These creamy Marinated Mozzarella Balls soak in garlicky sun‑dried tomato olive oil, infusing each one with amazing Italian flavor. They’re simple to make, impossible to stop eating, and perfect for snacking or adding to a charcuterie board.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe

• Fresh creamy mozzarella cheese
• Marinated in a garlic and sun-dried tomato olive oil
• Perfect easy snack
• Great to serve on charcuterie boards

I love appetizers that look fancy but take only minutes to prepare, and that is exactly what you get with my Marinated Mozzarella Balls. Also called ciliegine, these mini mozzarella balls sit in a garlic and sun‑dried tomato olive oil that actually infuses the cheese. The best part is that there is no cooking at all. You mix it, refrigerate it, and it is ready when you are.

I keep a jar of these cheesy bites in the fridge for quick snacks or for adding to a charcuterie board. They are simple, they taste incredible, and they always disappear when I set them out at parties. Every time I make them, someone asks me for the recipe.

If you love this recipe, you should also check out my zesty Marinated Mushrooms.

🛒 Ingredients for Marinated Mozzarella Balls

• Ciliegine mozzarella balls: These small mozzarella balls stay creamy and soak up flavor beautifully.
• Olive oil: This forms the base of the marinade, so use one you enjoy the taste of.
• Garlic cloves: Grated garlic melts right into the oil for even flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: They add richness and a slightly sweet bite throughout the jar.
• White wine vinegar: A little acidity keeps the marinade bright and balanced.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herby note that pairs perfectly with mozzarella.
• Fresh parsley: Light and clean, it keeps the flavors from feeling heavy.
• Dried oregano: Gives a classic Italian flavor without stealing the spotlight.
• Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor in the marinade.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Storage jar

🔪 How to Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Add the olive oil, grated garlic, sun-dried tomato oil, white wine vinegar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes and salt to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until well combined.

Add the mozzarella balls, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley to a mixing bowl.

Pour the olive oil mixture over the top and toss to combine, making sure all the mozzarella is well coated.

Transfer to a glass storage jar and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours before serving.

Once you’ve eaten all the mozzarella, add in some white or red wine vinegar and use it as a salad dressing!

☑️ Storage Instruction

You can keep your jar of marinated mozzarella balls in the fridge for about 5 days to a week, if they last that long.

🍴 Wats to Serve

• Spoon the mozzarella and some of the oil onto a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and crackers.
• Serve in a small bowl with toothpicks as an easy snack or appetizer.
• Add the mozzarella to a simple green salad and drizzle with some of the leftover marinade.
• Pile onto toasted keto bread or crostini for an easy bruschetta style bite.
• Toss with cooked zucchini pasta, using the oil as part of the sauce, for a quick no stress dinner.
• Add to an antipasto platter alongside roasted vegetables and marinated artichokes.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak instead of a traditional salad.

💡 Tips

• Use a glass jar or bowl since plastic can hold onto oil flavors.
• Gently stir the jar once or twice while marinating so everything stays evenly coated.
• Pat the mozzarella dry before marinating so the oil clings better.
• Chop the herbs finely so they distribute evenly through the jar.
• Keep the jar tightly sealed so the flavors stay clean and fresh.
• Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

Olives: Add sliced olives for a briny bite that works well on charcuterie boards.

Peppers: Stir in roasted red peppers for extra color and sweetness.

Herbs: Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a slightly different herb profile.

Zest: Add a pinch of lemon zest for brightness without extra liquid.

Onion: Toss in pearl onions for a heartier snack option.

Artichokes: Mix in drained, marinated artichoke hearts for a more filling appetizer.

Why Does My Marinade Look Cloudy?

This is totally normal. Cold olive oil can solidify slightly in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature and it will clear up.

Can I Make Them the Night Before a Party?

Yes, making it ahead actually improves the flavor as the mozzarella absorbs the marinade.

Can I Serve Them Warm?

Soft cheese, like mozzarella melts when warmed. These are best served slightly cool or at room temperature, not heated.

Can I Use Different Cheeses?

Small fresh mozzarella like bocconcini or pearl mozzarella work best since they absorb the marinade well. Firmer cheeses can be used, but they will not soak up the oil the same way and the texture will be different.

🍽️ More Delicious Appetizer Recipes

• Dill Pickled Devilled Eggs
• French Onion Dip
• Keto Crab Cakes
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Sausage Rotel Dip
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Crab Rangoon Dip
• Keto Coconut Shrimp
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms