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    Home » Appetizers

    Published May 8, 2022 (Updated Mar 6, 2025) by Heather Bilyeu

    Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls

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    Easy marinated mozzarella balls are the perfect appetizer or addition to any charcuterie board. Fresh ingredients, super quick to make, and a crowd favorite always!

    We love appetizers around here. I am actually pretty sure the appetizer category at Fueling a Southern Soul is the largest one. I can't help myself! I love appetizers!

    And I feel like we all need them. For either a little snack before dinner parties, to take over to friends and family for all the occasions, tailgates, showers, and just a Friday night in at home.

    You can never have too many!

    And it is even better when the recipes are EASY and VERSATILE, and that is just what these mozzarella balls marinated in olive oil are.

    bowl of Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls with bread slices next to it.
    clear bowls of mozzarella balls, olive oil, a lemon, and spices.

    PRO TIP: fresh mozzarella balls can usually be found in the deli section of your grocery store. It can be found in the specialty cheese section at times. Sometimes they come in a bigger pack or in small snack packs. If you can't find the little pearls or balls, you can use fresh mozzarella slices and it will work just fine. You might have to place in a bigger mason jar or a different container if you do so but they will work. Just make sure you are using FRESH mozzarella and not the rectangle kind found by the shredded and sliced cheese. It is not the same and won't yield as good of a result and flavor. The ounce quantity may differ depending on which kind you use as well - pearls vs. small snacking balls. Use anywhere from 16-20 ounces.

    Instructions

    Easy marinated mozzarella balls are super simple and quick to make in less than 5 minutes to get together.

    1. In a mason jar or large sealable container, add the olive oil, finely grated garlic clove (using a Microplane grater), lemon juice, and all the spices. Mix well with a whisk or fork.
    2. Add your fresh mozzarella balls to the jar. Seal and gently shake to coat all of the cheese.
    3. Place in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours.
    4. Remove and serve chilled or at room temperature.

    You can serve these chilled right out of the fridge or set out for 20 minutes before serving to be a little bit more room temp.

    bowl of lemon and olive oil dressing.
    Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls in a mason jar.

    How to Serve

    You have a couple of different options and ways to serve.

    1. Just by themselves! Keep in the jar or place in a bowl with some toothpicks and let everyone help themselves to the snack!
    2. Serve alongside some baguette slices so that you can either place them on top of the bread and or use the bread to get some of that marinated olive oil goodness too. Because - YUM!
    3. This will make a GREAT addition or a charcuterie board . Everyone will love it!
    4. Add them to 30 minute bowtie chicken pasta salad!
    a hand holding a toothpick of Mozzarella Balls with bread slices next to it.
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    Recipe

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    bowl of Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls with basil and bread next to it.

    Easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls


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    • Author: Heather Bilyeu
    • Total Time: 2 hours
    • Yield: 12-14 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    Easy marinated mozzarella balls are the perfect appetizer or addition to any charcuterie board. Fresh ingredients, super quick to make, and a crowd favorite always!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • ½ Cup Olive Oil
    • 1 Garlic Clove - grated
    • Juice ½ Lemon (roughly 1-2 Tablespoons)
    • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil - julienned
    • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chives - finely diced
    • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
    • ¼ Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • 16-20 Ounces Mozzarella Balls or Pearls

    Instructions

    1. In a mason jar or large sealable container, add the olive oil, finely grated garlic clove (using a Microplane grater), lemon juice, and all the spices. Mix well with a whisk or fork.
    2. Add your fresh mozzarella balls to the jar. Seal and gently shake to coat all of the cheese.
    3. Place in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours.
    4. Remove and serve chilled or at room temperature.

    Notes

    • This can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 2 hours
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Cooking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 102
    • Sugar: 0.6 g
    • Sodium: 284.5 mg
    • Fat: 7 g
    • Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
    • Fiber: 0.6 g
    • Protein: 9 g
    • Cholesterol: 5.1 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @fuelingasouthernsoul on Instagram and hashtag it #fuelingasouthernsoul

    Please rate and review below!

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Christmas, Southern, Summer, SuperBowl/Tailgate

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    Hi, I'm Heather! Grab a glass of wine, a blanket, and a cozy seat on your back porch. I am so glad you are here! Born and raised in Kentucky and with proper southern roots, my love for entertaining and hospitality runs deep within my soul. There is nothing that I love more than having people around my table and loving them through food and drink!

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