Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, perfect if you love fresh mozzarella. Soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, the bocconcini absorbs a complex flavor that is so so good. The best part? They take literally 5 minutes to throw together and then pop into the refrigerator to let the flavors infuse into each other. Serve them cold on their own with a side of toasted pita bread, or add them to salads, pasta, or pizza. No matter how you eat these, you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- Fresh mozzarella is healthy! With less sodium and fewer calories than most cheeses, mozzarella is a cheese that you can feel good about eating. It also contains protein, calcium, and probiotics that improve your gut health. Seconds, anyone?
- These mozzarella balls are bursting with flavor. Marinated in olive oil and garlic, there’s already so much flavor coming into the cheese. But to compliment it even further, throw in a bunch of fresh herbs and some red pepper flakes. You can even add in some balsamic vinegar or basil pesto.
- You can eat it with everything. Okay, maybe not everything—but there’s a long list of meals you can enhance with marinated bocconcini. Try adding these balls on top of salad, pasta, pizza, or in a panini. Or keep things simple with a side of toasted pita bread or other crusty bread on a charcuterie board.
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make delicious and easy marinated mozzarella balls (bocconcini), you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):
- mozzarella balls (or bocconcini)
- extra virgin olive oil - use a high-quality olive oil. Olive oil is a cornerstone ingredient in this recipe, so it needs to be good! You don’t need to break the bank, but you should choose cold-pressed organic olive oil.
- garlic
- herbs - fresh parsley, fresh basil, fresh oregano. I love the potency of fresh herbs. If you must, you can substitute with dried herbs. Add about half of the amount.
- crushed red pepper flakes - adds a little heat. You can add more or less, to taste.
- salt
For some flavor variations, try a drizzle on some balsamic vinegar on top (or completely mix some in if you prefer) or a small scoop of basil pesto.
How to Make the Best Marinated Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini)
This might just be the easiest appetizer you can ever make. All you do is combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in a medium mason jar or bowl. Stir to combine. Then, add drained mozzarella balls and stir to fully coat. Seal lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to infuse into each other, but if you’re in a hurry, you could get away with just 30 minutes..
Serve in a bowl with toasted pita bread or other crusty bread.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- How to marinate: I recommend marinating these mozzarella balls for one hour for the best results, but if you’re in a hurry, you could get away with just 30 minutes.
- How to store: Marinated bocconcini is best served fresh. You can store it for up to one day, but I would not recommend anything longer than that, as the texture will start to change.
- Refrigerating oils: If you do have leftovers, keep in mind that the olive oil will solidify in the refrigerator. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or so until the oil thaws.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Fig Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
- Whipped Ricotta Dip
- Potato Galette with Arugula and Creme Fraiche
- Baked Cauliflower Nuggets
- Avocado Hummus
- Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
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Recipe
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz. mozzarella balls or bocconcini, drained
Instructions
- In a medium jar, combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add drained mozzarella balls and stir to fully coat. Seal lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to infuse into each other, but if you’re in a hurry, you could get away with just 30 minutes..
- Serve in a bowl with a side of toasted pita bread or other crusty bread.
Notes
How to marinate: I recommend marinating these mozzarella balls for one hour for the best results, but if you’re in a hurry, you could get away with just 30 minutes.
How to store: Marinated bocconcini is best served fresh. You can store it for up to one day, but I would not recommend anything longer than that, as the texture will start to change.
Refrigerating oils: If you do have leftovers, keep in mind that the olive oil will solidify in the refrigerator. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or so until the oil thaws.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
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