Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Make these Marinated Mozzarella Balls when you need a quick and easy appetizer recipe!
You only need 5 minutes to prep these mozzarella balls so it’s the perfect appetizer to make when you don’t have alot of time.
With garlic, lemon and fresh herbs, these marinated mozzarella balls are packed with flavor and sure to impress.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Just like my olive oil marinated burrata cheese appetizer, these marinated mozzarella balls are one of my go-to appetizers. Marinate mini fresh mozzarella balls with a handful of fresh and pantry ingredients in an olive oil mixture for the perfect bite-sized appetizer. They make a great appetizer anytime of year paired with crusty bread or as a part of a cheese board!
Why you’ll love these marinated mozzarella balls
- Simple: You can find all of the ingredients needed for this simple recipe at your local grocery store.
- Quick: Add all of the ingredients to a glass jar or large bowl, marinate and enjoy!
- Crowd-pleaser: Creamy bites of cheese are enveloped by bright, fresh flavors for the perfect bite.
Ingredients you will need to make this appetizer
Mozzarella balls: You can use ciliegine mozzarella balls or bocconcini mozzarella balls. Bocconcini balls are usually the easiest to find and are sometimes labeled ‘mini.’ Alternatively they can be called ‘mozzarella pearls.’
Extra virgin olive oil: Try to use good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor in this recipe.
Fresh herbs: Use minced fresh herbs (your choice of a mix of basil, parsley, oregano, chives and/or dill). My two favorites are fresh basil and fresh parsley, however, you can use your favorite herbs here.
Garlic: Three small garlic cloves for a pop of zingy flavor.
Dried herbs & spices: Kosher salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes and dried oregano round out the flavors.
Lemon: You will use both lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the flavors
Variations to try
- Add flavor boosters: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts or capers to enhance the flavor of this appetizer.
- Swap the lemon juice: For a tangier or different flavor, use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice.
- Switch up the herbs: Swap the herbs for what’s in season – in the Fall and Winter, add some fresh thyme and/or fresh rosemary along with parsley and basil. In the Spring and Summer, add chopped fresh oregano, chives or fresh dill in place of some of the basil.
Tips and tricks
- Pat the mozzarella balls dry: Before marinating, make sure to drain and then pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towel. This ensures they can absorb all of the flavors you are marinating them with.
- Glass jar or container: I find the marinated mozzarella balls taste best when stored in a glass jar or container when stored in the fridge. Large mason jars work great too!
- For the best flavor: Make sure to let everything marinate for 30-60 minutes, if not a couple of hours or overnight to really let the flavors meld together.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference in this recipe so opt to use them when you can.
How to enjoy marinated mozzarella balls
On a cheese board or with charcuterie: This marinated mozzarella is the perfect flavorful addition to a cheese board, charcuterie board or antipasto platter.
With bread and/or pitas: This mozzarella cheese balls make a great addition to a platter with fresh, crusty bread (or your favorite bread) or pitas, roasted red peppers, hummus and other crunchy fresh vegetables.
As a salad topper: Make your favourite green salad and use these flavorful mozzarella balls as a delicious topper.
FAQs
They are both smaller, bite-sized mozzarella balls. Make sure to look for ‘mini or mini-mini’ bocconcini balls as they will be more bite-sized for this appetizer.
If you are running low on time, marinate the mozzarella balls at room temperature for 30-60 minutes and then serve. Store leftovers in the fridge.
If there is a lot of leftover oil, you could use it up by adding to a salad dressing or use as a quick marinade.
How to store these marinated mozzarella balls
- Fridge: Store these marinated mozzarella balls in an airtight container (glass preferred) in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Room temperature: After the mozzarella balls have been marinating in the fridge, they can sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours while enjoying.
More quick, cheesy appetizers from the blog
- Lemon and Fresh Basil Burrata Cheese Appetizer
- 5-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese with Apricot Jam
- Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Recipe (perfect chip dip!)
Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or substitute with red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (mix of basil, dill, chives and/or parsley)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 250-300 grams (8-10 oz) fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and patted dry
Instructions
- To a large glass jar or container add the olive oil, minced or sliced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, salt, dried oregano and chili flakes. Whisk together to combine.
- Add the mozzarella balls and use a spoon to toss the mozzarella balls in the olive oil mixture until well coated. Let the mozzarella marinate at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.Alternatively, you can marinate for up to 12-24 hours in the fridge. Remove from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crostini, crusty bread or as a part of a charcuterie or cheese board.
