Make these easy marinated mozzarella balls with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. They’re perfect for cheese boards, salads, or an easy appetizer recipe. A flavorful crowd-pleaser ready in minutes!

If you love fresh mozzarella balls as much as I do, you’re going to fall head over heels for this easy appetizer recipe. These marinated mozzarella cheese balls are the perfect bite-sized appetizer, full of delicious flavors from extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, fresh herbs, and a bit of heat.

Whether you’re planning a holiday season gathering or simply assembling a good charcuterie board, this is one of those go-to appetizers you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Marinated mozzarella is a simple recipe with big rewards. Here’s why this marinated mozzarella balls recipe belongs in your appetizer rotation:

• Uses just a handful of ingredients from your pantry or grocery store
• Packed with flavor from garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and lemon zest
• Comes together in minutes with no cooking required
• Great addition to cheese boards, salads, or as a topping for homemade pizza

Ingredients for Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella

To make the best marinated mozzarella, you’ll want to start with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mozzarella: Choose ciliegine mozzarella or mozzarella pearls. These mini mozzarella balls are about the size of a cherry and perfect for marinating.
• Oil & Acid: Use extra virgin olive oil as the base of the marinade. A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar adds brightness.
• Herbs & Aromatics: Fresh garlic, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and a little fresh basil or dried oregano build the flavor profile.
• Seasoning: Kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (or chili flakes) for a bit of heat. Lemon zest adds fruity flavor.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on your personal preference. A few sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can make this even more vibrant!

How to Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls at Home

Making olive oil-marinated mozzarella at home is easier than you think. You need a shallow bowl or mason jars and a few minutes of your time.

1. Drain and Dry: Start by draining the mozzarella balls and patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling better.
2. Layer the Flavor: Place the mozzarella cheese balls in a mason jar or an airtight container. Add sliced garlic cloves, fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Add the Marinade: Pour enough extra-virgin olive oil over the cheese to fully submerge it.
4. Marinate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors infuse. Shake gently once a day to ensure even flavor distribution.
5. Serve: Let the marinated mozzarella come to room temperature before serving. This allows the oil to return to its liquid state and gives the best flavor.

Flavor Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

This is a great appetizer that adapts to your taste! Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up:

• Add smoked sun-dried tomatoes or red peppers for color and tang.
• Swap herbs: Try fresh oregano, dried herbs like rosemary, or even Italian seasoning.
• Use balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
• Spicy version: Add extra chili flakes for more heat.

Don’t have ciliegine mozzarella? Try mozzarella pearls or cut low-moisture mozzarella into small cubes.

Tips for the Best Marinated Mozzarella

• Use the best quality fresh cheese and good olive oil you can find.
• Dry mozzarella completely before marinating to prevent excess water in the oil.
• Bring to room temperature before serving for a creamy texture and much flavour.
• Store in a clean, airtight container or mason jar to keep everything fresh.
• No special tools needed, just a jar and a small bowl or a large bowl to prep in.
• Flavor Variations: try adding in other ingredients like fresh basil or my sun-dried tomato basil pesto

Serving Ideas for Marinated Mozzarella Balls

These little mozzarella balls are a great addition to any antipasto platter or cheese board. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Toss with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a quick caprese salad.
• Serve with crusty bread or crostini as an appetizer.
• Add to a green salad with red wine vinegar dressing.
• Mix into pasta salads (like this grinder pasta salad) or alongside these Italian roasted vegetables.

This is the perfect way to elevate any spread with minimal effort.

How to Store and Reuse Marinated Mozzarella and Oil

Keep your marinated mozzarella in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Because olive oil solidifies in cold temperatures, let the jar sit at room temperature before serving so the oil returns to liquid form.

Reuse the oil! It makes an amazing salad dressing base or drizzle for roasted veggies and pizza.

More Recipes To Try

Mini Smoked Cheese Balls

Italian Style Goat Cheese Balls

Italian Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad