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Marinated Mozzarella Recipe: Easy Homemade Appetizer with Fresh Herbs and Citrus Zest

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This easy marinated mozzarella recipe features creamy mozzarella balls soaked in fragrant olive oil, fresh herbs, and bright citrus zest. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for entertaining or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini, or cut fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1/2 orange (optional, recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain mozzarella balls from their liquid and let them sit in a fine mesh strainer for 5 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Finely chop basil, parsley, and thyme. Zest the lemon and half an orange using a microplane, avoiding the white pith.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, sliced garlic, lemon and orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and garlic just begins to sizzle. Do not brown.
  4. Place drained mozzarella balls in a medium mixing bowl. Add chopped herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour the warm oil mixture over the cheese, scraping in all zest and garlic.
  6. Gently toss mozzarella to coat evenly with marinade.
  7. Transfer mixture to a clean 16 oz (475 ml) glass jar or container, ensuring cheese is mostly submerged in oil.
  8. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours for maximum flavor). If oil solidifies, let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve marinated mozzarella on a plate or cheese board, drizzled with extra marinade and garnished with more herbs if desired. Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs and let mozzarella marinate overnight. If oil solidifies in the fridge, let the jar sit at room temperature before serving. Customize with different herbs, citrus, or add cherry tomatoes for variety. Leftover herby oil is delicious as a salad dressing or bread dip.

Nutrition

Keywords: marinated mozzarella, appetizer, fresh herbs, citrus zest, Italian, cheese board, party food, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

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