Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Marinated mozzarella balls are an easy appetizer that takes less than 15 minutes to make. Pearl Mozzarella balls are immersed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. A great appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or any party – it always impresses!
This is my kind of appetizer – a few fresh and flavorful ingredients you just toss together and voila! Delicious eating with hardly any work.
This no cook recipe is perfect for parties and potlucks!
Other simple appetizer recipes:
Ingredients needed
- Mozzarella balls – technically called ciliegine, these are tiny pearls of mozzarella that are about the size of cherries. Bocconcini work as well, they are the size of a cherry tomato. You can usually find them in the deli cheese case with the specialty cheeses.
- Olive Oil – you want a really good quality cold pressed olive oil with lots of flavor.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic minced really small here, or you can use a garlic paste from the produce section, too.
- Fresh herbs – We use basil, themy, and oregano here.
- Salt and Pepper – to season it
- Optional – Want a little more kick? Add in some red pepper flakes!
How to make this appetizer
This dish could not be simpler to prepare!
- Slice and chop the fresh herbs.
- Mix the fresh herbs with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Add the mozzarella balls and toss to coat.
- Allow them to marinate for at least 1 hour. You can place them in the fridge, or let them be on the counter to marinate.
How to serve
These are utterly amazing when served with crusty bread. Baguette is my favorite choice
Try these other ideas:
- In a zest italian salad
- Add them to a pasta like spaghetti
- Serve them with tomatoes for a fun caprese spin
- Pile them on a charcuterie board
Storage information
These mozzarella balls can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Recipe Questions
Olive Oil Solidified? Eventually the olive oil will solidify in the fridge. Place the container on the counter and allow it to sit for a while (it takes about 30 minutes), and the olive oil will warm up and return to a liquid again.
Leftover Olive Oil? Enjoy and leftover infused olive oil by dipping it with your favorite bread! You can also use it for cooking, or as a salad dressing.
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice and chop the fresh herbs. Place them into a mason jar or serving container with a lid.
- Mix the fresh herbs with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Add the mozzarella balls and toss to coat.
- Allow them to marinate for at least 1 hour. You can place them in the fridge, or let them be on the counter to marinate.
Notes
Nutrition
Want a more step by step version of this recipe? Check out the how to make mozzarella balls story.
