The Best Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Cheese lovers rejoice as these mouthwatering marinated mozzarella balls deliver an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh mozzarella swimming in aromatic herbs and olive oil creates a simple yet irresistible appetizer.

Each tender ball soaks up rich, zesty seasonings that dance across your palate with incredible depth.

The combination of garlic, herbs, and premium olive oil elevates these little cheese bites from ordinary to extraordinary.

Perfectly portioned and packed with bold taste, these marinated mozzarella balls make an impressive starter for any gathering.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your entertaining arsenal.

Serve these delectable morsels and watch them disappear in moments.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls Why They’re the Best Party Snack

• Infuse mozzarella with a zesty blend of herbs, garlic, and lemon that transforms simple cheese into a gourmet appetizer with minimal effort.
• Combine ingredients in a jar, toss mozzarella balls, and let the refrigerator do the magic without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile appetizer that impresses guests at gatherings, works beautifully for game nights, potlucks, or casual entertaining with zero stress.
• Swap herbs or add personal spice touches to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for any palate.

What Goes in Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Fresh Herbs: A blend of herbs that adds vibrant flavor and aromatic depth to the mozzarella.
• Lemon: Provides a bright, citrusy tang that complements the creamy cheese.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and pungent flavor to the marinade.
• Seasonings: Enhance the overall taste profile of the marinated mozzarella.

• Mozzarella Balls: Soft, fresh cheese that absorbs the marinade's delicious flavors.

• Olive Oil: Creates a rich, smooth base for the marinade and helps infuse the cheese with herbs and seasonings.

Tools for Easy Mozzarella Marinating

• Large Mason Jar or Glass Container: Perfect for mixing marinade and storing mozzarella balls.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure oil and herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Precisely measures seasonings and dried herbs.
• Knife: For chopping fresh herbs and garlic.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helps mix marinade ingredients smoothly.

How to Prepare Marinated Mozzarella at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a clean mason jar, combine a blend of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.

Toss in minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.

Seal the jar and give it a good shake to marry all the flavors together.

Step 2: Bathe Mozzarella in Flavor

Gently drop the creamy mozzarella balls into the prepared marinade.

Make sure each cheese pearl is completely coated with the aromatic oil mixture.

Use a spoon to carefully turn the balls, ensuring an even, luxurious coverage.

Step 3: Chill and Infuse

Place the marinated mozzarella in the refrigerator.

Let the cheese luxuriate in the herbal bath for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate and transform the mozzarella.

The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes – aim for 2-3 hours if you can resist the temptation.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the marinated mozzarella from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving.

The cheese will soften slightly and the oils will become more fluid.

Serve as a stunning appetizer, scattered on a rustic charcuterie board, or alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Tasty Mozzarella Balls

• Crush herbs gently before mixing to release more aromatic oils and intensify taste.
• Select fresh, high-quality mozzarella balls for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Keep marinated mozzarella in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Scatter marinated mozzarella over salads, pasta, or enjoy as a delicious appetizer with crusty bread.

Fun Flavor Variations for Mozzarella Balls

• Vegan Cheese Option: Replace mozzarella with firm tofu cubes or store-bought vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap herbs with oregano, thyme, and add sun-dried tomatoes to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in the marinade for heat-loving palates.
• Herb Garden Mix: Experiment with fresh basil, rosemary, and chives to create a vibrant, garden-fresh herb blend.

Serving Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Bread or Salads

• Antipasto Appetizer Platter: Arrange marinated mozzarella balls alongside salami, olives, and crusty bread for a stunning Italian-inspired starter that will wow your guests.
• Salad Topper Delight: Slice the marinated mozzarella and scatter over mixed greens, creating a zesty and fresh salad with incredible flavor depth.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Use these herby mozzarella balls as a standout element on a cheese board, pairing beautifully with cured meats and crackers for an elegant snacking experience.
• Warm Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted baguette slices or warm focaccia, allowing guests to spread the herbed mozzarella directly onto fresh bread for an irresistible bite.

Storage Tips for Mozzarella Balls

• Store marinated mozzarella in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the cheese completely submerged in the marinade to preserve flavor and texture.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, ensuring all cheese is covered in oil. Freeze for up to 2 months, allowing gentle thawing in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated mozzarella to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance taste and restore original texture.
• Before serving leftovers, gently remove cheese from marinade using a slotted spoon to prevent overwhelming oiliness.

FAQs

• What herbs work best for this marinade?

Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme are perfect choices. They add vibrant flavor and complement the mozzarella’s creamy texture.

• Can I use different types of mozzarella?

Yes, you can use either fresh small mozzarella balls or cut larger mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Fresh, high-quality mozzarella gives the best results.

• How long can I keep the marinated mozzarella?

The marinated mozzarella stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and become more intense over time.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade marinated mozzarella balls blend Italian herbs and olive oil for a delightful appetizer. Mediterranean flavors shine through creamy cheese, inviting guests to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cheese Ingredient:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained

Marinade Herbs and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and/or basil, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Liquid and Oil Components:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a clean glass jar, combine fresh basil, rosemary, minced garlic, zesty lemon juice, salt, and cracked black pepper with fragrant olive oil, whisking until herbs are evenly distributed.
2. Gently immerse soft mozzarella balls into the aromatic marinade, ensuring each sphere is completely coated with the herbed oil mixture.
3. Seal the jar tightly and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and penetrate the cheese for a minimum of 60 minutes before serving.
4. Prior to presentation, let the marinated mozzarella rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften and enhance the herb-infused taste.
5. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a delightful appetizer, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella balls for the best flavor and texture.
• Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance the marinade’s richness and depth.
• Customize the herb blend with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a personalized touch.
• Let the mozzarella marinate overnight for more intense flavor absorption and a more developed taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Curing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 136 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg