Marinated Mozzarella Balls | Easy Party Appetizer

Whether you’re rushing to prepare a quick snack after a busy day, hosting friends for an impromptu gathering, or simply craving a healthy yet flavorful treat, marinated mozzarella balls are the perfect solution. These little bites burst with fresh herbs, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and zesty lemon, all soaked in rich extra virgin olive oil. Their creamy texture paired with bold flavors makes them an irresistible appetizer or addition to any salad or antipasto platter.

In this article, you’ll discover an easy marinated mozzarella balls appetizer recipe that you can whip up in minutes, how to make marinated mozzarella balls at home with simple ingredients, and the best marinated mozzarella balls with herbs and olive oil that will impress your guests every time. Plus, learn creative ways to serve them and handy tips to ensure your marinated cheese balls stay fresh and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

• Easy marinated mozzarella balls for beginners — just 10 minutes prep, no cooking required!
• Perfect for quick and simple marinated mozzarella balls for parties.
• Healthy marinated mozzarella balls with garlic and oregano — packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve them on a salad, antipasto platter, or as a standalone appetizer.
• Can be made ahead of time — flavors deepen when refrigerated for 24 hours or more.
• Stored conveniently in a homemade marinated mozzarella balls glass jar for freshness and easy serving.

Ingredients for Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• 16 oz (450g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Swaps:

• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried for a fresher taste.
• Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for variation.
• For a dairy-free version, try marinated vegan mozzarella alternatives.

How to Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella

Drain your fresh mozzarella balls thoroughly. Place them in a clean, sterilized glass jar to ensure maximum freshness and proper marinating.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Marinate the Cheese

Pour the marinade over the mozzarella balls in the jar. Make sure all mozzarella balls are fully submerged in the olive oil mixture. This is essential for flavor infusion.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Infuse Flavors

Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors become.

Step 5: Serve at Room Temperature

Before serving, remove the jar from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and softens the cheese texture for the best eating experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Can I make marinated mozzarella balls ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Marinate for 24-48 hours for optimal flavor.
• What is the secret to the best marinated mozzarella balls?
  Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh, quality mozzarella. Letting it sit for at least 24 hours is key.
• Add fresh basil leaves or torn sun-dried tomato pieces before serving for extra color and aroma.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Store the jar in the fridge but always serve at room temperature to unlock the full flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Antipasto platter: Pair with cured meats, olives, roasted peppers, and crusty bread.
• Salads: Toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
• Party appetizers: Serve with toothpicks alongside crackers or crostini for easy snacking.
• Pasta salad addition: Mix with cooked pasta, fresh herbs, and Italian dressing for a delicious side.

Pro Serving Tip: For an authentic Italian style marinated mozzarella balls recipe experience, garnish with fresh basil and serve with a chilled glass of white wine.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 18g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: Varies based on salt added

This recipe offers a healthy marinated mozzarella balls option rich in protein and heart-healthy fats, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Storage & Leftovers

• Store marinated mozzarella balls in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Always ensure the cheese is submerged in olive oil to prevent drying out or spoilage.
• If you plan to keep longer, freeze the mozzarella balls without the marinade, then thaw before marinating fresh.
• Leftover marinade can be used as a flavorful salad dressing or dipping oil for bread.

FAQs – Your Marinated Mozzarella Balls Questions Answered

Q: What to eat marinated mozzarella balls with?
A: Serve with crusty bread, crackers, salads, cured meats, or as part of an antipasto platter.

Q: Are marinated mozzarella balls healthy?
A: Yes! They are rich in protein and healthy fats from olive oil, making them a nutritious snack or appetizer.

Q: How long do marinated fresh mozzarella balls last?
A: When stored properly in the fridge, they last about 5 days.

Q: How to cook mozzarella balls?
A: This recipe requires no cooking—just marinating! For cooked versions, mozzarella can be baked or fried, but that’s a different recipe.

More Easy Recipes You’ll Love

If you love marinated mozzarella balls, try these:

• Mock Turtle Soup | Classic Comfort Food Bowl
• Marinated Cheese and Olives Recipe | Easy & Flavorful Appetizer

Final Thoughts :

Now you know how to make the best marinated mozzarella balls at home! This recipe is perfect for quick snacks, party appetizers, or a healthy, flavorful addition to any meal. Don’t forget to share your variations or questions in the comments below — I’d love to hear your favorite ways to enjoy these delicious bites! And if you tried this recipe, please share it on social media to spread the cheesy goodness!

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