Zesty Olive Oil Soaked Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Creamy mozzarella balls dancing in a vibrant easy olive oil marinade beckon with irresistible Mediterranean charm.

Delicate cheese pearls absorb rich herbal notes and zesty spices, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that sparkles with simplicity.

Small bites like these can turn ordinary moments into delightful culinary experiences.

Infused with aromatic herbs and premium olive oil, these marinated mozzarella balls offer a quick escape to Italian countryside flavors.

Each morsel bursts with tangy, herbal essence that dances on your palate.

Serve these elegant appetizers at your next gathering and watch guests marvel at your culinary finesse.

Get ready to elevate your snack game with this effortless, flavor-packed recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Tools to Prep Marinated Mozzarella Bites

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining marinade ingredients and coating mozzarella.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for gently stirring and coating cheese without breaking delicate mozzarella balls.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding herbs and spices to create balanced marinade.
• Glass or ceramic storage container: Ideal for marinating and storing mozzarella balls, preventing flavor transfer and keeping ingredients fresh.
• Sharp knife: Optional for chopping fresh herbs if using whole leaves.

Marination Steps for Mozzarella Balls

Flavor Fusion Mozzarella Delight

• Marinade Magic The secret to transforming simple mozzarella into a taste explosion starts with creating a vibrant herb-infused olive oil blend. Combine fragrant herbs and spices in a mixing bowl, whisking them together until they create a harmonious and aromatic mixture that will make your taste buds dance.
• Cheese Transformation Gently nestle the mozzarella balls into the herbal olive oil bath, ensuring each cheese morsel gets completely embraced by the delicious marinade. Use a soft spatula or your hands to carefully coat every surface, allowing the flavors to begin their delightful infusion.
• Patience and Flavor Resting the marinated mozzarella in the refrigerator allows the herbs and oil to work their culinary magic. Let the cheese sit and soak up all the incredible flavors, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that will impress anyone who takes a bite. The longer the mozzarella marinates, the more intense and complex the taste becomes.
• Storage Sanctuary Keep your flavor-packed mozzarella balls in a sealed container within the refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh and continue developing their incredible taste profile for several days of pure enjoyment.

Flavoring Tips for Herb Oil Mozzarella

• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or swap them with other spicy elements like crushed Aleppo pepper or cayenne for a personalized kick.
• Elevate these marinated mozzarella balls as a stunning appetizer by serving them with crusty bread, alongside charcuterie boards, or scattered over fresh salads for added texture and flavor.
• Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste, as the oil becomes a key flavor component during the marinating process.

Serving Ideas for Cheese Appetizers

• Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange marinated mozzarella balls on a wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by fresh basil leaves and crusty Italian bread slices for an elegant and easy entertaining option.
• Mediterranean Salad Topper: Gently drain and sprinkle these herbed mozzarella balls over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and olives to instantly elevate a simple salad with rich, zesty flavors.
• Antipasto Skewer Delight: Thread marinated mozzarella balls between cured meats, roasted red peppers, and olives on decorative skewers for a colorful and delicious appetizer that guests will love.
• Bruschetta Companion: Place marinated mozzarella balls atop warm, crispy bruschetta with a drizzle of extra olive oil and fresh cracked pepper for an irresistible Italian-inspired bite.

Storage Instructions for Mozzarella in Oil

• Refrigerator Love: Store marinated mozzarella balls in a glass container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness and prevent flavor leakage.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the herb-infused olive oil's taste and softness.
• Perfect Portion Planning: Divide marinated mozzarella into smaller batches if you won't consume the entire amount within five days, ensuring maximum taste and quality.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Gently remove mozzarella balls from the marinade using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the container for a cleaner presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Olive Oil Mozzarella Balls

• Olive Oil: Carries herbal flavors and creates silky coating for mozzarella.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, punchy undertone with aromatic depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant color.
• Basil, Thyme, Oregano: Bring Mediterranean herbal notes and freshness.

• Mozzarella Balls: Creamy, mild cheese that absorbs marinade beautifully.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances herb complexity.

Luscious Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade olive oil marinated mozzarella balls showcase Mediterranean flavors with fresh herbs and garlic. Delicate cheese absorbs rich olive oil and aromatic spices, creating a simple yet elegant appetizer you can enjoy with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup (180 ml) Bertolli extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh oregano, finely chopped
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) kosher salt (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Blend premium olive oil with finely minced garlic, freshly chopped basil, delicate thyme, robust oregano, zesty red pepper flakes, and sea salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating an aromatic herbal infusion.
2. Cheese Immersion: Gently submerge whole mozzarella balls into the prepared marinade, thoroughly coating each sphere to ensure maximum flavor penetration and uniform seasoning.
3. Flavor Infusion: Let the mozzarella rest in the herbal mixture for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their aromatic profile. For more pronounced flavor complexity, extend marinating time up to overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Storage and Preservation: Transfer marinated mozzarella balls into a sealed glass container, maintaining their infused state in the refrigerator’s cool environment to preserve freshness and flavor integrity.
5. Serving Preparation: Extract the marinated mozzarella from refrigeration approximately 15 minutes before serving, permitting the olive oil to soften and return to room temperature, which will enhance the overall gustatory experience and release the marinade’s full aromatic potential.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let mozzarella marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating creates deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Olive Oil Quality Matters: Select extra virgin olive oil for richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor and better herb absorption.
• Temperature Technique: Allow marinated mozzarella to rest at room temperature before serving to unlock full aromatic potential and smooth texture.
• Storage Smart: Keep marinated mozzarella in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg