If you're looking for an easy appetizer recipe that's perfect for any time of year, you'll love making your own marinated mozzarella balls. With some fresh herbs, fresh mozzarella balls, and only minutes of your time, this recipe will definitely be on repeat. Let's make it!
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You’ll love this marinated mozzarella balls recipe.
It’s a delicious appetizer. Whether you want to keep things simple and serve the marinated mozzarella balls on their own with some crusty bread or include them on a charcuterie board they are the perfect bite-sized appetizer.
It’s easy to make. This is the perfect appetizer if you have next to no time to prepare anything but you still want to impress.
It goes with so much. These can be served solo, included on a cheese board or you can make a delicious caprese salad with them, the options are almost endless!
Ingredients
With a few simple ingredients, this recipe is so flavorful.
Mozzarella Balls. You'll want to use baby mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls for this recipe. The smaller they are, the better your end result will be.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. This will be the basis of your marinade. You'll want to use good quality olive oil. I love the organic extra virgin olive oil from ALDI.
Basil. I prefer to use basil over fresh parsley because quite frankly, I cannot stand the taste of parsley! However, if you like parsley, I recommend using a combination of fresh basil and parsley.
Oregano. Fresh oregano complements the basil so nicely and is a great addition to add some more flavor dimensions.
Garlic. Fresh garlic is a must! The slightly spicy, pungent flavor it provides absolutely makes this recipe. I recommend using fresh garlic for the best results.
Red Pepper Flakes. I like just a little bit of heat with my marinated mozzarella balls, so I like to add just a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Salt. Of course, you'll have to add salt to complete the savory marinade you've put together.
How to make marinated mozzarella balls.
- In an airtight container, like a large mason jar, add your drained mozzarella cheese balls.
- In a large bowl, combine your marinade ingredients (olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.) Whisk together.
- Pour your olive oil mixture into your mason jar filled with your mozzarella. Close your container and set it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour.
Variations and substitutions
There are a handful of ingredients you can add or subtract to this easy recipe to really customize it to your personal preference!
Fresh Thyme and/or Rosemary. Fresh thyme or rosemary is always a great option to add to this marinade. You can add it in addition to the basil and oregano, or swap them out. With a simple recipe like this, it's so hard to mess it up!
Balsamic Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar. If you want to add a vinegar component, add 1 tsp of vinegar to the olive oil mix.
Black Pepper. If you want a bit of spice, but don't want to commit to the red pepper flakes, add some freshly cracked black pepper!
Chili flakes. Alternatively, if you want some more spice, add some chili flakes!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes. You can add some drained sun-dried tomatoes for a deliciously sweet twist.
What to do with marinated mozzarella balls?
- You can absolutely eat these on their own with some baguette slices or crackers, it's a simple yet great appetizer.
- Add them to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter! These are perfect for the holiday season, the color is gorgeous.
- Add them to homemade pizza to really elevate things.
- Make caprese salad with them. All you need are cherry tomatoes, or any fresh tomatoes, marinated mozzarella balls and a little bit of a balsamic reduction. This is one of my favorite ways to use this recipe, the marinade adds so much flavor!
How long are marinated mozzarella balls good for?
Marinated mozzarella balls can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
FAQ
How long does marinated mozzarella last?
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What spices go well with mozzarella?
So many! Basil, rosemary, black pepper, raw garlic, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes are just a few.
How do you make mozzarella more flavorful?
Seasoning it with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary, pairing it with fresh fruits and veggies like tomatoes or peaches, and adding a balsamic reduction or freshly cracked black pepper are a few of my favorite ways to add more flavor to fresh mozzarella.
Amazon home finds
I love having mason jars around my kitchen for easy airtight container storage. They are so useful, between being used for glasses or for pickling or for making this delicious marinated mozzarella recipe, you definitely need some!
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Want more appetizer recipes?
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- ½ c. extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 2-3 garlic cloves diced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In an airtight container, like a large mason jar, add your drained mozzarella cheese balls.
- In a large bowl, combine your marinade ingredients (olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.) Whisk together.
- Pour your olive oil mixture into your mason jar filled with your mozzarella. Close your container and set it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour.
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