Marinated mozzarella is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This easy-to-make recipe involves soaking fresh mozzarella in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices. The result is a creamy, tangy, and aromatic appetizer that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Making marinated mozzarella at home is not only simple but also very rewarding. It’s a great way to elevate your charcuterie boards, salads, or pasta dishes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that impresses your guests and satisfies your taste buds. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for entertaining or enjoying a casual snack.
How to Make Marinated Mozzarella
Making marinated mozzarella is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella, cubed (or mozzarella pearls)
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
Directions:
- Sterilize a mason jar by washing it in hot water and allowing it to dry completely.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Place mozzarella cubes into the jar.
- Pour the olive oil marinade over the mozzarella, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged.
- Incorporate capers if desired.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours to achieve optimal flavor.
- Stir gently prior to serving.
- Serve atop crackers, salads, pasta, or as part of charcuterie boards.
How to Serve Marinated Mozzarella
Marinated mozzarella is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it on its own as a snack, on top of crackers, mixed into salads, or added to pasta dishes. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board, complementing meats, fruits, and breads beautifully.
How to Store Marinated Mozzarella
To store marinated mozzarella, keep it in the refrigerator in the sealed mason jar. It’s best consumed within a week for optimal freshness. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits in the marinade.
Tips to Make Marinated Mozzarella
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to your liking.
- The longer the mozzarella marinates, the more flavorful it becomes, so consider marinating for up to a week if you have the time.
- For a richer taste, add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or using other types of cheese such as feta or goat cheese. Mixing in different vegetables, such as bell peppers or artichokes, can also add a unique twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-made mozzarella balls?
A: Yes, mozzarella pearls or balls work perfectly for this recipe and save you some cutting time.
Q: How long can I keep marinated mozzarella?
A: It is best to consume it within one week when stored in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this dish without garlic?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the garlic if you prefer a milder flavor or are avoiding garlic for dietary reasons.
