Description
Soft, creamy mozzarella pearls soaked in olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. This easy marinated mozzarella recipe is a flavor-packed snack or appetizer that only gets better with time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained and patted dry
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- (Optional) Gently warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warm.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella pearls, sliced garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Spoon the mozzarella mixture into a clean glass jar.
- Pour olive oil over the mixture until all ingredients are fully submerged. Add lemon zest if using.
- Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Shake the jar gently once or twice during marinating.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring out full flavor.
Notes
- Dry mozzarella well before marinating to avoid watery oil.
- Use a clean, airtight jar to ensure freshness and safety.
- The leftover oil is perfect for drizzling over bread or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg