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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Published: December 6, 2019 Updated: December 6, 2019 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 16 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe
    Jar of marinated mozzarella balls next to some fresh parsley.

    Looking for a made-from-the-heart, tasty, homemade food gift? Give these marinated mozzarella balls a a try! There’s a herb-infused olive oil and bocconcini so you know it’s gonna taste delish! This marinated mozzarella is delicious on its own, with crusty bread, crackers or part of a meat and cheese board.

    Jar of marinated mozzarella balls next to some fresh parsley.

    With the holiday season well under way, today I’m sharing one of my faves (marinated mozzarella balls).

    This marinated mozzarella is great for holiday entertaining. Plus, it makes a fabulous homemade food gift (made in minutes, may I add).

    This recipe is kinda a two in one.

    Why?

    Well, there’s cheesy, creamy bocconcini.

    Plus, there’s an herb-infused oil.

    What’s not to love, right?

    I’m dangerous around those marinated mozzarella balls, though.

    I usually have to purchase a couple of containers of bocconcini because I have a little problem.

    It’s kinda a problem I have with all cheese.

    I can’t stop eating it.

    I reach in and grab one, two, three right out of the container. Can ya really blame me, though?

    If you agreed with me, I think we’ll be quite good friends, you and I.

    Ingredients for Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    • Bocconcini (essentially little balls of fresh mozzarella)
    • Good quality olive oil
    • Fresh garlic
    • Dried basil
    • Dried oregano
    • Crushed red pepper flakes
    • Fresh parsley
    • Bay leaves
    • Salt and pepper
    • Red wine vinegar
    Ingredients for marinated mozzarella balls with infused oil.

    How To Make Marinated Mozzarella

    To get going here, you basically just cook the garlic for a little bit in some of the olive oil. This kinda gets everything going for flavour town!

    Turn off the heat, then add dried herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

    Pour in remaining oil, fresh herbs, vinegar and bocconcini. Cover and gently give a little shake to make sure everything is incorporated.

    That’s pretty much it (full details are in the recipe card below).

    Easy, huh?

    You’re going to want to store this in the refrigerator for a little to let the flavours get to know each other. It’s better the next day.

    Tip: The oil will solidify in the fridge but will liquefy once out for a little. That’s totally normal!

    Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead?

    Aside from fresh parsley and bay leaves, every other herb used was dried.

    You can totally use fresh all the way, if you prefer. Just use 3 times the amount.

    Spoon scooping up a marinated mozzarella ball from a jar of them.

    Can I Use Another Variety of Mozzarella?

    If you can’t find bocconcini (or another type of fresh mozzarella) you can certainly use another variety, like a firmer, low moisture, mozzarella.

    Though, I do prefer the fresher variety best.

    Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Use a good quality olive oil. It’s such a dominant component of this recipe so you really don’t want to use something subpar.
    • ¾ cup of olive oil was used. If you need more oil to cover everything over, no worries; just top up with a little more.
    • While you can use another variety of mozzarella, fresh is best.If you like more (or less) of an ingredients, like a herb, than adjust to taste.
    • Sub the red wine vinegar for white wine or balsamic if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
    • This marinated bocconcini is best the next day so all the flavours have a chance to develop. Refrigerate once you make. When ready to enjoy, leave out for about 30 minutes before digging in.
    Jar of marinated mozzarella balls.

    More Easy Appetizers

    • Marinated Feta
    • Baked Camembert With Berries

    If you make this marinated mozzarella recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Jar of marinated mozzarella balls next to some fresh parsley.

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    Looking for a made-from-the-heart, tasty, homemade food gift? Give these marinated mozzarella balls a a try! There's a herb-infused olive oil and bocconcini so you know it's gonna taste delish! This marinated mozzarella is delicious on its own, with crusty bread, crackers or part of a meat and cheese board.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Marinate Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 10 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Servings 8 servings (approximately)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup olive oil, divided (approximately)
    • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 7 ounces bocconcini cheese balls, about 20 balls or a 200 gram package

    Instructions

    • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
    • Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring often, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the garlic just starts to get a little golden or light brown in colour and it's tender. Do not burn. Watch carefully.
    • Turn off heat. Stir in basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir. Add remaining oil, along with parsley, bay leaves, red wine vinegar and bocconcini cheese balls. Stir.
    • Pour into a storage jar, cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
    • Once ready to enjoy, remove from the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow olive oil to liquify again. Shake before enjoying. Enjoy the infused oil and mozzarella balls with bread or crackers. Serves 6 to 8. Yields roughly 20 balls. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 4 to 7 days.

    Notes

    • Use a good quality olive oil. It’s such a dominant component of this recipe so you really don’t want to use something subpar.
    • Speaking of oil, ¾ cup of olive oil was used. If you need more oil to cover everything over, no worries; just top up with a little more.
    • While you can use another variety of mozzarella, fresh is best. If you like more (or less) of an ingredients, like a herb, than adjust to taste.
    • Sub the red wine vinegar for white wine or balsamic if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
    • This marinated bocconcini is best the next day so all the flavours have a chance to develop. Refrigerate once you make. When ready to enjoy, leave out for about 30 minutes before digging in.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword easy holiday appetizer, homemade food gift, party food

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cindy Kinnee

      November 14, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      This looks delish! If you make to give as a gift, how long will it stay fresh? Also, how long after it has been opened? Can’t wait to try this!!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 03, 2020 at 11:34 am

        Thanks Cindy! Store in the fridge … it typically lasts about 4 to 7 days if using fresh mozzarella balls. It makes for a great homemade food gift. I even like to do up a gift basket with it with crackers and such. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Matt - Total Feasts

      December 14, 2019 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Ooh, what a clever idea. I love mozzarella, but usually, avoid adding it to evening cheese plates. But, marinating them with herbs would really make them go well I think.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 16, 2019 at 9:34 am

        Thank you Matt. 🙂 It’s delish!

        Reply
    3. Marissa

      December 11, 2019 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      What a great addition to any holiday party spread! And love it as an edible gift idea – so many sweets this time of year that it’s always welcome to have something savory (and delicious!).

      Reply
    4. Valentina

      December 11, 2019 at 8:46 pm

      5 stars
      I love, love this! One of my favorite things to eat, and yes, a fabulous edible gift, too! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
    5. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      December 09, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is just so pretty in the jar and no double absolutely delicious to enjoy during the holiday season. Can’t wait to try this 🙂

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 10, 2019 at 11:53 am

        Yay! Hope you love it! Thanks Jennifer 🙂

        Reply
    6. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      December 09, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my word, Dawn…from the herbs, to the oil….to the CHEESE!!! I’m spent! Give me a loaf of crusty bread and I will literally be happy for the rest of the evening. This is a HIT, my friend!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 10, 2019 at 11:53 am

        Thank you so very much, Haylie 🙂 !! This goes so well with crusty bread.

        Reply
    7. David @ Spiced

      December 09, 2019 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Why have I never made these at home before!? I’ve made marinated feta, and that was awesome. But I’ve never thought about marinated mozzarella. This is perfect for holiday appetizer parties! Serve up a little bowl (ok, maybe a big bowl) of these plus a good glass of red wine, and I’ll be a happy camper. Love this recipe, Dawn!!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 10, 2019 at 11:52 am

        I like the way you think 😉 Thank you David!

        Reply
    8. Kelly | Foodtasia

      December 07, 2019 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, this looks so delicious! There wouldn’t be any left to share by the time I’m done with it! It would be so wonderful with some crusty bread!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        December 08, 2019 at 12:37 pm

        Lol! So true! Thanks Kelly 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      December 06, 2019 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      We can totally be friends – I’m with you on the cheese. Can’t stop at just one! These look amazing and make such a great gift. After I’m done eating all the cheese, I think I’ll use the leftover oil in a salad! No letting that go to waste! Beautiful pics, Dawn! 🙂

      Reply
    10. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      December 06, 2019 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      I’m totally making these as a gift to myself. I LOVE bocconcini! In fact, I’m adding them to my shopping list right now–this recipe sounds amazing! Happy weekend, Dawn!

      Reply

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