Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers: A Fresh and Flavorful Bite

If you’re looking for a light and flavorful appetizer that will impress your guests, Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers are the perfect choice. This simple yet delicious dish combines creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty marinade, served on crispy baguette slices. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that is perfect for parties, picnics, or even a casual evening snack.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and instructions to create this tasty appetizer. Plus, we’ll explore some variations, storage tips, and answer common questions to ensure your Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers turn out perfectly every time.

For more appetizer ideas, be sure to check out these delicious Mediterranean appetizers or this guide on making easy cheese appetizers here.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This recipe is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The mozzarella and tomato combination, along with the herbed marinade, creates a burst of flavors in each bite.

Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers: Fresh and Flavorful Bites

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30-45 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 24 appetizers (12 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers are a delightful and fresh bite-sized treat, perfect for any gathering. The creamy mozzarella cheese balls are marinated in a flavorful Italian dressing, with the aromatic notes of basil and chives. Paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and a crispy slice of French bread baguette, these appetizers are easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 2 cartons (8 ounces each) miniature fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 12 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inch thick), cut into quarters
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing, minced basil, minced chives, and coarsely ground pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Marinate the mozzarella: Place the drained mozzarella cheese balls in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the cheese. Toss gently to coat. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Toast the bread slices: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sliced French bread pieces on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the appetizers: On each piece of toasted French bread, top with one marinated mozzarella ball and one cherry tomato.
5. Serve: Arrange the completed appetizers on a serving platter and serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

Notes

• You can prepare the mozzarella and tomato topping ahead of time and assemble the appetizers just before serving.
• To make this dish even more flavorful, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze on top before serving.
• You can also use a variety of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano in place of basil and chives for different flavor profiles.
• If you’d like to make this dish gluten-free, serve the mozzarella and tomato mixture on gluten-free crackers or vegetable slices instead of the French bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 7 minutes (for toasting the bread)
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Marinating, Toasting
• Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 appetizers per serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing, minced fresh basil, minced fresh chives, and coarsely ground pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Marinate the Mozzarella and Tomatoes: Add the mozzarella cheese balls and cherry tomatoes to the marinade, stirring gently to coat them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to marinate and meld together.
3. Prepare the Bread: While the mozzarella and tomatoes are marinating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the slices of French baguette on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
4. Toast the Baguette: Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool.
5. Assemble the Appetizers: Once the bread has cooled and the mozzarella and tomatoes are marinated, arrange a few cheese balls and tomatoes on each toasted baguette slice.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the marinated mozzarella and tomato appetizers on a serving platter. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Advanced Techniques

To take your Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers to the next level, try these tips for an even more refined experience:

Add a Balsamic Glaze

For extra flavor and a hint of sweetness, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the assembled appetizers before serving. This will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a rich, tangy note.

Use Heirloom Tomatoes

For a more colorful and flavorful twist, consider using heirloom tomatoes. Their vibrant colors and richer flavors will enhance the overall appearance and taste of your appetizer.

Herbed Crostini

Instead of using plain French baguette slices, you can make herbed crostini by mixing olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs (like thyme or rosemary) and brushing it onto the baguette slices before toasting. This extra layer of flavor will complement the marinated mozzarella and tomatoes perfectly.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

These appetizers are best enjoyed fresh, but here are some tips on storing and maintaining the flavors of your Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers:

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover marinated mozzarella and tomatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. However, the bread will lose its crispiness, so it’s best to store the cheese and tomatoes separately and toast fresh baguette slices when ready to serve.

Freezing the Appetizer

Freezing is not recommended for this appetizer due to the fresh ingredients, especially the tomatoes and mozzarella. will affect the texture and quality of the dish, so it’s best to prepare it fresh.

Shelf Life

The marinated mozzarella and tomatoes will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge, while the toasted bread should be consumed the same day for optimal crispness. Always store the cheese and bread separately to keep them fresh longer.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This appetizer is naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free Version

To make this appetizer gluten-free, simply replace the French bread baguette with gluten-free bread. You can also use gluten-free crackers or rice cakes as a base if you prefer a different texture.

Dairy-Free Version

If you are avoiding dairy, substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are several excellent plant-based mozzarella options available that melt and taste just like the original.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, use cucumber slices or endive leaves in place of the bread for a crunchy base. The marinated cheese and tomatoes will still offer the perfect burst of flavor atop a low-carb option.

FAQs About Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers

1. Can I prepare the mozzarella and tomatoes in advance?

Yes! The mozzarella and tomato mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and assemble the appetizers with fresh toasted bread right before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mozzarella is traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other fresh cheeses like burrata or ricotta for a different texture and flavor profile. Both options will pair beautifully with the tomatoes and marinade.

3. How do I make the toasted bread extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, bake the bread at a higher temperature (about 400°F or 200°C) for a few minutes longer, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use a toaster or grill the bread slices for a smoky flavor.

4. Can I make this appetizer without a marinade?

Yes, you can skip the marinade and simply layer the mozzarella and tomatoes on the bread. However, marinating them adds extra depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

5. How can I serve this appetizer at a party?

For a party or large gathering, arrange the marinated mozzarella and tomatoes on a large platter with the toasted bread slices on the side, allowing guests to assemble their own appetizers. This way, the bread stays crisp until it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers are a refreshing and flavorful way to kick off any meal. The simple yet bold combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crispy bread makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time.

Feel free to experiment with additional toppings and variations to customize these appetizers to your liking. Whether served at a dinner party, picnic, or casual get-together, these appetizers will surely impress your guests.