First foods database

🧀 Mozzarella for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat mozzarella? Yes, from about 6 months, as long as it is pasteurised. Mozzarella is one of the lower-salt cheeses, and its soft, mild flavour makes it a friendly way to offer calcium and protein.

From 6 monthsAllergen: MilkTake care with shape and texture

Good source of: Calcium, Protein, Phosphorus, Vitamin B12

How to serve mozzarella by age

6 to 9 months

Tear or slice pasteurised mozzarella into thin strips baby can hold, or grate it and melt it into vegetable mash, pasta or risotto. Melted mozzarella can be stringy, so stir it in well rather than serving long gooey strands.

9 to 12 months

Offer small torn pieces for pincer practice, melt over pasta bakes or homemade pizza fingers, or serve with soft tomato.

12 months and up

Enjoy pizza, lasagne and caprese-style plates with the family. Cut mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls) into quarters.

Choking safety

Mini mozzarella balls are round and springy, a similar shape to grapes, so always quarter them for under-5s. Long strings of melted cheese can be hard to swallow; let it cool and cut it up.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Choose pasteurised mozzarella.
Cow's milk is a common allergen: introduce on its own and watch for reactions.

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains milk, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce milk

Easy ideas

Homemade pizza fingers with mozzarella
Mozzarella and tomato pasta
Torn mozzarella with soft roasted peppers

Goes well with

🍅TomatoFrom 6 months 🍝PastaFrom 6 months · Gluten 🌿BasilFrom 6 months 🫑Red pepperFrom 6 months

Recipes with mozzarella

🍝Beef and spinach baby lasagneFrom 9 months · Dinner · 70 min 🌽Mini corn arepas with avocadoFrom 9 months · Breakfast · 30 min 🐚Spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shellsFrom 9 months · Dinner · 50 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat mozzarella?

Is mozzarella good for babies?

Yes. It is mild, pasteurised versions are safe, and it is lower in salt than most hard cheeses.

Can babies eat buffalo mozzarella?

Yes, if it is pasteurised. Tear it into small strips or pieces.

Sources

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).