Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Simple Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that always wow’s a crowd. It’s the ideal snack for any of your holiday gatherings or celebrations. Serve it with crusty bread or as a part of your charcuterie/cheese board!

about these marinated mozzarella balls

Appetizers are one of my favorite things to enjoy, especially when I’m hosting a gathering. All those little nibbles and bites are the best part of the event for me!

These marinated mozzarella balls are the perfect easy appetizer recipe because they are so simple to make and they are loaded with fresh herbaceous flavors. They look fancier than they are, therefore impressing your guests without you having to do a lot of work to make them.

Making them ahead of time is super simple, since they will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days! The longer they sit, the better they taste, so it’s not a bad idea to have them in the refrigerator often for impromptu gatherings and guests.

The fresh herbs and garlic really compliment the flavors in the extra virgin olive oil and creamy mozzarella balls. Plus, the leftover oil makes for the best dipping oil for your favorite bread!

ingredients

oil. You will need to use extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. Do not use plain olive oil. I recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil if you can, as the flavor will be better.

garlic. Sliced fresh garlic is ideal for this recipe! You can also use minced garlic, if that’s what you have on hand.

herbs. Fresh herbs are definitely preferred. You will need fresh basil, fresh thyme, and fresh oregano. If you choose to use dried, please see my notes in the FAQs below about the adjusted amount.

spices. You will need red pepper flakes and kosher salt.

mozzarella. Use bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella for this recipe. You can also use mozzarella pearls!

this recipe’s must haves

All you need for this recipe is a bowl from a set of mixing bowls and a spoon.

To store the marinated mozzarella balls, I prefer to use a mason jar.

here’s how to make marinated mozzarella balls

mix

In a large bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add fresh mozzarella balls to the olive oil mixture and stir fully to coat.

marinate

Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour or longer. The longer they marinate, the better they will taste! Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container or jar.

More easy appetizers to try: Baked Camembert with Cranberries and Walnuts | Roast Beef Sliders | Cheese Corn Balls | Caprese Bruschetta

how long does marinated mozzarella last?

This recipe will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

what kind of mozzarella should I use for this recipe?

You will need to use either bocconcini or cilliegine mozzarella. Mozzarella pearls will also work. You can find any of these at most grocery stores in the deli section by the specialty cheeses. If you can’t find it there, try your local Italian market!

can you freeze marinated mozzarella balls?

I do not recommend freezing them. While you can technically freeze mozzarella cheese, the texture suffers and it just isn’t the same.

can I use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs are definitely preferred since they yield the best flavor in this recipe.

However, if you do not have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. You will need to use a lot less that the amount needed for the fresh herbs. To modify the recipe, you will need 2 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried oregano.

help, my oil solidified in the fridge! what do I do?

No problem! That is just the fats in the oil solidifying. Take the jar or container out one hour before you plan to serve them. This will allow it to come to room temperature and the oil will become liquid again. Shake it up and serve.

what should I do with the leftover oil?

The leftover oil for the marinade makes a great dipping oil for your favorite breads!

should I eat these warm or cold?

These marinated mozzarella balls are best enjoyed at room temperature. I recommend taking them out about an hour before you plan to eat them to allow them to come to room temperature.

Need more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipe page!

what to serve with marinated mozzarella balls

These balls of cheese can be served in a variety of ways! You can serve them up with crusty slices of bread because you can add the cheese to the bread, as well as dipping the bread in that flavored oil (it’s sooooo delicious). You can also serve them alongside crackers with halved cherry tomatoes to make a simple appetizer.

Alternatively, add these mozzarella balls to a cheese board or a charcuterie board like this Christmas cheese board! They are a nice addition and give a little variety to the typical spread. You can also add them to an antipasto platter with crispy prosciutto, olives, and more.

They make the perfect last-minute addition to a party, whether you are serving them as a light snack before dinner or as a little add-on to a full spread of small bites. If you are looking for some Italian themed appetizers to serve alongside this recipe, here are some of our favorites:

Serve these balls with crusty bread or crackers alongside a bowl of spicy pepperoncini relish! The flavors of the cheese and the relish are a fun play on each other.

Drizzled with hot honey, these bacon wrapped dates are a whole new take on the classic recipe.

For a more elevated option, try small bowls of easy risotto with asparagus and peas.

If you love seafood, these simple air fryer scallops come out perfect every single time. Plus they are served with a tasty chive lemon butter.

These are also excellent to add to a New Year’s appetizers table!

how to store

Store. Marinated mozzarella balls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to store the balls in the oil – the longer they marinate the better they will taste!

more mozzarella recipes

Grilled avocado caprese chicken is topped with fresh basil, tomato, and slices of mozzarella. It’s the perfect easy main dish for any night of the week.

If you love mozzarella and pasta salad, try out this summer lemon pasta salad or sun dried tomato pasta salad.

Simple and elegant burrata caprese salad is an easy salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or an appetizer.

Finally, if you make this marinated mozzarella balls recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!