Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, super tasty snack that’s easy to whip up and impresses every time, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe. It’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and so simple that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. I absolutely love this because it balances creamy mozzarella with the brightness of basil and the zing of chives — perfect for a quick appetizer or light bite.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe plays a starring role to deliver a burst of flavor. When selecting your mozzarella, go for high-quality cilingine for that perfect soft texture, and fresh herbs really make the difference.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for a rich, fruity base that ties all the flavors together.
• Chives: The thin slices add a subtle oniony freshness without overpowering the dish.
• White balsamic vinegar: Offers a milder, sweeter tang compared to traditional balsamic, balancing the richness.
• Fresh basil: Finely chopped to infuse the mozzarella bites with that unmistakable herbal aroma.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat; feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; make sure to season carefully for balance.
• Cilingine mozzarella: Soft, delicate, and perfect for soaking up the dressing, choose fresh if possible.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes with this Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe. It’s super flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your taste buds or the occasion. Here’s how I like to play around with it:

• Add cherry tomatoes: I often toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy, colorful pop that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
• Swap herbs: Instead of basil and chives, try fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal twist.
• Use flavored olive oils: A garlic-infused or lemon-infused olive oil can add an extra layer of flavor without much effort.
• Go vegan: Substitute with a vegan mozzarella alternative and a splash of lemon juice to keep things zesty.

How to Make Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the extra-virgin olive oil, thinly sliced chives, white balsamic vinegar, finely chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a medium serving bowl. Give it a good whisk to emulsify everything. This dressing is where all the flavors meld beautifully, so take a moment to taste it — adjust salt or pepper if needed. I discovered this trick when I realized the key to juicy mozzarella bites is a well-balanced dressing.

Step 2: Add the Cilingine Mozzarella and Toss

Next, gently add the cilingine mozzarella to the bowl. Toss everything carefully so the cheese pieces are evenly coated but not broken apart. I used to struggle with breaking the cheese pieces and ended up with a mushy mess, so gentle hands are the way to go here. Let it sit for a few minutes if you can — it helps the flavors absorb into the mozzarella.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is coated and marinated just a little, you’re ready to dig in. I like to serve this right away so that mozzarella stays fresh and delicate. If you wait too long, the cheese will soak up too much dressing and lose its texture. Trust me—you’ll find that these bites disappear fast at any gathering!

How to Serve Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like to sprinkle a few extra fresh basil leaves or chive stems on top to make it look extra inviting. Sometimes I add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze for that sweet-sour punch. It adds a nice contrast and looks fancy without much effort!

Side Dishes

This Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe pairs beautifully with crunchy toasted bread or warm garlic crostini. You can also serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies to round out a light meal or appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success presenting these mozzarella bites threaded on small skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a colorful, Instagram-worthy appetizer. They make a hit at parties and are super easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them covered in the fridge. I usually keep the mozzarella separate from the dressing and combine just before serving again to keep the texture fresh. The cheese can get watery if mixed and stored too long.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because mozzarella’s delicate texture changes when frozen and thawed, turning rubbery. I recommend enjoying these bites fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

Since this is best served cold or room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a warm twist, I suggest baking mozzarella bites fresh with a crispy topping instead of using this marinated style.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mozzarella Bites with Basil and Chives Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it a real winner in my kitchen every time. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a fast snack, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe’s got your back. Give it a go — I bet you’ll be hooked just like my family and me!

Print