Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Marinated Mozzarella Balls are an easy, colorful, and flavorful party appetizer that guests always enjoy. These bite-size mozzarella bites are simple to prepare, easy to serve, and perfect for entertaining. Serve them on skewers with cherry tomatoes, place them in a pretty bowl with toothpicks, or add them to a mezze platter or cheese board with slices of crusty bread.
Marinated mozzarella balls are one of those appetizers that look festive without requiring much work. They are especially convenient for parties because they can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature. The mozzarella absorbs the flavors of garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, chili flakes, and extra virgin olive oil, turning a mild cheese into a savory small bite with plenty of character.
I recently made these marinated mozzarella balls for a gathering at our house. We hosted a party to thank the people who renovated our basement. They worked hard and did a wonderful job, and we wanted them to enjoy the finished space. It felt meaningful to welcome them back not for work, but to relax, eat, and see how much we appreciated their effort.
Mini mozzarella balls are mild and creamy, which makes them an ideal base for bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Because the cheese is naturally plain in both taste and appearance, fresh parsley, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers add color as well as flavor. The result is a bright appetizer that looks beautiful on a platter and tastes even better after it has had time to marinate.
If you enjoy caprese salad, you will probably love these mozzarella balls served on skewers with cherry tomatoes. The combination is fresh, simple, and easy for guests to pick up without needing a fork. For a more casual presentation, spoon the marinated cheese into a serving bowl and set out toothpicks. You can also serve the mozzarella with crusty bread so guests can enjoy the seasoned olive oil and herbs.
Mini mozzarella balls are available in many supermarkets and warehouse stores. For the best flavor, marinate them overnight if possible. If you are short on time, allow at least 4 hours in the refrigerator so the cheese has a chance to absorb the garlic, herbs, peppers, and olive oil. Before serving, give everything a gentle toss so the marinade is evenly distributed.
For another event, I made a version with Kalamata olives and green olives. I did not have sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers on hand, but the skewers were still delicious. This is a flexible appetizer, and the basic idea works well for parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinners.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These marinated mozzarella balls are a simple make-ahead appetizer made with mini mozzarella, garlic, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, chili flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Serve them with toothpicks, on skewers with cherry tomatoes, or as part of a cheese platter.
Appetizer
20
minutes
24
75
kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound mini mozzarella balls
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried red pepper chili flakes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Place all ingredients in a bowl and toss well to combine. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Recipe Notes
For an attractive party presentation, skewer each mozzarella ball with a cherry tomato. This recipe made about 46 skewers.
If you like these marinated mozzarella balls, you might also enjoy assorted skewered party appetizers. They are another quick and easy option when you need a simple appetizer for guests.
Assorted Skewered Party Appetizers
