These easy olive oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls are perfect for entertaining or snacking. Tossed in a rich and zesty Mediterranean-inspired marinade, each one is bursting with irresistible flavors!
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I can’t resist popping one of these Marinated Mozzarella Balls into my mouth, whether they’re hanging out in my fridge or part of a charcuterie platter. They’re the perfect snack you can throw together in minutes using simple ingredients! So zesty and creamy, any cheese lover is sure to fall for them just as hard as I did.
Making marinated mozzarella cheese balls couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is toss the cheese in a delectable marinade made from olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and citrus, set them aside to marinate, and then dig in!
I know it’s hard to resist eating them straight from the jar, but I highly recommend saving a few to add to a salad, antipasto platters, charcuterie boards, and more.
Keep a batch of these mozzarella balls and my collection of 40+ Easy Mozzarella Recipes handy for when the cheese cravings strike!
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Love
This recipe is literally the most amazing recipe I’ve ever made!
So tasty! We really enjoyed this!
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Ingredient notes
- Mozzarella balls – Look for fresh mozzarella balls, often labeled as “bocconcini” or “ciliegine”. If you can’t find them, you can cut a fresh mozzarella block or ball into bite-sized pieces.
- Extra virgin olive oil – The rich and luxurious base of the marinade. Use the best quality “cold-pressed” olive oil you can find. It really makes a difference in the flavor of the marinade.
- Garlic
- Fresh basil and parsley – Fresh herbs are a must for a bright and refreshing Mediterranean flavor. Try not to use dried herbs as a substitute, as they don’t pack the same punch.
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes – Add as much as you can handle if you like a bit of heat. If not, you can skip them altogether.
- Sea salt
How to make marinated mozzarella balls
Step 1
Drain and dry the mozzarella
- First, drain the mozzarella balls in a sieve or colander over the sink, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
Make the marinade
- Whisk the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and salt in a shallow bowl.
Step 3
Marinate
- Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the marinade and toss until the balls are well coated.
- Set aside to marinate for at least 1 hour or leave them in the fridge overnight.
Tips and tricks
- Always drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel before marinating. This way, the marinade won’t be watered down and the cheese will have a better chance of soaking in all of the flavors from the marinade.
- Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor to the marinade for mozzarella balls that dried herbs just can’t match. If you can, chop your herbs right before adding them to preserve their flavors.
- Let the cheese marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best results. If you’re marinating for more than 3 hours, give the container a shake every now and then to make sure the cheese is able to absorb all of the flavors.
Variations
- Add balsamic or honey: Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar in the marinade for a touch of tanginess or honey for a subtle sweetness.
- Marinate with veggies: Roasted red peppers can introduce a sweet, smoky element, while sun-dried tomatoes offer a rich, umami taste.
- Add flavor boosters: Add a tender, briny element with artichoke hearts, capers, or olives. A spoonful of basil pesto will do the trick if you want to add a vibrant green color and some Italian flair.
What to do with marinated mozzarella balls
You can be like me and enjoy the mozzarella straight from the fridge as a flavorful snack or use it as a last-minute party appetizer. You’ll also love the cheese with these recipes:
- Antipasto platter/charcuterie board: Serve the cheese alongside cured meats, olives, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts for a stunning antipasto spread. Or, incorporate them into charcuterie boards with other cheeses, meats, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Salads: Toss them into your favorite salads. They pair particularly well with a Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons, an Italian Chopped Salad, and this Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad (in place of the feta).
- Pizza topping: The balls melt beautifully and add a gourmet touch to your homemade pizza!
- Bruschetta: Top homemade crostini with marinated mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil for the perfect shareable snack.
- Caprese skewers: Skewer the cheese balls with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a quick and easy Caprese snack or appetizer.
Erin’s wine pairings
When serving these marinated mozzarella balls with antipasti/tapas-inspired dishes—think crispy calamari, olive tapenade, prosciutto di parma wrapped grana padano, brie and prosciutto crostini, pan con tomate, and prosciutto-wrapped avocado—pair them with these wine options to elevate your tasting experience:
- A bright, crisp, and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris complements the delicate flavors without overpowering them.
- If you prefer red wine, a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese will pair beautifully with the garlic and herbs in the marinade.
- For a bubbly option, Chardonnay or Prosecco adds a festive touch to your party’s small plate spread.
FAQs
Where can I buy fresh mozzarella balls?
You should be able to find fresh mozzarella balls labeled as “bocconcini” or “ciliegine” in plastic tubs in the cheese or deli section at most grocery stores. Specialty cheese shops and Italian markets are also great places to find high-quality fresh mozzarella.
Can I reuse the marinade?
Yes, the leftover marinade packs so much flavor into salad dressings and dips for crusty bread. You can also use it to marinate vegetables or chicken before firing them on a hot grill.
Storing
Keep your marinated mozzarella cheese balls in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Try not to eat them all at once—trust me, they get even better with time!
More recipes with mozzarella cheese
More easy no-cook Italian appetizers
Did you make this mozzarella in olive oil?
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Full Recipe
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus additional as needed to cover the mozzarella balls)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 Tablespoon Italian parsley (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella. Drain the mini mozzarella balls in a sieve or colander over the sink, then use a paper towel to pat them dry.
- Make the marinade. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, red pepper flakes and salt.
- Add the mozzarella balls and stir to coat in the marinade.
- Allow to marinate for an hour or longer. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.
Notes
- Always drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel before marinating. This way, the marinade won’t be watered down and the cheese will have a better chance of soaking in all of the flavors from the marinade.
- Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor to the marinade for mozzarella balls that dried herbs just can’t match. If you can, chop your herbs right before adding them to preserve their flavors.
- Let the cheese marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best results. If you’re marinating for more than 3 hours, give the container a shake every now and then to make sure the cheese is able to absorb all of the flavors.
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