In less than 10 minutes, you can whip up this easy Hot Honey Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe-a super tasty twist on a classic party favorite! Just toss creamy mozzarella pearls with olive oil, a drizzle of spicy honey, and a mix of herbs and spices for that perfect combo of heat and sweet. These little bites are a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year's celebrations!
Got a bit of hot honey left in the jar? Check out our collection of hot honey recipes! We've got everything from pizza and chicken to syrup-you'll definitely find something to love!
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These are awesome year-round, but I especially love making them during the holiday season. I try to keep a batch in the fridge so I'm always ready with a quick appetizer whenever I need one! Explore our whole list of Thanksgiving recipes for tons of amazing holiday recipe ideas. We also love using this as one of our go-to Game Day Recipes!
Why this recipe is great
- Crazy Easy: Just grab the pieces of cheese, a few herbs, the spicy honey, and some olive oil. Then mix. That is it!
- Crazy Delicious: The combination of flavors is really spectacular.
- Crazy Fast: All it takes is a few minutes to make the marinade and stir in the pearls.
If you want even more easy appetizers try this 3-Ingredient Cheese Ball or these Hot Honey Brie Bites (in puff pastry).
Hot honey marinated mozzarella balls ingredients
Exact ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Mozzarella balls: These mozzarella balls come in all sorts of sizes, but for this recipe, we love using bocconcini (cherry tomato size), ciliegine (cherry size), or perlini (pearl size). Got more questions? Check out this full guide on types of mozzarella.
- Olive oil: Either extra virgin olive oil or light olive oil are good options. Extra virgin will firm up in the refrigerator and need to come to room temperature a bit before serving.
- Hot honey: An irresistible combination of sweet and spicy. Use your favorite store jar or make a homemade hot honey version for something truly special.
- Lemon juice: Just a touch of acidity.
- Herbs and spices: You probably already have these in your pantry-oregano, thyme, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings the best flavor to the mix.
How to make marinated mozzarella balls with spicy honey
This just might be the fastest and easiest appetizer recipe in history! Start by draining the mozzarella pieces if they came in liquid.
Combine all the marinade ingredients into a medium glass bowl. Give it a good stir to make sure that the honey is dissolved.
Add in the drained mozzarella balls and stir until thoroughly combined. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Hint: These can be served right away, but the flavor will deepen if left in the marinade.
Variations and substitutions
- In place of the lemon juice try white wine vinegar.
- If you don't have any hot honey on hand, feel free to use regular honey and add in a pinch of cayenne and a few more red pepper flakes.
- If you can't find mozzarella balls try using cubes of a larger fresh mozzarella ball.
- If you don't have fresh garlic, try using garlic powder.
- Use triple the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried.
What to serve with
- Add an extra zip to this Bruschetta with Mozzarella Recipe
- On a toasted piece of baguette
- In this Hot Honey Pasta Salad
- On a toothpick with a tomato and a piece of fresh basil (SO pretty!)
- On a charcuterie board
- Christmas Snack Board
How to store
Store your mozzarella balls in the fridge in an airtight container. Glass jars like these Fluted Ball Jars or Weck Jars work great! The oil might solidify, but don't worry-just leave the jar out for a few minutes, and it'll turn back to liquid. These tasty bites should stay fresh for 5-7 days.
FAQs
Unfortunately, marinated mozzarella balls don't freeze well-the texture changes when they're frozen. It's best to enjoy them fresh!
Yes! Use more or less red chili flakes or cayenne pepper depending on your desired heat level.
Tips & Tricks
- These are more flavorful the longer they marinate.
- The olive oil might harden in the fridge. Allow it to sit out for up to an hour to allow it to re-liquify.
More hot honey recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Hot Honey Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella balls mini or regular size
- 6 tablespoon olive oil light
- 2.5 tablespoon hot honey or regular honey
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes depending on spice level
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- If needed, drain the mozzarella balls.
- Combine the oil and all seasonings in a bowl until well combined.6 tablespoon olive oil, 2.5 tablespoon hot honey, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ tablespoon dried oregano, ½ tablespoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoon garlic, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, 1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Add drained mozzarella balls and combine.8 oz mozzarella balls
- Serve right away, or allow to marinate in the fridge and it will get more flavorful the longer it sits.
Notes
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- These are more flavorful the longer they marinade.
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- The olive oil might harden in the fridge. Allow it to sit out for up to an hour to allow it to re-liquify.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Sally says
I can’t believe how easier these are to make. And really tasty!