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–+ servings
A jar filled with marinated mozzarella balls in olive oil, herbs, and spices, placed on a rustic wooden surface.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls (4 Flavor Variations!)

Sarah Mock
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Ready in just 10 minutes (but even better after a few hours), these flavor-packed bites transform simple mozzarella cheese into a mouthwatering starter.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Marinate 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
servings8 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

Method 

Prep the cheese
  1. Drain mozzarella balls and pat very dry with paper towels (this helps the marinade cling)
    8 ounces ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls
Chop Herbs
  1. 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
Combine ingredients
  1. 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
Coat
  1. Add mozzarella to a clean jar and pour the oil and herbs over the balls. Gently stir/toss to coat.
Marinate
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days). Flavors intensify over time!
Serve
  1. Skewer with toothpicks for appetizers, or spoon over salads, crusty bread, or grilled veggies.
  2. Drizzle leftover oil on pasta, pizza, or dips!

Nutrition

Serving: 3balls | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.003g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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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Nutrition Discolure

Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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