Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

When it comes to entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a flavorful snack, nothing quite compares to the simplicity and elegance of Marinated Mozzarella Balls. This appetizer delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors — soft, creamy mozzarella infused with the boldness of herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it also looks stunning on a serving platter and pairs perfectly with rustic Italian bread or crunchy crostini.

Whether you’re planning a weekend gathering, a wine and cheese night, or just looking for a new way to enjoy fresh mozzarella, this marinated version is bound to become a favorite.

Why Marinated Mozzarella Balls?

Mozzarella cheese, particularly the mini mozzarella pearls, is naturally mild, fresh, and soft. While delicious on its own, it serves as a blank canvas for absorbing bold flavors. By marinating the cheese in a mixture of high-quality olive oil, herbs, and spices, you can completely transform its flavor profile.

Marinated mozzarella is a staple in Italian-inspired appetizer spreads. It adds a burst of savory flavor to charcuterie boards, antipasto platters, and is the perfect topping for toasted bread or crackers. Best of all, it requires minimal prep and no cooking, making it the ideal make-ahead appetizer.

Ingredients That Make It Special

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why each one plays a crucial role in the recipe:

• Mini Mozzarella Pearls (350g)
  These small, fresh mozzarella balls are perfect for marinating. Their petite size allows them to soak up flavors quickly and evenly.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (2 tbsp)
  Packed in oil, these provide a sweet, tangy flavor and a slightly chewy texture. They bring a lovely contrast to the soft mozzarella and infuse the oil with richness.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (150 ml)
  Use a high-quality olive oil for best results. This acts as the base of the marinade and carries the flavors of the herbs, spices, and garlic into the mozzarella.

• Fresh Garlic (2 small cloves, minced)
  Garlic adds depth and sharpness to the marinade. When infused in oil, its boldness mellows out into a rich, aromatic flavor.

• Parsley (1 tbsp)
  Fresh or dried, parsley gives a fresh, earthy note and brightens the mix. It also adds visual appeal.

• Fresh Basil (8 leaves)
  Basil adds that signature Italian touch. Its sweet, slightly peppery flavor pairs perfectly with mozzarella.

• Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp)
  A Mediterranean classic, oregano adds a warm, herbaceous tone to the mix.

• Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp)
  Thyme adds a subtle woodsy and floral element, enhancing the complexity of the marinade.

• Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)
  If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Salt (to taste)
  Enhances all the ingredients and ties the flavors together. Always adjust based on your preference.

• Black Pepper (1/3 tsp)
  Adds a touch of warmth and spice to round out the flavor profile.

How to Prepare Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Start by placing your mini mozzarella pearls in a large mason jar or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the jar along with minced garlic, herbs, spices, and black pepper.

Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces to help release their natural oils and aromatic flavor. Pour the extra-virgin olive oil over everything, making sure the mozzarella is fully covered.

Step 2: Let It Marinate
Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, let the mozzarella marinate for at least one hour, though it’s even better if you can let it sit overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop and infuse into the cheese.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the olive oil to return to its natural consistency and helps the flavors become more pronounced.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with crusty Italian bread or crostini. You can also use a spoon to top individual crostini with a few mozzarella pearls and a drizzle of the herbed oil for a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

While marinated mozzarella balls are amazing on their own, there are many creative ways to serve them:

• Charcuterie Boards: Pair with cured meats, olives, roasted peppers, and artichokes for a full antipasto platter.

• Caprese Skewers: Thread mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil onto skewers for a fun twist on the classic Caprese salad.

• Salads: Toss a few marinated mozzarella balls onto a bed of arugula or mixed greens with a drizzle of the marinade as dressing.

• Pizza Topping: Add a gourmet twist to homemade pizzas by topping them with marinated mozzarella just before baking.

• Pasta Dishes: Stir into warm pasta just before serving for added richness and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

Marinated mozzarella balls are the perfect make-ahead dish. In fact, the longer they sit, the better they taste. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled, so allow the container to come to room temperature before serving.

Stored properly, these marinated mozzarella balls will last in the fridge for up to five days. Just be sure to use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination and extend freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels elegant yet unfussy, marinated mozzarella balls are a must-try. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and visually stunning. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy night in, this recipe proves that simplicity in cooking often delivers the most memorable results.

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Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Easy and flavorful marinated mozzarella balls made with herbs, garlic, and olive oil—perfect appetizer with bread, crostini, or on salads.

Type: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: marinated mozzarella balls, mozzarella pearls appetizer, Italian appetizer, easy party snack, cheese appetizer

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

Calories: Approx. 230 kcal per serving

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)

Recipe Ingredients:

• 350g mini mozzarella pearls
• 2 tbsp oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 150 ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh or dried parsley
• 8 fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1/3 tsp black pepper

Recipe Instructions:

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients:

Start by placing your mini mozzarella pearls in a large mason jar or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the jar along with minced garlic, herbs, spices, and black pepper. Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces to help release their natural oils and aromatic flavor. Pour the extra-virgin olive oil over everything, making sure the mozzarella is fully covered.

Step 2: Let It Marinate:

Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. For best results, let the mozzarella marinate for at least one hour, though it's even better if you can let it sit overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop and infuse into the cheese.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy:

Before serving, let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the olive oil to return to its natural consistency and helps the flavors become more pronounced. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with crusty Italian bread or crostini. You can also use a spoon to top individual crostini with a few mozzarella pearls and a drizzle of the herbed oil for a bite-sized, crowd-pleasing appetizer.