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–+ servings

Marinated Mozzarella Balls (4 Flavor Variations!)

Created by: Sarah Mock
A jar filled with marinated mozzarella balls in olive oil, herbs, and spices, placed on a rustic wooden surface.
prep time5 minutes
Marinate 1 hour
total time1 hour 5 minutes
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

Classic Italian Herb

  • 8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
  • ¾ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Rosemary (fresh)
  • 1 Teaspoon Thyme (fresh)
  • 1 Tablespoon Basil (fresh, about 8 large leaves)
  • ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ Red Pepper Flakes

Lemon Herb

  • 8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
  • ¾ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 Tablespoon Mint (fresh)
  • 1 Tablespoon Basil (fresh, about 8 large leaves)
  • ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ Red Pepper Flake

Balsamic & Herb

  • 8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
  • ¾ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Cloves Garlic (crushed or sliced thinly)
  • 1 Tablespoon Basil (fresh, about 8 large leaves)
  • 1 Tablespoon Parsley
  • ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ Red Pepper Flake

Rosemary-Chili

  • 8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
  • ¾ Cup Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoon Rosemary (fresh)
  • 3 Cloves Garlic (crushed or sliced thinly)
  • 1 Tablespoon Basil (fresh, about 8 large leaves)
  • 1 Tablespoon Parsley
  • ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flake

Instructions
 

Prep the cheese

  • Drain mozzarella balls and pat very dry with paper towels (this helps the marinade cling)
    8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
    Top-down view of ingredients on a wooden surface, featuring marinated mozzarella balls on a plate, surrounded by lemon, basil, mint, olive oil in a jug, and spices in a bowl.

Chop Herbs

  • Finely chop the herbs. Use the broad side of a Chef knife to crush the peppercorns.
    1 Tablespoon Rosemary, 1 Teaspoon Thyme, 1 Tablespoon Basil, ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns
    Chopped herbs and spices on a wooden cutting board with a knife. Nearby, a small bowl contains salt and pepper flakes.

Combine ingredients

  • In a bowl or jar, mix the oil with herbs, salt, and any optional add-ins.
    1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt, ¼ Red Pepper Flakes, ¾ Cup Olive Oil
    A plastic container filled with olive oil, chopped herbs, and red pepper flakes. A glass jar is partially visible on the wooden surface.

Coat

  • Add mozzarella to a clean jar and pour the oil and herbs over the balls. Gently stir/toss to coat.
    Top view of a glass jar containing marinated mozzarella balls in olive oil, herbs, and spices. A spoon is partially visible beside the jar on a wooden surface.

Marinate

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days). Flavors intensify over time!
    Two jars of marinated cheese sit on a wooden surface. One jar contains yellow marinated cubes, while the other holds marinated mozzarella balls in oil with herbs. A spoon rests in the open jar, ready to serve these delightful bites.

Serve

  • Skewer with toothpicks for appetizers, or spoon over salads, crusty bread, or grilled veggies.
    A fork holding a marinated mozzarella ball garnished with chopped herbs, above a jar filled with more mozzarella balls and oil.
  • Drizzle leftover oil on pasta, pizza, or dips!

Notes

Flavor Tip
Save the stem of the rosemary once the leaves have been removed. Add them to the bottom of the container. The stems have a LOT of flavor in them.

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