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    Home » Appetizers

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Published: Jan 9, 2022 · Modified: Mar 1, 2022 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    These Marinated Mozzarella Balls make the perfect bite-size appetizers that are loaded with flavor. They take only minutes to prepare and can be served skewered, with crusty bread or as a great addition to a charcuterie board!
     
    Marinated Mozzarella Balls in a glass jar
     
    I love simple, easy recipes when entertaining. I mean, what's the point of entertaining if you are stuck in the kitchen the whole time? I think it's a mistake to assume that simple recipes can't be elegant and just as delicious as something that is more labor-intensive. This is not to say I don't enjoy the challenge of making something a little more involved, but there's a time & place. Incorporating a simple recipe like these Marinated Mozzarella Balls into your party menu is sure to impress your guests while getting you out of the kitchen!

    Choosing the Right Mozzarella

    Fresh mozzarella is used in these Marinated Mozzarella Balls, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. When searching for fresh mozzarella at the grocery store, you want to look for the smaller sized pearls that are perfect for guests to eat in one bite. Bocconcini pearls are about the size of a cherry tomato. Ciliegine pearls will be slightly smaller than Bocconcini, but also a great size for this recipe. Some brands make it really easy for you and just label them "Pearls", and usually have them packaged in a clear container making it easy to see what you are getting. 

    Fresh mozzarella is usually packaged in water or a whey mixture which you will drain off before using. Once opened, fresh mozzarella is best consumed within 3-5 days. Fresh mozzarella melts like a dream making it a great addition to pasta or homemade pizzas!

    How to Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    A handful of ingredients and some store-bought shortcuts are all that's needed to take these mozzarella pearls from great on their own to out-of-this-world. 

    The ingredients used in the marinade:

    • Basil pesto - jarred or homemade
    • Olive oil
    • Sundried tomatoes - I buy the kind that come in a jar. They are typically marinated in olive oil, so just drain them off before chopping. 
    • Fresh parsley
    • Balsamic vinegar - adds the perfect amount of acidity

    Add the drained mozzarella pearls to a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the marinade. Pour over the cheese and gently toss. Your work is done!

    Marinade poured on top of mozzarella pearls in a glass bowl

    How To Serve Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    These Marinated Mozzarella Balls need to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to really meld together and flavor the cheese. If you are able to make them further in advance, even better! Stick them in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes until you are ready to serve. As with practically all other cheeses, it's best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to really shine. 

    To serve, place the Marinated Mozzarella Balls in a nice serving jar or dish alongside some warm crusty bread, or skewer each pearl with a toothpick and serve on a tray. These Marinated Mozzarella Balls also make a great addition to a charcuterie board when placed in a small mason jar on the board.

    After I perfected this recipe after a few test runs and had them sitting in the fridge, I would catch my husband stopping at the fridge every time he passed it and sneaking a couple of these. He was addicted!

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls in a clear mason jar on a wooden tray

    How Long Do They Last?

    Due to the acidic addition of the balsamic vinegar, these Marinated Mozzarella Balls are best when eaten within 24 hours. After that, the texture of the mozzarella pearls could start to break down due the acidity of the vinegar. 

    Full disclosure: I never run into this problem when I make these. They usually don't last the night!

     

    Other popular party food recipes:

    Poutine Fries

    Dill Pickle Dip

    Italian Nachos

    Pesto Chicken Pizza

     

    Be sure to follow The Darling Apron on Facebook & Instagram along with what I’m pinning on Pinterest!

     

    Have you made one of my recipes? I’d love your feedback on the comment box and star rating below the recipe!

     

    Close up of Marinated Mozzarella Balls
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    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    These Marinated Mozzarella Balls make the perfect bite-size appetizer that are loaded with flavor. They take only minutes to prepare and can be served skewered, with crusty bread or as a great addition to a charcuterie board!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Marinating Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: marinated mozzarella balls
    Servings: 16 servings
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound mozzarella pearls
    • 2 tbsp. basil pesto jarred or homemade
    • 2 tbsp. olive oil
    • 2 tbsp. sundried tomatoes finely chopped
    • 1 tbsp. fresh parsley finely chopped
    • 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

    Instructions

    • Drain mozzarella pearls and place in a bowl.
    • In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour over mozzarella and gently toss.
    • Allow mozzarella to marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before serving. Remove cheese from refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

    Helpful Equipment & Ingredient Links

    Mixing Bowl
    Pesto
    Sundried Tomatoes

    Notes

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls are best when consumed within 24 hours as the texture of the cheese may begin to break down after that time due to the balsamic vinegar. 

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    Welcome to The Darling Apron! I'm a wife, mom, & chai tea latte lover who uses food as her love language. I believe some of life's best moments happen when gathered around the kitchen table. Whether making time-honored family recipes or developing new favorites, I love creating memories through delicious food. I hope this space inspires you to do the same!

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