Name: Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces mozzarella balls; 3/4 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; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

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:

marinated mozzarella on pieces of bread with jar in background

Table of Contents hide

1) Ingredients needed

2) How to make this appetizer

3) How to serve

4) Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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!

overhead view of glass jar with marinated mozzarella on wooden tray with bread pieces beside

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

mixing marinade and tossing with mozzarella balls

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.

mozzarella appetizer on wooden serving tray

Food tastes better when its shared! If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rate below!

Yield: 8 servings

Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

16 ounces mozzarella balls
3/4 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
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 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

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The olive oil will soldiify in the fridge. Allow to come back to room temperature on the counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour to bring back to a liquid.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Ingredients needed

How to make this appetizer