Are you looking for easy make-ahead appetizers? Try this recipe for Marinated Mozzarella Balls, aka bocconcini. You will love the convenience of making it ahead of time and as an added bonus, it only takes a few minutes to combine the herbs and spices with these fresh mozzarella bites.
Your guests will love the flavors of this recipe for mozzarella balls and you will love the convenience of making it. After all, who doesn’t like an appetizer that can be made a day before a big event?
The versatility of fresh mozzarella cheese is evident whether using it for its exceptional melting qualities as a topping for homemade pizza or simply tossing it together to make this bocconcini salad.
Today we will combine mini mozzarella balls with herbs and spices -you won’t believe how easy this is!
What do I need to make Marinated Mozzarella Balls?
- Small mozzarella balls. Use any size you want, small mozzarella balls, cocktail mozzarella balls, mozzarella pearls, etc…
- Olive oil. A fruity olive oil is just perfect for this recipe.
- Sun-dried tomatoes. These will provide a burst of flavor as well as a wonderful visual effect.
- Parsley. Fresh, flat-leaf Italian, none of that curly stuff 😉
- Red pepper flakes. Use as much (or as little) as you want.
- Oregano. Dried or fresh.
- Thyme. Once again, dried or fresh.
- Garlic. A staple in Italian cuisine.
As far as kitchen accessories are concerned, you will need a large bowl, a whisk, a wooden spoon, a chopping board and a knife.
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except the mozzarella balls.
Add the fresh mozzarella balls and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 7 hours for the flavors to develop.
That’s all there is to make this fresh mozzarella recipe! See, I told you this was going to be easy 🙂
Tips
- Feel free to use any size of fresh mozzarella.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 1-2 days.
- For a different presentation, use a skewer to thread mozzarella ciliegine, a basil leaf, and a cherry tomato. Another perfect finger food idea!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, in fact, if you are looking for the perfect make-ahead cold appetizers, these marinated mozzarella balls are a must! For best results, allow at least 7 hours for the flavors to develop.
Easy Cold Appetizers
Recipe inspiration
This is an easy appetizer recipe that my mom would prepare that wasn’t really a recipe if you know what I mean.
I can remember watching my mom in amazement… a pinch of this, a handful of that, some olive oil, a few gentle swirls, one final taste and an overnight stay in the fridge was all that was needed for this mozzarella cheese appetizer. Her movements were like clockwork, rhythmic and purposeful… with no hesitation.
I have tried to re-create my mom’s recipe with a couple of changes. I added some dried tomatoes because I usually have some in my freezer. I also like to include red pepper flakes because my husband loves them.
Feel free to increase or decrease some of the ingredients based on your personnel preference. You really can’t go wrong with this marinated mozzarella balls recipe.
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
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Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made these marinated mozzarella cheese balls, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped, Italian flat-leaf
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or as much as you want
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella (aka cocktail bocconcini) ½ pound container, drained
- basil optional, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except the mozzarella balls.
- Add the fresh mozzarella balls and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 7 hours for the flavors to develop.
- Serve cold or at room temperature. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Each serving is equivalent to one mozzarella ball
- Feel free to use any size of fresh mozzarella.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 1-2 days.
- For a different presentation, use a skewer to thread mozzarella ciliegine, a basil leaf, and a cherry tomato. Another perfect finger food idea!
Nutrition
Karen (Back Road Journal)
These are an item that I like to add to an antipasto tray when serving guests an Italian dinner. You are right, they are so easy and everyone enjoys them.
Maria
Yes, these Mozzarella Balls are always one of the first appetizers to disappear… I, for one, am guilty of sneaking a few before the guests arrive 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by Karen ♥
Val
This is one of my favorite cheeses, can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing Maria!
Maria
My pleasure Val 🙂 These Marinated Mozzarella Balls will make the perfect appetizer for the big game. Thanks for stopping by ♥
Bruna Letich
Ciao Bella,I must say that I too am a big fan of cookbooks, I must have over 200 being a commercial cook for over 40 yrs I certainly needed sometimes, LOL..Going back to the marinated mozzarella balls,I add homemade sundried tomato pesto to them & let them stand for several hrs..They turn out delicious..Ciao del Australia
Maria
Oh, you must have a wealth of information! Thanks so much for taking the time to share… sounds delicious!