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    Home » Appetizers » Marinated Mozzarella Balls: An Easy Appetizer

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls: An Easy Appetizer

    February 18, 2022 Maria 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Marinated Mozzarella balls in a yellow ceramic dish make the perfect appetizer.

    If you are looking for easy make-ahead Italian appetizers, try this recipe for marinated fresh mozzarella balls, aka bocconcini. Not only will you love the convenience of making them ahead of time, but you only need a few minutes to combine these little mozzarella balls with olive oil, herbs, and spices.

    Marinated mozzarella balls aka Bocconcini, in a ceramic dish alongside some marinated olives.

    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • What do I need to make marinated mozzarella balls?
    • How to marinate mozzarella balls
    • Recipe variations
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • Serving suggestion
    • Easy appetizer recipes
    • Recipe inspiration
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    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 olive oil, 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. Fruity olive oil is just perfect for this recipe.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes. These will provide a burst of flavor and an incredible visual effect.
    • Parsley. Fresh, flat-leaf Italian, none of that curly stuff 😉
    • Chives. Although optional, this herb adds a little bit of character. Fresh is best.
    • 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.
    • Salt and pepper. To taste

    As far as kitchen accessories are concerned, you will need a large bowl, a whisk, a wooden spoon, a chopping board and a knife.

    Marinated mozzarella balls aka Bocconcini, in a ceramic dish alongside some marinated olives.

    How to marinate mozzarella balls

    In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the mozzarella balls.

    More specifically:

    • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
    • ½ teaspoon of dried  oregano 
    • ½ teaspoon of dried  thyme
    • 1 minced  garlic clove
    • a pinch (or more) of red pepper flakes
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • Optional: 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives
    An overhead shot of the mozzarella balls being mixed with the herbs and spices to make marinated mozzarella balls.

    Add 200 grams of drained, fresh mozzarella balls and combine gently together to fully coat. 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 🙂

    Recipe variations

    • Add a tablespoon of parsley or basil pesto for a bright, nutty and extra cheesy flavor.
    • A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a taste of tangy, tart and sweet to these small mozzarella balls.
    • Roasted tomatoes are a great replacement for sundried tomatoes.

    Tips

    • Feel free to use any size of fresh mozzarella balls.
    • Using a high-quality oil to marinate these fresh mozzarella balls will give you the best results.
    • You may have noticed that the oil solidifies in your fridge; that’s normal! Once you remove it and allow 20-30 minutes for it to come back up to room temperature, the consistency will be fine.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 1-2 days. Use a skewer to thread mozzarella ciliegine, a basil leaf, and a cherry tomato for a different presentation. Another perfect finger food idea!

    FAQ

    Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

    Yes, if you are looking for the perfect make-ahead cold appetizers, these marinated mozzarella balls are a must! Refrigerate for at least 7 hours to develop the flavors for best results—plan on allowing at least 20 minutes for the solidified oil to come to room temperature. 

    Can you freeze fresh mozzarella?

    Although you can freeze fresh mozzarella, please note that both the texture and the flavor will be altered. For example, once thawed, the texture will be slightly crumbly due in part to the crystallization of its water content. 

    Serving suggestion

    Marinated mozzarella balls and olives in a yellow dish.

    Marinated Olives

    Serve these mozzarella balls in olive oil alongside these marinated olives. Both these recipes are delicious and straightforward Italian-inspired appetizers perfect for any gathering! Serve them cold or at room temperature.

    GET RECIPE

    Easy appetizer recipes

    Are you looking for more quick and easy appetizers? Look no further! Whether it is a healthy panelle recipe, salmon pinwheels, or the ever-popular lupini, please take a look at my collection of appetizers that are perfect for any occasion.

    An close up photo of the mozzarella balls aka bocconcini, in a ceramic dish. placed on a wooden board.

    Recipe inspiration

    This is an easy appetizer recipe that my mom would prepare that wasn’t 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. First, 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. However, you really can’t go wrong with this marinated mozzarella balls recipe.

    Enjoy!

    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.

    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!

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    Recipe

    A close up of the marinated mozzarella surrounded with bits of sun dried tomatoes and herbs.

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Looking for easy make ahead appetizers? Try this recipe for Marinated Mozzarella Balls -you won’t believe the taste transformation of these mozzarella balls!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 hours
    Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 19 servings
    Calories: 53kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
    • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped, Italian flat-leaf
    • 1 tablespoon chives fresh, finely chopped
    • 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.
    Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon’t miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

    Notes

    • Each serving is equivalent to one mozzarella ball.
    • Feel free to use any size of fresh mozzarella.
    • Using a high-quality oil to marinate these fresh mozzarella balls will give you the best results.
    • You may have noticed that the oil solidifies in your fridge; that’s normal! Once you remove it and allow 20-30 minutes for it to come back up to room temperature, the consistency will be fine.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 1-2 days.
    • For a different presentation, use a skewer to thread mozzarella ciliegine, a basil leaf, and a cherry tomato for a different presentation. 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.
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 53kcal | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 9mg | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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    This post was originally published on January 11, 2019, and republished on February 18, 2022, with updated content and photos.  Thanks for sharing!

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    Filed Under: Appetizers

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Priscilla Lawn (Pat)

      February 22, 2022 at 12:41 pm

      Just purchased M. Balls-can’t wait to make the receipe.

      Reply
      • Maria

        February 22, 2022 at 2:38 pm

        How wonderful Pat! Enjoy!!!

        Reply
    2. Delyse

      January 08, 2022 at 8:02 pm

      Hello,
      Thankyou for this beautiful recipe… I have a question though, when I took my balls out after being in over night. The oil was all thick and not runny anymore. Am I doing something wrong?
      Delyse

      Reply
      • Maria

        February 18, 2022 at 9:46 pm

        Thank you kindly Delyse. This is actually normal, when the oil is refrigerated, it becomes thick. When it returns to room temperature, it becomes runny again. I appreciate your comment.

        Reply
    3. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      January 18, 2019 at 1:49 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Maria

        January 18, 2019 at 5:34 pm

        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 ♥

        Reply
    4. Val

      January 13, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite cheeses, can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing Maria!

      Reply
      • Maria

        January 13, 2019 at 4:32 pm

        My pleasure Val 🙂 These Marinated Mozzarella Balls will make the perfect appetizer for the big game. Thanks for stopping by ♥

        Reply
        • Bruna Letich

          September 05, 2020 at 5:38 pm

          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

          September 06, 2020 at 9:30 am

          Oh, you must have a wealth of information! Thanks so much for taking the time to share… sounds delicious!

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    Maria from She loves biscotti

    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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