Bursting with flavor, these Marinated Mozzarella Balls are coated in extra-virgin olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs for a delicious appetizer. Simple to prepare, these are a perfect last-minute dish, a great addition to a salad, or an easy choice for any celebration.
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Marinated mozzarella balls have a bright but savory flavor and a chewy texture that everyone will love. They’re seasoned with thyme and basil with a pop of heat from some red pepper flakes.
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They are also bite-sized, which makes them great for parties and gatherings. These mozzarella balls taste even better if they’ve had time to sit before serving so the flavors infuse, which means that you can make them in advance and free up time in the kitchen.
Looking for more cheesy appetizers? I love Whipped Ricotta Dip, Baked Brie With Honey, Baked Feta Dip, and Baked Cheese!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The mozzarella balls come together with just a few ingredients that you’ll likely have on hand.
- Versatile: You can adjust the seasonings and flavor of the balls easily to make them seem like new each time you whip them up.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a bite-sized blend of chewy cheese and savory seasoning.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Marinated Mozzarella:
Ingredient Notes
- I use ciliegine mozzarella which are small cherry -sized mozzarella balls. You can substitute bocconcini but they won't be as small.
See the recipe card for quantities.
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Flavor Variations
If you want to adjust the taste of the mozzarella balls, below are a few ways to adjust the taste and create something new.
- Savory: Add sundried tomatoes to the marinade for a savory twist.
- Garlicky: Mix in cloves of garlic for a bigger taste and immune-boosting properties.
- Balsamic: If you love a tangy taste, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade. It may change the color of the balls a bit, but the taste is wonderful.
How To Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1
In a medium bowl or jar, mix together ⅓ cup of the olive oil along with all other ingredients, save the cheese.
Step 2
Add in the balls of cheese and stir them well before drizzling the remaining olive oil on top.
Step 3
Pop them into the fridge and let them sit for at least one hour before you serve them.
Recipe Tips
- If you think of it, give the mozzarella balls a stir or two while they’re marinating.
Confidence Tip
Make sure the mozzarella balls are drained from any water and patted dry before you mix them with the marinade. This way they have the best flavor.
How to Serve Mozzarella Balls
Many people enjoy marinated mozzarella balls as-is and served on a platter with just toothpicks. Below are a few other serving ideas.
- With baguette or crackers
- As part of a charcuterie platter
- With a side of salami or pepperoni
- As a side to a summer salad or in a summer salad
- Alongside Marinated Olives, Roasted Nuts, or Za'atar Pita Chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the leftover balls in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Know that the oil will solidify when stored. Just let the balls come to room temperature before you need them.
Bocconcini is another name for mozzarella so yes, that will work. However, it tends to be served in larger balls where as the ciliegine mozzarella balls are bite-size which makes for a better appetizer.
Delicious Salads To Serve With Appetizers
Let me know your thoughts on Marinated Mozzarella Balls by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 garlic clove mince or grated
- 2 tsps lemon zest
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 tsps fresh thyme minced
- 2 tsps fresh basil minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 oz ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls drained and patted dry
Instructions
- In a medium jar or other container, stir together the herbs, shallot, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and ⅓ of the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add the mozzarella balls, stir them well, and top with the remaining olive oil. Add more if needed to cover the cheese.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Gwen Wolken says
These marinated mozzarella balls are super easy to make and have when you entertain.