some salt and pepper to a bowl and mix.
• For the marvelous mushrooms: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes; drain. Add the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, thyme, pepper, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a bowl and mix. Stir in the mushrooms and let cool, then tip the mixture into a mason jar.
• For the marinated mozzarella balls: Add the mozzarella, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and some salt and pepper to a mason jar. Top up with the olive oil, put on the lid and shake.
• For the roasted asparagus: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Put the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until brown in spots and just tender (not overly so--still with a bite), about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
• For the bruschetta: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Cut the boule in half, then cut each half into 1/2-inch slices. Drizzle both sides of the slices with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill the slices until toasted, about 3 minutes each side.
• Arrange the tomatoes and olives, marvelous mushrooms, marinated mozzarella balls, roasted asparagus and bruschetta on a large tray or rimmed baking sheet so everyone can assemble their own.

MAC N CHEESE BAR

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Cook the macaroni for 1 minute less than the timing listed on the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
• In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally until soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in the cayenne, paprika, nutmeg and several turns of black pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 cups of the milk and cook, stirring and whisking frequently, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes; repeat with the remaining 3 cups milk. (I like to use a whisk if I see any lumps. Otherwise, I stir with a spoon or spatula.) Add the Brie and Gruyère, stirring until the cheese is completely melted. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the panko and Parmesan. Bake until golden brown on top, about 15 minutes.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve with a bar of ingredients on the side for your guests to choose!