Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Marinated Mozzarella Appetizer

Marinated mozzarella balls may be the easiest appetizer recipe ever. The cheese soaks up a simple but flavorful marinade, making this bite sized cheese appetizer completely crave-worthy.

Whether you are planning an epic holiday bash, a book club night or a game day party, you are going to need some easy appetizers to serve. With this super easy Marinated Mozzarella, you’ll be on your way to party snack perfection in no time.

The best marinated mozzarella

This marinated mozzarella balls recipe is so easy to make.

Heck I don’t even know how I feel about calling it a recipe. It is that easy. Despite the fact that this mozzarella appetizer is so simple, I still want to share it.

Despite being easy, it does take a bit of planning, because the mozzarella needs to marinate in the olive oil herb mixture for at least 4 hours so that it can soak up all of the wonderful flavors of the olive oil, oregano, basil and crushed red pepper.

Mozzarella marinating in olive oil and seasonings.

What is the difference between bocconcini, ciliegne and mozzarella?

This is a common question and one you may find yourself asking when you are standing in front of the deli cheese section at your grocery store.

The answer is pretty simple though: Bocconini and cilienge are different sizes of mozzarella cheese balls. Bocconini is a bit bigger than cilienge but both are bite sized. You’ll find them both stored in water in. You can use either for this recipe.

Marinated mozzarella may be the easiest appetizer recipe ever. The cheese soaks up a simple but flavorful marinade, making this bite sized cheese appetizer completely crave-worthy.

 

 

What ingredients do you need to make marinated mozzarella?

For this recipe, you will need: olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper and mozzarella.

Because there are so few ingredients, it is essential that you pick high quality ingredients. Especially the extra virgin olive oil. For this recipe, I actually prefer Kalamata olive oil. It is smoother and less bitter than some of the other types I have tried.

Olive oil with basil, oregano, garlic and crushed red pepper.

Trader Joe’s sells a variety but use whatever olive oil you love the taste of.

DES’ PRO TIP: If you want your marinated mozzarella to be even more flavorful, let it sit for several hours. You’ll be glad you did.

How long will marinated mozzarella last?

Because of the fresh chopped garlic and fresh herbs, it is best to eat this within a few days.

Mozzarella ball on a fork.

 

 

What should you serve this marinated cheese with?

This easy cheese appetizer is a little bit salty, so it pairs well with appetizers that are crunchy, like Summer Tomato Bruschetta on toast. It is also excellent when added to salads and a must for all of your cheese boards.

Do you have a cheese obsession? What’s your favorite appetizer? Come share your thoughts with me on my Facebook page!

 

If you love mozzarella, you have got to check out these recipes:

Jalapeno Mozzarella Sticks

Cheese Bread 

Caprese Avocado Breakfast Toast 

Marinated mozzarella may be the easiest appetizer recipe ever. The cheese soaks up a simple but flavorful marinade, making this bite sized cheese appetizer completely crave-worthy. #mozzarella #appetizer #partyfood #snack

Planning a party? Check out more of my most popular appetizers for a crowd!

Deep Fried Pickles

Chicken Potstickers

Marinated Olives

Note: This post was originally written in 2010. It was updated in 2019 with new photos, information and nutrition facts.

Marinated mozzarella may be the easiest appetizer recipe ever. The cheese soaks up a simple but flavorful marinade, making this bite sized cheese appetizer completely crave-worthy.

Marinated Mozzarella Appetizer

Marinated mozzarella is an easy appetizer recipe. The cheese soaks up a simple but flavorful marinade, making this bite sized appetizer recipe crave-worthy.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 8 ounces ciliegini mozzarella bite size mozzarella balls

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, kosher salt and crushed red pepper. Pour over mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Remove at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimations only.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 0.9gProtein: 7.7gFat: 32.9gSaturated Fat: 7.4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 154mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: appetizer, italian, mozzarella, olive oil, Recipe, snack

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Shannon Graham
    October 24, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    5 stars
    Mozzarella on its own is delicious. However, wow, I never thought of marinating it before. Looks delish!

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    October 24, 2019 at 9:04 am

    5 stars
    This is so up my alley, love marinated mozzarella!

  • Reply
    katerina @ diethood.com
    October 24, 2019 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    Oh WOW! This looks incredible! The perfect party food!

  • Reply
    annie
    October 24, 2019 at 7:43 am

    5 stars
    This is a great idea to take to holiday parties!

  • Reply
    Jade
    October 24, 2019 at 5:19 am

    5 stars
    Perfect party food or starter, I love this!

  • Reply
    Sara Welch
    October 23, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is my kind of recipe! So easy, and such a great addition to so many recipes!

  • Reply
    StephenC
    September 17, 2010 at 6:49 am

    What a cool idea. I agree, a great app.

  • Reply
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown
    September 17, 2010 at 6:37 am

    This would be perfect for an appetizer…or for snacking alone :-)

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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