Bushra Griffith
Mozzarella cheese balls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be fried, baked, or even frozen for later use. One popular way to use mozzarella cheese balls is to create a simple salad with fresh fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peaches, and basil. They can also be added to pasta dishes, such as bruschetta pasta or a simple penne with marinara and white wine. For a more substantial meal, they can be baked into a pizza or fried as mozzarella sticks for an appetizer. Mozzarella cheese balls can also be marinated in olive oil with herbs, garlic, and lemon zest to add flavor and texture to salads or pasta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mozzarella | Fresh mozzarella in water, ciliegine mozzarella, bocconcini mozzarella, mozzarella sticks, mozzarella string cheese, low-moisture part-skim mozzarella |
| Additional ingredients | Olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, parmesan cheese, parsley salt, bread, egg, burrata, maple syrup, honey |
| Preparation | Cut into bite-sized pieces, blended or processed, marinated, baked, fried, air-fried |
| Use | Appetizer, snack, salad topping, pizza topping, bruschetta topping, caprese skewers |
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What You'll Learn
Make marinated mozzarella balls
Mozzarella balls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. One popular way to use them is to make marinated mozzarella balls, which can be served as an appetizer or snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make marinated mozzarella balls:
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini mozzarella balls are recommended)
- Olive oil
- Herbs (such as parsley or basil)
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized jar, stir together the herbs, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and about half of the olive oil.
- Add the mozzarella balls to the jar and pour the remaining olive oil on top, ensuring that the balls are fully submerged in the oil.
- Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least an hour. The mozzarella balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Before serving, season to taste and enjoy!
These marinated mozzarella balls make a great appetizer for any gathering or a quick snack. They can be served as part of an antipasto platter or Mediterranean spread, paired with homemade bread or focaccia, and enjoyed with a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz. The longer they marinate, the more flavourful they become!
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Bake or fry them
Mozzarella cheese balls can be baked or fried as a snack or appetiser. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including mozzarella, parmesan, parsley salt, bread, and egg.
Baking
To bake mozzarella cheese balls, first prepare the cheese mixture in a blender or food processor. Then, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. You can refrigerate the balls for 30-60 minutes or even overnight. Finally, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated and soft.
Alternatively, you can air fry the cheese balls. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the cheese balls in a single layer, spray the top with cooking spray, and fry for 6-8 minutes or until warm and gooey.
Frying
To fry mozzarella cheese balls, first prepare the cheese mixture and roll it into balls as described above. Then, prepare three bowls for dipping: one with flour, one with scrambled eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each cheese ball in flour, saturate it in egg, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure there are no spots of cheese visible, as this will lead to leakage when frying. Place the coated cheese balls on a plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes to an hour. Finally, heat oil in a large pot and fry the cheese balls in batches until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
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Add to a salad
Mozzarella cheese balls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Here are some ideas for how to use mozzarella cheese balls to create delicious and refreshing salads:
Caprese Salad
Create a classic Caprese salad by combining fresh mozzarella cheese balls with ripe tomatoes and basil. For an extra touch of flavour, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for showcasing the freshness of the ingredients.
Fruit Salad
For a sweet and savoury twist, add mozzarella cheese balls to a fruit salad. Combine them with sliced peaches, melon, or other fresh fruits. You can also add some cured meats, such as prosciutto or salumi, for a heartier dish. The saltiness of the cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta salads are a great option for a filling and tasty dish. Combine cooked orzo pasta with mozzarella cheese balls, diced vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Breaded Mozzarella Salad Topper
Try something different by creating breaded mozzarella bites as a salad topper. Drain the mozzarella cheese balls and coat them in breadcrumbs or a breading mixture of your choice. Freeze them for later use, then fry or air fry until golden brown and melted. These crispy cheese bites add a delightful texture to your salad and can be served warm or cold.
Mozzarella cheese balls offer a world of possibilities for salad creations. Experiment with different combinations of fresh produce, herbs, and dressings to find your favourite flavour profiles. Enjoy exploring the versatility of this beloved cheese!
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Put on a skewer
Mozzarella balls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including skewers. Here are some tips and ideas for putting mozzarella balls on a skewer:
Caprese Skewers:
Caprese skewers are a classic and simple option. They are inspired by the traditional Caprese salad, which originates from the Italian island of Capri. To make these skewers, you will need fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes. Fold the basil leaves in half or quarters if they are large, then skewer the ingredients in the following order: mozzarella ball, basil leaf, and cherry tomato. Repeat this pattern until your skewer is full. You can also add another basil leaf between each tomato for extra flavour.
Glaze and Seasoning:
To elevate your Caprese skewers, add a glaze and some seasoning. A balsamic glaze is a perfect pairing for the fresh ingredients in these skewers. To make your own balsamic glaze, add balsamic vinegar to a saucepan and boil it until it reaches the consistency of thin maple syrup. You can also purchase a pre-made glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the skewers just before serving to prevent it from soaking into the cheese. Finish the skewers with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Alternative Ingredients:
You can experiment with different ingredients to create variations on the classic Caprese skewer. Try using grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes, especially if they are in season. To make heart-shaped tomatoes, cut grape tomatoes diagonally in half and flip the right half to reform the tomato. This is a cute touch, especially for Valentine's Day skewers. You can also substitute the cherry tomatoes for melon or strawberries. Add some prosciutto or salumi for a more savoury option.
Oil and Marinade:
Mozzarella balls can be marinated in olive oil with herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes to add extra flavour to your skewers. You can also drizzle the skewers with olive oil or a simple salad dressing. If you are using wooden skewers, the oil will help the seasonings stick better.
Mozzarella balls on skewers are a quick, easy, and versatile option for appetisers or snacks. They can be customised with various ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste and are perfect for any occasion.
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Freeze for later
If you want to freeze mozzarella cheese balls for later, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, freezing mozzarella cheese balls is generally not recommended, especially if they are fresh, as their delicate texture and high moisture content can be adversely affected, resulting in a rubbery or crumbly texture upon thawing. However, if you still want to freeze them, it is important to remove the cheese balls from the liquid (whey) they are packaged in and thoroughly drain and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial in preserving the cheese's texture and preventing it from becoming overly watery.
Once the cheese balls are dried, you can freeze them on a baking sheet or tray until they are firm. After they are frozen solid, transfer the cheese balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to prevent air damage to the frozen cheese. Properly stored, frozen mozzarella cheese balls can last for up to three months in the freezer, although some sources suggest they can last for up to six months.
When you are ready to use the frozen cheese balls, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Do not leave them at room temperature to thaw, as this can cause moisture to accumulate on the cheese, resulting in an odd texture. For larger chunks of cheese, it is recommended to let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Once the cheese has thawed, you may notice a change in texture, and it may be grainier or softer than fresh mozzarella. This frozen and thawed mozzarella is best suited for recipes that require melting or heating, such as pizza or baked dishes, as melting can help cover up any textural changes.
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