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5 from 1 vote

Lemony Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Marinated mozzarella balls are the epitome of a quick and easy appetizer! With basil, lemon, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this mozzarella is fresh, flavorful, and comes together in minutes. Serve them with bread, use them on a charcuterie board, or eat them alone. You truly can't go wrong, they're the best!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mozzarella balls, preferably Ciliegine ("cherry size")
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 4 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, more or less, to taste
  • Toasted crostini, crackers, or bread, for serving

Equipment

  • Large jar (or a medium bowl)

Instructions 

  • Drain the liquid from the mozzarella balls. Place the mozzarella in a large jar or a medium bowl.
  • To a small bowl, add the olive oil, garlic, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour the marinade over the mozzarella balls. Stir to coat. Cover the jar or bowl and place the mozzarella balls in the fridge. Marinade for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. Serve with crostini, crackers, or bread.

Notes

You can use dried herbs instead of fresh in a pinch. Use about 1-1 1/2 Tablespoons of dried herbs and add more, to taste.
Stir the mozzarella balls every once in a while as they marinate. This will ensure that all of the cheese gets covered so it's nice and flavorful.
Marinate the mozzarella for at least 1 hour but preferably overnight. The longer it marinades, the more flavorful the cheese balls will be.
Serve the mozzarella balls at room temperature. Cheese tastes better, creamier, and more nuanced at room temperature. 20-30 minutes should do the trick!
Cuisine: American, Italian
Course: Appetizer
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 218kcal, Carbohydrates: 2.6g, Protein: 10.1g, Fat: 18.4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 189mg, Potassium: 18mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Calcium: 123mg
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