Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil
Soft mozzarella balls marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or salad topper. This italian-inspired italian ready in about 10 minutes pairs small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 12 oz small mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a glass jar or airtight container.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
- Step 3: Pour the herb and oil mixture over the mozzarella balls, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Before serving, bring to room temperature and toss gently. Serve with crusty bread or as a vibrant salad topping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Marinated Mozzarella Balls with Fresh Herbs and Olive Oil?
Italian italian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best marinated mozzarella I've ever had. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. The olive oil made it feel gourmet.
- ★★★★★
My family loved these. Made them for a dinner party and they were a hit!
