Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a delicious variation of traditional mozzarella cheese infused with a flavorful combination of herbs, spices, and Calabrian chiles. Serve them with picks as part of an antipasto platter, or as a topping for salads, pizza and sandwiches.
Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Making Marinated Mozzarella Balls couldn’t be easier to do. In fact, it’s a fabulous option for a last minute appetizer as they mozzarella pearls only need around an hour to marinate. The process involves soaking fresh mozzarella balls or slices in a mixture of olive oil and sometimes balsamic vinegar seasoned with fresh herbs such as basil, Italian parsley and fresh rosemary. The rich, creamy texture and flavorful marinade can be enjoyed as the complementary ingredient for many dishes. How do you make simple Marinated Mozzarella Balls? (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)
- Herbs – use a sharp knife to chop basil, parsley and rosemary. Adjust the amount of rosemary to your personal taste using one or two tablespoons.
- Seasoned Oil – Add olive oil, basil, parsley, rosemary, Calabrian chiles, salt and garlic to a small bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
- Combine – Add mozzarella balls to a medium bowl or large mason jar. Pour olive oil mixture over them.
- Marinate – Cover then let stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to marinate.
- Serve with picks and crostini and a side of olives, if desired.
How to Make the BEST Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe
- Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Marinated Mozzarella Balls: Plain mozzarella balls or pearls (bocconcini), extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil, chopped Italian parsley, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, Calabrian chiles OR crushed red pepper flakes, medium garlic cloves. Plus olives and crostini for serving.
- Kitchen tools you’ll need: Small bowl, medium bowl, whisk, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons and a large mason jar or glass bowl for marinating.
- Mozzarella balls are sometimes referred to as “pearls” and bocconcini. These are basically the same so it’s fine to use any for this recipe.
- The beauty of this easy cheese appetizer is the process takes very little time. The marinating process allows the flavors to permeate the mozzarella cheese, resulting in a more vibrant and savory taste and in the instance of this recipe Calabrian chiles add heat.
- If you prefer a more mild flavor you can omit the Calabrian chiles and use the amount of crushed red pepper flakes that’s suits your taste.
- The storage time for marinated mozzarella balls depends on a few factors, including the ingredients used in the marinade and how the cheese was prepared. Typically, marinated mozzarella can be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week if kept in an airtight container or jar, submerged in the marinade.
- Please note: Once chilled the oil may solidify.
- Due to using fresh ingredients in these Mozzarella Balls I recommend storing them for 5-7 days.
- Freezing fresh mozzarella can change the texture of the cheese so it’s best to make this recipe and enjoy it fresh.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Make
- You can make these Sweet and Sour Meatballs in a crockpot or on the stovetop.
- Broccoli Cheese Dip will have the family eating their veggies and loving it!
- Bruschetta is a fresh and light option that comes together in minutes.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo is a must for fiesta night at home.
- The seafood fans at your table will love this Shrimp Toast.
- Boiled Peanuts are sold at roadside farm stands throughout the South. You can make your own at home and adjust the salt to your taste.
- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a party staple.
- Meaty Rotel Dip with tortilla chips never lasts long. You may want to make a double batch.
- Smoked Gouda Beer Dip from Food Network.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using on of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Helpful Kitchen Items:
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 3 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
- 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chopped Calabrian chiles OR crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 medium garlic cloves minced
- 1 16 oz package plain mozzarella balls or pearls
- olives and crostini for serving
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to chop basil, parsley and rosemary. Adjust the amount of rosemary to your personal taste using one or two tablespoons.
- Add olive oil, basil, parsley, rosemary, chiles, salt and garlic to a small bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
- Add mozzarella balls to a medium glass bowl or large mason jar. Pour olive oil mixture over them. Cover then let stand at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to marinate.
- Serve with picks and crostini and a side of olives.
The recipe sounds amazing, and so easy! Will be making it for a neighborhood gathering!!
Perfect occasion!