Marinated Mozzarella Balls ~
Fresh mozzarella marinated in a blend of olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
Serve as an easy party appetizer, toss into a salad, or add as a topping to homemade pizza.
Easy Appetizer Recipe
These little mozzarella balls are a delicious and easy way to bring extra flavor to your menu. The mozzarella has a soft, creamy texture that takes on the savory goodness of garlic, fresh herbs, and just a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The combination of olive oil, parsley, oregano, and thyme creates a marinade that gives the mozzarella a deliciously rich flavor without being too overpowering.
These little bites work great on an appetizer board, where they pair nicely with other savory snacks like olives and roasted vegetables. You can also toss them into a Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a fresh twist, or use them as a tasty topping on homemade pizza.
I like this recipe because it’s simple yet feels a little fancy. You only need to whisk a few simple ingredients together for the marinade and let the mozzarella soak up the flavors. If you have time, it’s best to let the cheese marinate overnight for an even deeper flavor, but you can still enjoy it after just an hour.
Ingredients for Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, by weight, drained
Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is ideal for creating a rich and flavorful marinade. Note that the oil will solidify in the refrigerator but will return to a liquid state at room temperature—this is normal.
- Italian Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh taste that complements the other herbs beautifully.
- Dried Oregano and Thyme: If using fresh herbs, substitute with 1 1/2 teaspoons of each.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with bold, savory flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella balls, such as mozzarella pearls or bocconcini, for a soft, creamy texture that absorbs the marinade well.
How to Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls
STEP ONE: Make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
STEP TWO: Coat the mozzarella. Add the drained mozzarella balls to the olive oil mixture and gently stir to coat evenly.
STEP THREE: Marinate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. The longer the mozzarella marinates, the deeper the flavor.
STEP FOUR: Serve. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh herbs for every 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Is this dish spicy? It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which can be omitted without sacrificing flavor. Or, for a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Can I use different herbs? Absolutely! Basil and rosemary also pair especially well with mozzarella cheese.
- Can I make these in advance? Yes! They can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more the flavors develop.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and flavor once thawed.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Vegan Cocktail Meatballs
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- Air Fryer Green Olives
- Mushroom Pate
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls by weight, drained
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add the drained mozzarella balls to the olive oil mixture and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. The longer the mozzarella marinates, the deeper the flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
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