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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Cheese Immersion: Gently submerge whole mozzarella balls into the prepared marinade, thoroughly coating each sphere to ensure maximum flavor penetration and uniform seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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