If you like fresh mozzarella, you will love the Pioneer Woman’s Marinated Mozzarella Balls. The bocconcini absorb a rich flavor from the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. What’s even better? They may be thrown together in under 5 minutes and then chilled to allow the flavors to meld.
Try More Recipes From us:
Why You’ll Love This Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman
- It’s good to eat fresh mozzarella. Mozzarella is a healthier cheese option because it has less sodium and less calories than the average cheese. It’s good for your gut health because it has protein, calcium, and probiotics. Who wants seconds?
- There is no way to contain the deliciousness in these mozzarella balls. The cheese has been marinated in olive oil and garlic, so it already has a lot of flavor. Add a bunch of fresh herbs and some red pepper flakes to make it even better. The addition of balsamic vinegar or pesto made from basil is also possible.
- It goes well with any dish. To be fair, marinated bocconcini won’t improve every dish, but there’s a big list of dishes that could benefit from this cheese. You can put these balls in a panini, on a pizza, a salad, or a pasta dish. Or, if you’d rather keep things simple, serve a charcuterie board with a side of toasted pita bread or other crusty bread.
What Are Marinated Mozzarella Balls?
Little balls of mozzarella cheese known as bocconcini ([bokkontini] or [bokkontino], “small mouthful” in Italian) are a popular appetizer around the world. Originally made in Naples and only from the milk of water buffalo, these cheeses are semi-soft, white, rindless, unripened, mild cheeses. These days, water buffalo and cow’s milk blends are the norm. Bocconcini are a sponge-like cheese that comes in whey or water and takes on the flavor of whatever it is stored with.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman Ingredients
- Mozzarella balls (or bocconcini). Use any type of fresh mozzarella that is cut into little pieces and soaked in water; bocconcini, ciliegine, or pearls are all excellent choices.
- Extra virgin olive oil. Make sure you use olive oil of a good quality. Because olive oil is such a crucial component of this dish, you can’t skimp on the quality of the bottle you use. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you should get organic olive oil that was produced through cold pressing.
- Garlic. A mainstay in Italian cuisine.
- Herbs. fresh parsley, fresh basil, and fresh oregano are the herbs that are used here. I adore the strength that comes from using fresh herbs. You can use dried herbs as a substitute if you really have to. Include roughly half of the original quantity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes. increases the level of intensity. You can adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Salt. You are free to use either table salt or Kosher salt.

How To Make Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman
- Olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt should be mixed together in a medium-sized container. Stir to mix.
- After they have been drained, add the mozzarella balls and swirl to completely coat them.
- In order to allow the flavors to become more integrated with one another, cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour; however, if you are in a hurry, you may get away with doing so for only half an hour.
- Serve in a bowl over toasted pita bread or another type of crusty bread as an accompaniment.
Recipe Tips
- How to marinade: For the best results, marinate these mozzarella balls for one hour; but, if you’re in a rush, you may get away with marinating them for only half an hour.
- Instructions for storage: bocconcini that has been marinated tastes best when it is served fresh. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to one day, but after that, the consistency will start to change, so I wouldn’t advocate keeping it for any longer than that.
- When it comes to storing oils in the refrigerator: keep in mind that olive oil will become more solid after being exposed to cold temperatures. Simply let it sit out at room temperature for around twenty minutes so that the oil can defrost.
Recipe Variations
- Bertolli Marinated Mozzarella Balls. An appetizer that is simple to make and can be ready in less than 15 minutes, these Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls are the perfect choice. It is the ideal first dish for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations, as well as any other gathering!
- Marinated mozzarella balls balsamic vinegar.The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a timeless one; however, the resulting dish can often be quite tasteless. After being marinated in extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and pepper, cherry-sized mozzarella balls, also known as ciliegine, are tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes and golden balsamic vinegar. There’s nothing boring about that at all.
- Marinated mozzarella balls and tomatoes. The most mouthwatering salad you’ll have all summer! This mozzarella tomato salad marinated in balsamic vinegar is quite possibly the best summer salad I have ever consumed. Packed with mozzarella that has been marinated in garlic and herbs, ripe tomatoes from the summer, fresh basil, and a generous amount of balsamic glaze!

What To Serve With Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman?
You may add the Marinated Mozzarella Balls to Potato Salad Recipe, Bow Tie Pasta Recipe, or Mince Pasta, or you can serve them cold on their own with a side of Cornbread that has been toasted. You won’t be sorry that you ate any of these, regardless of how you did it.
How To Store Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman?
In The Fridge:
It is recommended to serve Marinated Mozzarella Balls while they are still fresh. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to one day, but after that, the consistency will start to change, so I wouldn’t advocate keeping it for any longer than that.
In The Freezer:
Do You Rinse Mozzarella Balls?
It is not required that you wash the mozzarella; however, you will need to dry it in order to get rid of any excess moisture. To accomplish this, all that is required is to wrap it in a paper towel for up to a quarter of an hour before you intend to use it. In that case, the mozzarella will seep liquid into the pizza crust, which will make the crust unpleasant to eat because it will become soggy.
Is Fresh Mozzarella Balls Healthy?
The amount of calories and fat in mozzarella is relatively minimal. In comparison to other types of cheese, this one is a more nutritious option. The lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum are two of the probiotics that can be found in mozzarella.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls Pioneer Woman Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320
- Total Fat 25g
- Saturated Fat 14g
- Cholesterol 65mg
- Sodium 420mg
- Total Carbohydrate 1g
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 0g
- Protein 17g
Nutrition Facts Source: Source
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320
- Calories from Fat 225
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 420mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 1g1%
- Protein 17g34%
- Vitamin A 6 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.