We’re getting into my favorite time of the year, people are hosting parties, having more get togethers, are cooking together and giving each other gifts of food! If you’re looking for an appetizer that comes together quickly for a last minute gathering, this is the recipe for you. It’s quick and easy and always impresses people. This is one of the recipes I go to if I am bringing something to a small get together or party. It easily scales up or down depending on the size of the event. It’s also flexible on flavor. I usually make it with whatever fresh herbs I have on hand. I have made this with every imaginable combination of basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano and sage but my favorite is basil, thyme and oregano. I usually serve this with bread or crackers and something marinated like olive or artichoke hearts. Have fun with this recipe and enjoy finding your favorite flavor combination.

Marinated Mozzarella

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minute rest)
Yields: 1 pound marinated mozzarella

Ingredients

1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices and quartered

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (ie 1 tablespoon of each; basil, thyme, and oregano)

1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine oil, herbs, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle over mozzarella. Let stand for at least 30 minutes. Stir once more before serving. Serve with olives, crackers, bread, and/or cured meats.

Notes

You can use any combination of herbs you like. I usually do three different herbs, 1 tablespoon of each. My favorite combination is basil, thyme and oregano but I have also done, sage, thyme and oregano, or rosemary, thyme and oregano or basil, rosemary and oregano. The possibilities are endless. For 1 pound of mozzarella, I usually do 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

If you’re in a real rush, you can skip the 30 minutes of marinating but it tastes better if it rests for a little bit.