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Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

This Marinated Mozzarella Balls recipe offers a quick and flavorful appetizer where tender baby mozzarella balls are infused with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and a hint of chili flakes. Perfect for serving with crusty bread, it’s an easy and elegant dish to prepare in just 5 minutes and best enjoyed after marinating for a couple of hours.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 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

Main Ingredient

  • 2 cups (300 grams) baby mozzarella balls, drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a jar with a lid or a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, grated garlic, Italian herb seasoning or oregano, chopped parsley and basil, fine sea salt, chili flakes (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Shake the jar vigorously or whisk in the bowl until all ingredients are well combined and aromatic.
  2. Marinate the Mozzarella: Drain the baby mozzarella balls thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Place them in a mixing bowl and gently toss with the prepared marinade until each ball is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as necessary, then toss again to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
  3. Rest for Optimal Flavor: While you can serve the marinated mozzarella immediately, for best taste and texture, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 to 2 hours. This resting period allows the mozzarella to absorb the herbs, garlic, and lemon essence fully.
  4. Serve and Store: Serve the marinated mozzarella balls at room temperature alongside crusty bread or your favorite accompaniments. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within four days for freshness and safety.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 1-2 hours enhances the flavor, but longer marinating (up to 24 hours) can intensify the taste even more.
  • If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic to half a clove.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for best freshness and aroma.
  • Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of an antipasto platter.
  • Keep refrigerated and consume within four days for best quality and safety.