Marinated Fresh Mozzarella

I love fresh mozzarella.  There really is no comparison to the stuff you buy in a brick or pre-shredded.  I love a good piece of crusty bread with sliced mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt - Yum!

When I want to take fresh mozzarella to the next level, I love to marinate them in herbed olive oil.  Have you seen the marinated mozzarella in the store?  It's pretty expensive in comparison to the regular un-marinated variety - usually about 2 times the price (if not more).  Marinated mozzarella is so simple to do at home at the fraction of the cost.

Marinated Fresh Mozzarella

Ingredients:

1 package medium size, fresh mozzarella balls

3/4 cup good olive oil

Herbs (fresh or dried) - oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, ect..

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes

Directions:

Drain fresh mozzarella.  Place cheese in a small container.  Sprinkle herbs on top.  This is where you can get creative - use what you like (fresh or dried).  If you have an herb garden go to town with fresh, if you don't, just use what's in your cabinet - it will be good either way.  If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes.  Sprinkle some salt and pepper (about a 1/4 teaspoon).

Fill container so mozzarella is covered.  You may use more or less olive oil depending on your container size.

Cover container with a tight lid and let sit overnight.

Antipasto platter from Matilda's Garden Party with Marinated Fresh Mozzarella

Cottage Mama's Note: Use this mozzarella on a beautiful antipasto platter (as seen above).  Or cook some pasta, let it cool and add the marinated mozzarella (with oil and herbs) to make a delicious pasta salad.  Or simply place cheese on a crusty piece of Italian bread and enjoy!