This marinated cheese is such a food.

We even suggest going 24 hours or more before a party for the best flavor.

Warming the oil and herbs together speeds up the process if you have less time, however.

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese in a bowl ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

So don’t worry if you window is more narrow.

Another great thing about this marinated cheese recipe is how versatile it is.

Instead of cubed mozzarella cheese, reach for mozzarella pearls.

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Swap out rosemary for basil, orange for sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for cracked pepper.

it’s possible for you to be endlessly creative.

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese making the infused olive oil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Prepare cheese:

While oil is warming, prepare cheese for marinating by cutting into cubes.

Place cubes in a 16-ounce mason jar or other glass container with a lid.

When oil is cool, pour over cubed cheese.

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese placing the cheese cubes into a jar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cover and shake gently to coat.

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese pouring the oil over the cheese

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese covered and shaken to coat

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Marinated Mozzarella Cheese in the jar ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox