Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Last Updated June 5th, 2025 at 08:17 pm by Lisa

Everyone loves cheese appetizers, and there is nothing easier than Marinated Mozzarella Balls! You can toss these together quickly with a simple marinade, fresh herbs, and seasonings, to go on a gorgeous charcuterie board or antipasto platter for a large crowd. Add some crackers, crusty bread, and drinks to get the party going...

How To Make Mozzarella Balls 

Some people call these Mozzarella Pearls. I love to make these cheesy appetizers for parties, especially on cheese boards! Most recipes use an olive oil liquid mixture to marinade in a large Mason jar.

This recipe is simple. Just good flavors and nothing extra to toss out. You can adjust the simple ingredients on your mozzarella cheese balls to the tastes you prefer. Here is a basic idea of what you need from the grocery store...

• extra virgin olive oil
• fresh garlic
• fresh parsley
• fresh basil leaves
• fresh thyme
• fresh rosemary
• red pepper flakes
• kosher salt
• fresh mozzarella balls (aka Italian bocconcini, ciliegine mozzarella, or mozzarella pearls)
• optional: basil leaves for garnish

PRO TIP: The packages of Italian fresh mozzarella balls I found were 8 ounces each and approximately 24 balls per box. You will drain off the liquid that is inside the container.

1. Mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and sea salt in a large bowl.
2. Drain the liquid off, add the mozzarella balls to the olive oil mixture, and stir to fully coat. Allow them to marinate for at least an hour or longer. The longer they marinate, the better the flavors become! You can make them ahead of your party too. These can remain at room temperature for about 4 hours.
3. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or mason jars for up to five days. Use up leftovers on a salad or for snacks, or melt on homemade pizza!
4. Serve with appetizer picks in a single layer on a platter or small bowls on cheese boards like this Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board...

Variations & Recipes With Mozzarella Balls

All these great appetizer variation ideas are in the printable recipe card below. These might quickly become your go-to appetizers and a favorite recipe for parties.

Fresh & Dry Herbs

• Fresh herbs are the best option both for taste, the best flavor, and the bright green pop of color they add against the cheese balls.
• If you use dry herbs, use ⅓ of what you would for fresh for best results. Dry herbs are much more concentrated.
• Try a tiny sprinkle of oregano, about a ¼ teaspoon of dried, but not too much as this is a strong herb.

Great Additions & Flavors

• Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, but not one that is flavored like garlic, it becomes overwhelming with all the other ingredients.
• Slice a few cherry tomatoes to add in, or some good kalamata olives!
• For a topping, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, or white balsamic vinegar when you serve baby mozzarella balls.
• Another great addition is marinated red peppers, which are sometimes fire-roasted bell peppers, or try some roasted Hatch Chiles.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes, try my recipe it is so easy and a great way to use up Summer garden tomatoes!

Salad Mozzarella Ball Recipes

Layer an easy Caprese salad, with juicy ripe cherries tomatoes sliced in half, fresh basil leaves, and your Italian marinated mozzarella pearls.

Toss onto great side salad recipes like a fresh Caprese salad with grape tomatoes, or boil a large pot of salted water, add your favorite pasta, and make a Caprese pasta salad.

And try these in my Pizza Salad, so easy and so good! This Italian salad pizza inspired recipe is healthy, low carb, drizzled with a creamy sun-dried tomato dressing with all the flavors of pizza we crave.

Colorful and loaded with popular favorite pizza toppings like mini pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, tangy pepperoncini, tiny ripe tomatoes, and little balls of mozzarella cheese...

More Appetizer Recipes

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Create a stunning Thanksgiving charcuterie board (seen above) filled with your favorite little bites of sliced meats, different types of cheeses, marinated mozzarella balls, crackers, fruit, nuts, and a few festive and sugary holiday treats.

These are the best Thanksgiving Appetizers for savory snacks, easy simple appetizers, and a bounty of party ideas for your celebration.  Nothing is easier than a Crostini Bar for appetizers with an easy setup and assembly. Try this easy appetizer recipe for a whipped goat cheese crostini topping and tons of ideas for other things to put on top, for your party! 🥖🍷🧀

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Create a spooktacular Halloween Charcuterie Board filled with your favorite sliced meats, an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts, and a few spooky and sugary Halloween treats.