When it comes to serving delicious dishes for parties and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, you'll never go wrong with marinated mozzarella balls. This effortless Italian appetizer is made from ciliegine mozzarella balls marinated in gorgeous, herb and spice-infused olive oil. Because you infuse the olive oil yourself, it's easy to tinker with this recipe to make your own outrageously delicious take on marinated mozzarella balls.
Serve them chilled or at room temperature, on their own as a snack, or with crostini and crackers. Olive oil-marinated mozzarella balls are even great in salads and pasta, so don't be surprised if you go back to this recipe throughout the year!
Marinated Mozzarella Ball Ingredients
Marinated mozzarella balls are seasoned with classic Italian flavors. To give this recipe the best flavor, use extra virgin olive oil.
You'll infuse the oil with red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Most importantly, you'll need ciliegine mozzarella balls, also known as “bocconcini” in Italian. You'll find these at most supermarkets or Italian delis.
How to Marinate Mozzarella Balls
It couldn't be easier to make these mouthwatering marinated mozzarella balls at home. Start by whisking the olive oil, garlic, parsley, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper flakes in a measuring jug until well combined. Place the mozzarella balls into a bowl, then cover them with the marinade.
Wrap the bowl in plastic wrap, and leave the cheese to marinate for 30 to 60 minutes. No need to refrigerate it at this point unless you're marinating the mozzarella a little longer. Transfer the marinated mozzarella balls and oil to a serving dish, then serve with crostini, flatbread, or crackers.
Tips for Making Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Leave the mozzarella to marinate outside of the fridge. This will prevent the oil mixture from hardening up. If marinating longer than an hour, pop the bowl in the fridge. If the oil hardens, leave the bowl out at room temperature until the oil becomes fully liquid again.
You can marinate your mozzarella balls for up to a few hours, but don't leave them for over 24 hours; the vinegar will affect the texture of the cheese.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls Variations
If you're not keen on spice, leave out the dried red pepper flakes.
Add sundried tomatoes, lemon or orange zest, chopped basil or rosemary, or sweet Italian peppers to the marinade.
Instead of olive oil, use pesto. You can also use other types of vinegar, like red wine or sherry vinegar.
Instead of mozzarella balls, try this recipe with cheese curds.
How to Serve Olive Oil Mozzarella Balls
Serve marinated mozzarella balls with sliced sourdough, ciabatta, or crostini as an appetizer, or put them in salads or pasta dishes to add extra flavor and texture to a main meal.
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