Marinated Mozzarella Balls

4.75 from 8 votes

Need an easy, dependable appetizer that is both simple to make and a complete crowd pleaser? This herbaceous olive oil-marinated mozzarella recipe is exactly what you're looking for! It takes less than 5 minutes of your time to put together, then the creamy mozzarella soaks up all that delicious robust flavor as it marinates. Serve in a charcuterie board, with crostini, tossed with cherry tomatoes, or even on top of pizza!

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 327kcal

Author: Eden Westbrook

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls drained
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
Pinch of kosher salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoon fresh basil finely chopped
2 teaspoon fresh parsley finely chopped
2 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
2 teaspoon fresh oregano finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Put the drained mozzarella balls into a large mason jar, set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice.
Pour the marinade into the mason jar over all the mozzarella. Stir with a small spoon to coat all the cheese in the olive oil marinade. Let marinate for an hour on the countertop if serving same day.
If making ahead, cover the mason jar tightly and keep the marinating mozzarella in the fridge overnight. An hour before serving, take the jar out and let come to room temperature so the oil can liquify again.

Notes

What type of mozzarella to use

Use ciliegine, perlini, or bocconcini mozzarella for this appetizer, they're the perfect sizes to use.

Storing

You want to store marinated mozzarella balls in the fridge for up to 2 days. Fresh raw garlic can be dangerous in anaerobic conditions (like being smothered in oil) if given the opportunity to sit around for too long.

The oil will solidify in the fridge, that's completely normal. Let the appetizer warm up to room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Nutrition