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I am known for cheese boards – I love to arrange all sorts of cheese and crackers, with antipasti and other delicious snacks to graze on – and fresh, herby Marinated Mozzarella is one of my favorite additions. If you’ve never had mozzarella balls, swimming in olive oil, herbs, garlic and pepper flakes, you’re in for a treat. This appetizer is great in a cheese board, or on it’s own, especially with fresh summer tomatoes!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to Marinate Mozzarella
This recipe is super simple, and great in a cheese plate, or with no-knead bread and bread dip before a meal!
Marinated Mozzarella Balls Ingredients
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), drained and patted dry: The creamy, mild base of the dish. Their soft texture soaks up the marinade beautifully, absorbing flavor while remaining tender and rich.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Acts as the primary carrier for flavor and moisture. It coats the cheese, preserves the herbs, and gives the dish a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional for tang): Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and oil. Helps balance the flavor and elevate freshness.
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced: Infuses the oil and cheese with pungent, savory depth. Raw garlic adds a bold, aromatic kick to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a clean, grassy note and visual contrast. It balances the richer flavors and adds freshness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade (or 1 teaspoon dried): Brings a sweet, peppery flavor and classic Italian aroma. Fresh basil adds a more delicate, aromatic note; dried is stronger and longer-lasting.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy, slightly bitter undertones that are essential in Mediterranean marinades. Pairs well with both the cheese and olive oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces subtle heat and complexity. Adds contrast to the creamy mozzarella and the richness of the oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt: Enhances all other flavors and helps bring out the natural taste of the mozzarella and herbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild spice and aromatic sharpness, balancing the acidity and oil.
- Optional additions: lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, olives: Lemon zest brightens and sharpens the flavor with citrus oil. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, tang, and chewiness. Olives contribute briny richness and a salty, savory contrast.
Process to Make Marinated Mozzarella
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Pat Dry
Pat mozzarella balls dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick and prevent it from becoming watery.
Mix Herbs
In a bowl or jar, combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice (if using), garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Mix & Marinate
Place the mozzarella in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. Stir or shake occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
Serve
Bring to room temperature before serving. Great on crostini, in salads, or alongside olives and cured meats.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella: Choose fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini) or cubed mozzarella. Avoid pre-shredded or low-moisture types—they won’t absorb the marinade well.
Pat mozzarella dry before marinating: Remove excess moisture with paper towels. Dry cheese absorbs the oil and seasonings better and prevents the marinade from becoming watery.
Use good olive oil: Since the oil is a big part of the flavor, use a fruity, extra virgin olive oil for the best results. You can also blend with a neutral oil to tone it down, if preferred.
Add plenty of herbs and aromatics: Great options include garlic, chili flakes, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and crushed peppercorns. Dried herbs work, but fresh herbs give brighter flavor—just make sure they’re dry to avoid spoilage.
Include acid for balance: A splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice balances the richness of the cheese and oil and keeps the flavor bright.
Marinate for at least 2–4 hours: Let the mozzarella sit in the fridge for several hours (or overnight) so the flavors fully infuse. Stir or shake occasionally for even coating.
Bring to room temperature before serving: The oil will solidify in the fridge. Let the mozzarella sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving so the flavors bloom and the oil returns to liquid.
Store in a sealed jar or container: Use an airtight glass jar or container for storage. It keeps the flavors intact and makes serving easy.
Use the leftover oil: The marinade oil becomes deeply flavorful—drizzle it over salads, bread, grilled vegetables, or pasta.
Eat within 5–7 days: Marinated mozzarella is best enjoyed within a week. If using fresh garlic and herbs, keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it out for extended periods.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls FAQs
Use fresh mozzarella, such as ciliegine (small balls), bocconcini, or mozzarella pearls. They absorb marinade well and have a soft, creamy texture. Avoid shredded or low-moisture mozzarella.
Yes. If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 the amount you’d use for fresh, as they’re more concentrated. Dried oregano, thyme, basil, or crushed red pepper work well.
For best flavor, marinate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Stir or shake occasionally to ensure even coating.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Use a clean utensil each time to avoid introducing bacteria. If using fresh garlic or herbs, keep it chilled at all times.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of fresh mozzarella becomes watery and rubbery after thawing.
Yes. Even though it’s stored in oil, fresh mozzarella is perishable and should be kept refrigerated.
Olive oil naturally solidifies when cold. Let the jar sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving, or place it briefly in warm water to liquefy.
Yes, if stored properly and used within a few days. Drizzle over salads, grilled veggies, pasta, or bread. Do not reuse it for marinating raw foods unless it has been heated to a safe temperature.
Absolutely. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, lemon zest, or even artichoke hearts for more flavor and variety.
No. Because fresh mozzarella and garlic are perishable, always refrigerate marinated mozzarella. Leaving it out increases the risk of spoilage or bacterial growth.
What to serve With Marinated Mozzarella Balls
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, ciliegine or bocconcini, drained and patted dry
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice, optional for tang
- 2 –3 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional additions: lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, olives
Instructions
- Pat mozzarella balls dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick and prevent it from becoming watery.
- In a bowl or jar, combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice (if using), garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Place the mozzarella in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. Stir or shake occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
- Bring to room temperature before serving. Great on crostini, in salads, or alongside olives and cured meats.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
