Marinated Mozzarella with Basil and Red Pepper Flakes

Marinated Mozzarella is an easy and flavorful appetizer that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Cubes of mozzarella are coated in olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a delicious combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. This no-cook marinated mozzarella recipe is perfect for parties, holidays, entertaining, or serving as a quick snack with bread, crackers, or an antipasto platter.

Why You’ll Love Marinated Mozzarella

• It is incredibly easy to make – You only need to mix the marinade ingredients and toss them with the mozzarella cubes. There is no cooking involved, so preparation is quick and simple. After that, the refrigerator does the rest of the work.
• The flavor is bold and delicious – Olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes give the mozzarella plenty of savory flavor. The mozzarella absorbs the marinade as it rests. Every bite is creamy, herby, and just a little spicy.
• It is perfect for entertaining – Marinated mozzarella makes an easy appetizer for parties, holidays, and gatherings. It looks colorful and inviting on a serving platter or in a clear jar. Guests can easily pick up the cheese cubes with toothpicks.
• You can make it ahead of time – This recipe needs at least 30 minutes to marinate, but it can also be prepared the night before. Extra marinating time gives the flavors more time to blend. That makes it a convenient option when you want to prepare appetizers in advance.
• There are plenty of ways to serve it – Marinated mozzarella is delicious with crusty bread, crackers, or bruschetta. It also works well as part of an antipasto platter with ham, salami, and olives. You can even serve the mozzarella on its own as a simple snack.

Ingredients For Marinated Mozzarella

• Olive oil – This forms the base of the marinade and helps coat the mozzarella with all the herbs and seasonings.
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – These add rich tomato flavor and a little extra color to the mozzarella.
• Fresh parsley – Minced parsley gives the marinade a fresh, herby flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – These add a gentle spicy kick to balance the creamy mozzarella.
• Dried basil – Basil pairs perfectly with mozzarella and gives the marinade classic Italian-inspired flavor.
• Minced chives – Chives add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the cheese.
• Garlic powder – A small amount of garlic powder rounds out the savory flavors in the marinade.
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese – Cut the mozzarella into cubes so every piece can be evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

How To Make Marinated Mozzarella

• Add the olive oil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, dried basil, chives, and garlic powder to a large bowl.
• Mix everything together until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed through the oil.
• Add the mozzarella cubes to the bowl with the marinade.
• Gently toss the cheese until every piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mozzarella for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
• Before serving, let the marinated mozzarella sit out briefly so the olive oil becomes smoother and the flavors are more pronounced.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with prosciutto melon skewers and olives for an easy antipasto platter.
• Pair with garlic gondolas for a warm, cheesy appetizer.
• Add rosemary sea salt crackers and cured meats for a simple party spread.
• Serve alongside tomato bruschetta for an Italian-style appetizer.
• Pair with cranberry goat cheese crostini for a festive snack board.
• Enjoy with baked zucchini garlic bites for a light appetizer combo.

Tips For Success

• Give the mozzarella enough time to marinate – Refrigerate the cheese for at least 30 minutes after mixing it with the olive oil, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. This resting time allows the mozzarella to pick up more of the flavor from the marinade. If you are preparing the appetizer ahead of time, you can make it the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator.
• Use flavorful olive oil – Olive oil is a major part of the marinade, so its flavor comes through in the finished dish. The original recipe recommends using the best olive oil you can find, such as cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. It combines with the herbs and seasonings to coat every piece of mozzarella.
• Drain the sun-dried tomatoes first – If you are using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, discard their packing oil before chopping them. Roughly chop the tomatoes before adding them to the marinade. This helps distribute their rich tomato flavor throughout the mozzarella mixture.
• Coat the mozzarella thoroughly – Stir the marinade ingredients together before adding the cheese. Once the mozzarella cubes are in the bowl, gently stir again until they are evenly coated. This helps make sure the herbs, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and oil are spread throughout the dish instead of collecting in one area.
• Let the mozzarella warm slightly before serving – Olive oil becomes thicker when refrigerated, and the flavors can seem less noticeable when the mixture is very cold. Allow the marinated mozzarella to come closer to room temperature before serving. This helps the oil become smoother and allows the aromas and flavors to become more noticeable again.
• Choose mozzarella that will hold its shape – This recipe is designed for firm, low-moisture mozzarella cut into cubes. Its texture makes it easy to stir with the marinade without falling apart. Fresh mozzarella can also be used when serving the dish soon after making it, but avoid mozzarella that is so ripe and soft that it may break apart in the marinade.
• Use a clear jar for an easy presentation – Instead of marinating the mozzarella only in a bowl, you can transfer the mixture to a clear jar. The herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese make a colorful presentation. Guests can pick out the mozzarella cubes with toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated – Leftover marinated mozzarella can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep in mind that the olive oil will become more viscous when it is cold. Letting the mozzarella warm slightly before eating can help bring back the smoother texture and fuller flavor.

Variations And Substitutions

• Add lemon for a brighter flavor – For a tangier version of marinated mozzarella, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the marinade. You can also mix in a little grated lemon zest. The citrus adds freshness and gives the olive oil and herbs a brighter taste.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried basil – The original recipe uses dried basil, but fresh basil can also be used. Fresh basil adds a more pronounced herb flavor and pairs especially well with mozzarella. Chop it before mixing it into the olive oil so it is distributed throughout the marinade.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder – Minced fresh garlic cloves can replace the garlic powder if you prefer the flavor of fresh garlic. Mix the minced garlic directly into the olive oil with the other herbs and seasonings. This variation gives the marinade a stronger fresh garlic flavor.
• Try fresh mozzarella – This recipe is designed for firm, low-moisture mozzarella because it holds its shape well during marinating. However, creamy fresh mozzarella packed in whey can also be used if you plan to serve the appetizer soon after preparing it. Choose fresh mozzarella that is firm enough to stay intact when mixed with the marinade, since very ripe mozzarella may fall apart.
• Substitute another cheese – Mozzarella has a mild, creamy flavor, but other firm cheeses can also be marinated. Provolone, Gouda, Edam, or cheddar can be used instead of mozzarella. These cheeses will give the appetizer a different flavor while still working well with the olive oil and herb mixture.
• Try feta for a different texture – Feta can also be used as a substitute for mozzarella. Because feta is more crumbly and has a heavier flavor, the finished appetizer will be quite different from the original version. Handle it gently when mixing it with the marinade.
• Marinate and serve it in a jar – For a simple presentation variation, place the mozzarella and marinade in a clear jar. The colorful sun-dried tomatoes and herbs look attractive through the glass. When it is time to serve, guests can pick out the marinated cheese pieces with toothpicks.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover marinated mozzarella in a covered container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil will become thicker when chilled, and the flavors may seem less pronounced straight from the refrigerator.
• Before serving leftovers, let the marinated mozzarella sit out until it comes closer to room temperature. This helps the olive oil become smoother again and brings out more of the flavor and aroma.
• Since this is a no-cook appetizer, reheating is not necessary. Simply allow it to warm slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Marinated Mozzarella ahead of time?

Yes. Marinated Mozzarella is a great make-ahead appetizer because the extra resting time gives the flavors more time to soak into the cheese. You can prepare the mozzarella the night before you plan to serve it and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The olive oil, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes will continue to flavor the cheese as it sits. Before serving, let the mozzarella come closer to room temperature so the olive oil becomes smoother and the flavors are easier to taste.

How long should I marinate mozzarella?

The mozzarella should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the cheese time to absorb the flavor of the olive oil, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. If you have more time, you can let it marinate longer. Preparing it the night before is another good option. A longer marinating time can help the flavors blend even more.

What type of mozzarella works best for this recipe?

This recipe is designed for firm, low-moisture mozzarella that can be cut into cubes. This type of mozzarella holds its shape well when it is tossed with the marinade. Fresh mozzarella packed in whey can also be used if you plan to serve it fairly soon. If using fresh mozzarella, choose cheese that is firm enough to stay together. Very ripe, soft mozzarella may start to fall apart when mixed with the marinade.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead?

Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used in this recipe. Small fresh mozzarella balls are another option if you want to skip cutting the cheese into cubes. Since fresh mozzarella is softer than low-moisture mozzarella, it should be handled gently when mixed with the marinade. It is also best to avoid mozzarella that is extremely soft or ripe because it may break apart.

What can I serve with Marinated Mozzarella?

Marinated Mozzarella works well as part of an antipasto platter with ham, salami, and olives. You can also serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or bruschetta. For an especially simple appetizer, place the cheese on a serving dish or in a clear jar and offer toothpicks so everyone can pick up individual pieces. It can also be enjoyed on its own as an easy snack.

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes. Other firm cheeses can be marinated using the same basic idea. Provolone, Gouda, Edam, or cheddar can be used in place of mozzarella. Feta is another option, although it has a more crumbly texture and a stronger, heavier flavor. Each cheese will give the appetizer a different taste and texture, so you can choose based on your preference.

How do I store leftover Marinated Mozzarella?

Keep leftover Marinated Mozzarella covered in the refrigerator. A sealed container or jar works well for storage. The mozzarella can be refrigerated for up to five days. The olive oil will become thicker when chilled, and the flavors may seem less noticeable straight from the refrigerator. Let the mozzarella warm slightly before serving again so the oil loosens and the flavors become more pronounced.

Why does the olive oil get thick in the refrigerator?

Olive oil becomes more viscous when it is cold. This is normal and can make the marinade look thicker after the mozzarella has been refrigerated. The cold temperature can also make the flavors and aromas seem less noticeable. Letting the marinated mozzarella come closer to room temperature before serving helps the oil become smoother again and brings out more of the flavor.

Can I add fresh herbs or garlic?

Yes. Fresh basil can be used in place of dried basil, and minced fresh garlic cloves can be used instead of garlic powder. These substitutions give the marinade a fresher, stronger flavor. Chop the herbs and garlic finely so they can mix evenly throughout the olive oil and coat the mozzarella pieces.

Can I add lemon to Marinated Mozzarella?

Yes. For a brighter and tangier variation, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the marinade. You can also add some grated lemon zest. The citrus gives the mozzarella a fresher flavor while still working well with the olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.

Can I serve Marinated Mozzarella in a jar?

Yes. A clear jar is a simple and attractive way to marinate and serve the mozzarella. The cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs create a colorful presentation. When you are ready to serve, guests can use toothpicks to pick out the mozzarella cubes. The jar can also be covered and refrigerated until serving time.

Other Easy Mozzarella Recipes

• Mozzarella Sticks In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites
• Frozen Mozzarella Sticks In The Air Fryer
• Tomato And Mozzarella Salad
• Meatballs With Mozzarella

More Appetizer Recipes

• Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups
• Hot Honey Halloumi Bites
• Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites