Marinated Mozzarella: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Recipe

Marinated Mozzarella is a delightful appetizer or snack that elevates the traditional mozzarella cheese with savory and aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe takes fresh mozzarella and transforms it into a burst of flavor by infusing it with olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and more. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple snack, this marinated treat is as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready to indulge in this flavorful dish? Let’s get started!

For more cheese inspiration, you might want to check out this guide on making fresh mozzarella at home, and if you’re looking for more fun ways to use your mozzarella, see these creative mozzarella recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

To create Marinated Mozzarella, the combination of olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and seasonings brings out the best in mozzarella cheese. Here’s a simple and foolproof recipe.

Marinated Mozzarella Recipe: Simple, Flavorful Appetizer with Fresh Herbs & Spices

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including marination time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Marinated Mozzarella recipe is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. The mozzarella cubes are marinated in a delicious blend of olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices, creating a rich, savory dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings out the creamy, mild flavors of mozzarella with a delightful kick from crushed red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon minced chives
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, dried basil, chives, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
Cube the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes and place them in a shallow dish or container.
Marinate the Mozzarella: Pour the marinade mixture over the mozzarella cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
Chill: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: After marinating, serve the mozzarella cubes as a stand-alone appetizer or with crackers, bread, or salads.

Notes

Storage: The marinated mozzarella can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. If marinated for a longer period, the mozzarella may become firmer.
Customization: You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The oil-packed variety provides extra flavor, but if using dried sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in a bit of warm water before chopping.
Serving Suggestions: This marinated mozzarella pairs beautifully with fresh basil, tomatoes, or a simple balsamic drizzle.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1/4 cup)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Marinated Mozzarella Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, basil, chives, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture until well combined, ensuring the flavors blend together.
Add the mozzarella: Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella cheese. Make sure each cube is coated with the marinade.
Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the mozzarella. If you prefer a stronger flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer the mozzarella sits in the marinade, the more the flavors will develop.
Serve: Once marinated, transfer the mozzarella to a serving dish. You can serve it chilled, or allow it to come to room temperature before serving for a softer, richer flavor.

Enjoy your Marinated Mozzarella as a standalone snack or serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a more complete appetizer.

Advanced Techniques for Marinated Mozzarella

While the basic recipe provides a great foundation, there are a few advanced techniques that can enhance the flavor and presentation of your Marinated Mozzarella. Experimenting with these tips will give your dish a professional touch.

1. Add More Layers of Flavor

Infuse the Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil gently on the stove with additional herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), garlic, or chili peppers. This infuses the oil with a deeper, more robust flavor before adding it to the mozzarella.
Use Different Cheeses: Try combining different cheeses for more complex flavor profiles. For instance, blending mozzarella with provolone or even some soft goat cheese will bring a new texture and flavor dimension to your marinated mozzarella.

2. Presentation Matters

Garnish Creatively: To make your Marinated Mozzarella more visually appealing, consider adding thinly sliced olives, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
Use Small Glass Jars: For a rustic, charming presentation, marinate the mozzarella in small glass jars. The jars will also help the cheese stay submerged in the oil, ensuring even marination.

3. Flavor Enhancements

Experiment with Spices: While crushed red pepper flakes and basil are classic choices, feel free to explore other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or oregano. You could also add a touch of lemon zest for a zesty kick.
Use Roasted Garlic: Instead of garlic powder, try using roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor. Roasted garlic has a soft, caramelized taste that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage of your Marinated Mozzarella ensures that it maintains its delicious flavor and texture. Follow these storage and maintenance tips for the best results.

1. Storage Tips

Store your Marinated Mozzarella in an airtight container, preferably a glass jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. The olive oil should cover the cheese to prevent it from drying out and to keep it submerged in the marinade. If you’re using a larger container, make sure to top it up with more olive oil if needed.

2. Shelf Life

Refrigerated: When stored properly, Marinated Mozzarella will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. After this, the cheese may begin to lose its firmness and the flavors may start to fade.
Freezing: While freezing is not recommended for marinated mozzarella, you can freeze the cheese cubes without the marinade for up to 3 months. However, freezing will affect the texture of the cheese, making it less ideal for marinating later.

3. Maintenance Tips

Oil Level: Check the oil level from time to time. If the mozzarella is exposed to air, it may spoil. Always ensure the cheese is fully submerged in the marinade.
Shake or Stir: Every day, give the jar or container a gentle shake or stir to redistribute the marinade and keep the flavors even.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Whether you’re cooking for specific dietary preferences or simply want to explore alternative options, here are some substitutions to cater to different needs:

1. Gluten-Free

The Marinated Mozzarella recipe is naturally gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free bread to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

2. Vegan or Dairy-Free

For a vegan version, swap the mozzarella for a plant-based mozzarella alternative. Several stores carry excellent dairy-free options that have a similar texture and flavor.

3. Low-Fat

To make a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella, which is already called for in the recipe. You could also use reduced-fat olive oil or use less oil overall if you want to cut back on the fat content.

4. Low-Sodium

If you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake, opt for unsalted sun-dried tomatoes and use a low-sodium mozzarella. Additionally, you can control the amount of salt in the marinade by adjusting the herbs and spices.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of part-skim?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella is a great choice for marinating, though it may have a higher moisture content, so it may not absorb the marinade as well as part-skim mozzarella.

2. How long should I marinate the mozzarella?

The mozzarella should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 2 hours to develop a more intense flavor. It’s all about how strong you want the flavors to be.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Marinated Mozzarella is even better when made in advance. Preparing it the day before allows the cheese to soak up all the flavors from the marinade.

4. Can I reuse the marinade?

While it’s tempting to reuse the marinade, it’s not recommended because the oil can get contaminated with bacteria from the mozzarella. It’s best to prepare fresh marinade each time you make the dish.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Marinated Mozzarella is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual snack, an elegant appetizer, or a picnic, it’s sure to impress your guests with its fresh flavors and aromatic spices. From basic to advanced techniques, you have a lot of room to experiment with this recipe and make it your own.

With its simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and easy preparation, Marinated Mozzarella is the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the burst of flavors, and don’t forget to share this irresistible snack with others!