Marinated Mozzarella Balls
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Marinated mozzarella balls combined with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, hints of garlic and fresh lemon make an easy yet incredibile appetizer. It’s one of the most scrumptious Italian antipasti ready in just 5 minutes!
Published on July 2022/Updated on May 2025
In my book, there are so many dishes that can be improved with mozzarella. I keep this versatile cheese in my fridge at all times for the most delicious mozzarella recipes, including pizza (of course!), caprese skewers, salad and last minute bruschetta.
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Is there anything cheese can’t fix? : )
And this simple mozzarella recipe is one of my go-to appetizers: quick to make, economical, versatile and fresh. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
The baby mozzarella balls are marinated in a combination of flavorful extra virgin olive oil, garlic, aromatic herbs and a little bit of lemon zest and juice. This is such a simple combination that makes this fresh cheese shines.
The recipe couldn’t be easier than this, and it takes 5 minutes to make. Simply add the ingredients for the marinade to a jar, shake to emulsify, and combine with the mozzarella balls. And you’re done!
They are delicious when served with crusty bread, focaccia, or my crispy breadsticks. They make a wonderful vegetarian appetizer, but they are also super versatile and great in salad, vegetable pasta, bruschetta… the possibilities are endless.
These marinated mozzarella balls are so easy, quick, and yummy that you’ll eat one right after another!
List of the ingredients
- Baby mozzarella balls
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Lemon
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper
How to make Marinated mozzarella balls
(Note: this is a quick description, the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)
- Add the marinade ingredients to a jar and shake until emulsified.
- Combine mozzarella balls and marinade in a mixing bowl.
- Gently toss with a spoon to ensure each mozzarella ball is coated.
- Serve them immediately or let them to marinate for 1-2 hours to intensify the overall flavor.
Recipe notes
Mozzarella balls: This recipe works best with fresh mozzarella in water, especially baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini, ciliegine, or pearls), which make the perfect bite-sized appetizer. However, visually less appealing, cubed fresh mozzarella will do too!
Extra virgin olive oil: It’s the key in this recipe, make sure you use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and fresh basil pair beautifully with the fresh mozzarella balls, while the Italian dried herbs bring heartiness and extra flavor. You can also use dried oregano instead of the Italian blend.
Garlic: Who doesn’t love that hint of garlic?!
Lemon: The juice and zest from the fresh lemon add the right amount of acidity to enhance the overall flavor.
Chili flakes: Great to add a touch of heat.
Salt & pepper: For this recipe, I recommed using freshly ground black pepper or mixed peppercorns. As always, make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
How to serve marinated mozzarella balls
I love so much these marinated mozzarella balls because are super versatile, they make a fantastic Italian appetizer, but they’re also great to add flavor and texture to last minute salads or pastas.
It’s a no brainer to reach out the fridge and toss a few of them into this quick tomato basil pasta, pasta with zucchini or with arugula pesto or a fresh, simple lettuce salad. Also, you can use marinated mozzarella to top these scrumptious tomato focaccia or olive focaccia!
Last but not least, when you bring your marinated mozzarella to the table, you’ll want to serve them with forks or toothpicks to pick them up. They’re wet, soft and oily, definitely not meant to be eating with hands. : )
Storage tips
Keep these marinated mozzarella balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for up to 4 days. Once refrigerated the olive oil naturally solidifies, all you have to do is to remove the container from the fridge to bring it back at room temperature an hour before serving.
More Italian appetizers?
You might be interested in these terrific appetizer recipes perfect for an Italian-style dinner party with family and friends!
- Start with quick and easy recipes like caprese skewers, spicy olives, sun dried tomato paste or chickpeas bruschetta.
- Turn the oven to bake terrific italian focaccia, tomato focaccia, focaccia with olives or crispy breadsticks. Also a delicious gorgonzola pizza, artichoke pizza or caprese pizza will be great for sharing!
- Impress with these scrumptious Italian rice balls.
If you make these marinated mozzarella balls, or you have a question, let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you! x
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning or oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- ½ lemon, juice and zest
- 2 cups (300 grams) baby mozzarella balls, drained
Instructions
- Add olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, lemon juice, zest and chili flakes to a jar with a lid or to a bowl. Shake or whisk until well combined.
- Drain the mozzarella balls, add them to a mixing bowl and gently toss with the marinade until coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then toss again.
- You can serve them immediately, but for the best flavor It's best to keep them in the marinade for at least 1-2 hour before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days, and serve at room temperature with crusty bread.
used only fresh herbs from my garden(tastes better right! haha)
combined with some cherry tomatoes – added some basil and fresh lemon for a side salad
Delish!
That sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing, Rich. : )
I am using this for my taco Truck project 🙂
Mozzarella balls and tacos? Why not? : )
Sounds delicious!
Glad you like the recipe! : )
What does etiquette say?
individual servings are rather straight-forward. No dilemma.. The question comes up when they are served a
on a shared plate..
Are these spredable? Or, are they considered “finger food”?
Does one simply pick them up, using one’s fingers , and place them on a slice of crusty Italian bread?
Good question, Michael, I’m adding a note right now!!
Mozzarella balls are not spreadable and since they are wet and soft, they’re not meant to be eaten with hands. Everyone should use a fork or a toothpick to pick them up.
Thanks for pointing this out. x