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A glass jar with my marinated mozzarella balls recipe, on a white plate with toasted slices of baguette.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Lemon and Garlic

Allie Hagerty
These marinated mozzarella balls are soaked in a bright, herby olive oil marinade with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs. Make them the day before for the deepest flavor, then bring to room temperature before serving. A simple, elevated appetizer that fits any gathering.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Time to Marinate 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 7-8 oz fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine
  • 3/4 - 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 basil leaves torn
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, torn basil, parsley, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning blend. Whisk until well combined.
  • Add mozzarella balls to the marinade, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  • Transfer mozzarella and marinade to an airtight container, then refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, let mozzarella balls sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it the day before. The flavor improves dramatically overnight as the mozzarella absorbs the lemon, garlic, and herbs. This is the number one thing you can do to make this recipe better.
  • Always bring to room temperature before serving. Cold mozzarella is rubbery and the olive oil will be solidified from the fridge. Pull it out 20-30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Dry the mozzarella well. Excess water from the packaging dilutes the marinade. Pat thoroughly with paper towels before adding to the oil.
  • Use the leftover marinade oil. It is deeply flavored from the garlic, lemon, and herbs — spoon it over pizza, toss it with pasta, or use it as a dip for crusty bread.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If the oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2ballsCalories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 154mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 152IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword Summer
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