Quick & Creamy Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Olive oil marinated mozzarella balls dance with Mediterranean flavors, revolutionizeing simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Soft, creamy cheese absorbs rich herbal notes and zesty undertones, creating a sensational appetizer that delights the palate.

These delectable bites offer a perfect balance of smooth texture and aromatic complexity.

Infused with carefully selected herbs and spices, the marinated mozzarella becomes an irresistible treat for any gathering.

Each spherical morsel promises an explosion of taste that elevates ordinary cheese to extraordinary heights.

Versatile and elegant, these marinated mozzarella balls serve as a stunning addition to charcuterie boards or standalone snacks.

Guests will be impressed by the depth of flavor and luxurious presentation.

Easy Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls You’ll Make on Repeat

• Burst with Herbal Flavor: Infuse basic mozzarella balls with an explosion of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano that transform ordinary cheese into a gourmet experience.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: Toss ingredients together in minutes, requiring no complex cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results with minimal effort.
• Versatile Party Appetizer: Create an impressive, make-ahead snack that can be served chilled at gatherings, packed in lunch boxes, or used as a sophisticated addition to charcuterie boards with zero last-minute stress.
• Healthier Snacking Option: Leverage the nutritional benefits of olive oil and fresh herbs, providing a protein-rich, low-carb treat that feels indulgent while supporting a balanced diet.

Ingredients Needed for Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Olive Oil: Smooth, high-quality base for marinating with rich flavor and heart-healthy benefits.
• Mozzarella Balls: Fresh, soft cheese that absorbs herbs and spices beautifully, perfect for appetizers.

• Garlic, Basil, Thyme, Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs that provide aromatic depth and complex flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and slight kick to the marinated cheese.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances herb intensity.

• Airtight Container: Essential for preserving marinade and maintaining cheese quality in refrigerator.

How to Make Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls at Home

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Infusion

Finely mince garlic and chop fresh basil into delicate pieces. Combine all herbs and spices in a medium-sized mixing bowl, creating a vibrant flavor base.

Step 2: Create Marinade Magic

Pour olive oil into the herb mixture. Whisk ingredients together until they form a harmonious, aromatic blend. The oil will capture and carry all the incredible herbal notes.

Step 3: Coat Mozzarella Balls

Gently add mozzarella balls into the marinade. Use a soft spatula to carefully roll and coat each ball, ensuring complete coverage with the herb-infused oil.

Step 4: Develop Flavor Depths

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour. Allowing longer marinating time (up to 24 hours) will intensify the flavor profile.

Step 5: Store and Serve

Transfer marinated mozzarella balls to an airtight glass container. Refrigerate and consume within 5 days for maximum freshness and taste.

• Enjoy as an appetizer
• Add to salads
• Use in charcuterie boards
• Serve with crusty bread

Tips for Flavorful and Creamy Mozzarella Balls

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality, soft mozzarella balls and premium extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let mozzarella marinate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the cheese.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to create your unique marinade variation.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Remove marinated mozzarella from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to enhance taste and texture.
• Perfect Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle extra marinade over the cheese for an elegant appetizer or side dish.

Store and Reuse Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Safely

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer marinated mozzarella balls to a clean, sealed glass container, ensuring they remain completely submerged in olive oil marinade to preserve freshness and flavor intensity.
• Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated mozzarella balls within 5 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any signs of spoilage before serving.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm mozzarella balls at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing olive oil to soften and flavors to bloom, avoiding direct microwave heating which can compromise delicate cheese texture.

Perfect Pairings for Mozzarella Balls in Olive Oil

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic, artisan baguette or ciabatta to soak up the herby olive oil and create a delightful appetizer that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy mozzarella and cut through the richness of the herb-infused olive oil.
• Create a Salad Companion: Toss these marinated mozzarella balls into a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a light lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant, zesty side dish.
• Serve with Charcuterie: Arrange the mozzarella balls alongside prosciutto, salami, and olives for a stunning appetizer platter that will impress guests with minimal effort.

Different Takes on Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Enhance the marinade with fresh rosemary, dill, and a splash of white wine vinegar for a more complex Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Chili Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce to create a fiery version that brings heat to the mozzarella balls.
• Lemon Zest Refresh: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the marinade, giving the mozzarella a tangy and refreshing dimension.
• Garlic Lovers' Dream: Double the garlic amount and include roasted garlic cloves for an intense, rich garlic experience that transforms the original recipe.

Easy Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky Italian mozzarella pearls swim in herby olive oil with Mediterranean charm. Fragrant rosemary, crushed red pepper, and garlic elevate these simple cheese bites that tempt your palate with rustic Italian elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella, drained
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) Bertolli extra virgin olive oil

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh oregano, finely chopped

Spices and Salt:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) kosher salt (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel to combine fragrant olive oil with minced garlic, freshly chopped basil, delicate thyme leaves, robust oregano, zesty red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt.
2. Gently introduce whole mozzarella balls into the aromatic marinade, carefully rotating and coating each sphere to ensure complete flavor absorption.
3. Allow the cheese to luxuriate in the herbal infusion, permitting the ingredients to meld and intensify their essence for a minimum of sixty minutes. Extended marinating time will amplify the depth and complexity of flavors.
4. Transfer the infused mozzarella balls into a sealed glass container, preserving their marinated state within the cool confines of the refrigerator for optimal freshness and taste preservation.
5. When ready to serve, remove the mozzarella from the refrigerator approximately fifteen minutes prior to consumption, enabling the olive oil to return to room temperature and enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Notes

• Marinate mozzarella balls in herb-infused olive oil for a burst of Mediterranean flavor that intensifies with time.
• Freshly chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano create a vibrant, aromatic coating that transforms simple cheese into a gourmet appetizer.
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat, perfectly balancing the creamy mozzarella’s mild taste.
• Ideal for meal prep, these marinated cheese balls can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them a convenient party snack or quick appetizer.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious addition to charcuterie boards, salads, or as a standalone bite-sized treat.
• Experiment with additional herbs or spices to customize the marinade and create your unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg