Description
Zesty pioneer woman marinated mozzarella balls combine creamy Italian cheese with herbal Mediterranean flavors. Tangy olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic create a simple yet irresistible appetizer you can enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) mozzarella balls (ciliegine, pearls, or bocconcini)
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (use 1 tbsp if using dried)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (use 1 tsp if using dried)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (use 1 tsp if using dried)
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined and fragrant.
- Mozzarella Preparation: Drain fresh mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal herb infusion.
- Marinating Process: Gently fold mozzarella balls into the herb-infused oil mixture, carefully coating each cheese sphere completely with the aromatic blend, then let rest at room temperature for 60-90 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Storage and Preservation: Transfer marinated mozzarella to a clean glass jar or airtight container, ensuring all cheese balls remain fully submerged in the herbed olive oil. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, understanding that olive oil may solidify when chilled.
- Serving Technique: Remove marinated mozzarella from refrigerator 20-25 minutes before serving to allow olive oil to liquify and cheese to reach room temperature. Gently stir before presenting to redistribute herbs and ensure even flavor distribution.
Notes
- Herb Infusion Timing: Let mozzarella marinate for 60-90 minutes at room temperature to maximize flavor absorption and herb penetration.
- Oil Quality Matters: Use high-grade extra virgin olive oil for a rich, authentic taste that complements the delicate mozzarella texture.
- Temperature Technique: Always bring refrigerated marinated mozzarella to room temperature (20-25 minutes) before serving to restore oil’s liquid state and enhance cheese’s flavor profile.
- Storage Strategy: Keep marinated mozzarella in a clean glass container fully submerged in herbed olive oil, which helps preserve freshness for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg