Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups: Irresistible christmas appetizers for Your Party

Looking for standout christmas appetizers that won’t leave you chained to the kitchen? You’re in the right place! I whipped up these Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups last minute for a friend’s Christmas Eve gathering, and let me tell you, guests raved over them. Ever wondered why simple ingredients can feel so fancy? It’s all about the marinade and presentation—two things I love playing with. IMO, these little cups beat traditional Christmas Party Food Appetizers hands down, and they fit right in on a Christmas Charcuterie Board or as Xmas Appetizers on a buffet table.

These cups also double as Christmas Dinner Appetizers when you need an easy pre-dinner nibble, and they fit perfectly into any Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties lineup. Best part? You can prep most of it ahead of time—because who wants to be stuck mixing dips while Uncle Bob tells his annual fruitcake story? FYI, these are also killer Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for any novice cook 🙂 Ready to impress without the stress?

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), well-drained
• 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black), pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Mini phyllo cups or endive leaves for serving

Ingredient Highlights

I always reach for fresh mozzarella because its creamy texture soaks up flavors beautifully, turning basic Holiday Party Appetizers into something memorable. The olive mix offers briny depth—think olives you’d add to your Christmas Charcuterie Board. A simple herb blend of oregano and garlic transforms these into Christmas Eve Appetizers that taste like they came from a deli, not your home kitchen. Plus, use mini phyllo cups if you want extra crunch; endive leaves work as a gluten-free alternative.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Add mozzarella balls and olive halves to the marinade. Toss gently to coat each piece.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours) to let flavors meld.
4. Just before serving, place mini phyllo cups or endive leaves on a platter.
5. Use a small spoon or fork to transfer a mozzarella ball and olive into each cup or leaf.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of oregano or a zest of lemon, if desired.

Pro Tips

These step-by-step directions make your life easier while keeping your spread on point. Chill the marinade well—cold cups taste more refreshing, especially when you serve them alongside other Holiday Appetizers Easy options. I find that letting them sit for the full marination time really boosts flavor, so don’t be tempted to rush. These are perfect for Christmas Snacks For Party setups where people graze all night, and they pair well with sparkling wine or a light punch.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative spins on this classic combo.

Herb-Infused Twist

Swap dried oregano for fresh basil and thyme. Chop herbs finely and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. This version makes a delightful addition to your Holiday Party Appetizers menu, giving you that garden-fresh vibe without overthinking it.

Spicy Kick Variation

If you love heat, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of harissa paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The smokiness and spice turn these into bold Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods that stand out on any spread. Perfect for folks who say “Where’s the flavor?” at every gathering.

Sweet and Savory Swap

Add a few halved sundried tomatoes and a teaspoon of honey to the marinade. The sweet-savory contrast feels a bit like a Christmas Charcuterie Board in a bite-sized cup—great for those who crave something unexpected.

Serving & Tips

Presentation makes these stand out. Lay them on a festive platter alongside other Xmas Appetizers, like stuffed mushrooms or mini quiches, for a full holiday spread.

Presentation Tips

Arrange cups on a bed of rosemary sprigs or pine needles for an instant winter wonderland look. Use red-rimmed plates or holiday-themed trays to reinforce the festive vibe. Ever seen something so cute?

Make-Ahead & Storage

Marinate the cheese and olives up to 4 hours before your party. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep phyllo cups or endive leaves separate until serving to maintain crispness.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve these alongside mild crackers, a bowl of mixed nuts, and a selection of Holiday Party Cheese. They’re also fantastic with a chilled Prosecco or a fruity sangria—perfect contrast to the salty olives.

Final Thoughts

These Marinated Mozzarella & Olive Holiday Cups hit all the right notes: easy prep, big flavor, and picture-perfect presentation. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my holiday rotation, and I promise your guests will ask for the recipe (or at least for more cups!). If you’re hunting for fuss-free christmas appetizers that still wow, this recipe answers the call. Plus, you get a little victory dance when people compliment your hosting skills 🙂

FAQs

Can I use other cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Mini cubes of feta or halloumi work well if you prefer a tangy or firm texture. Just adjust marination time—feta needs less to soak up the flavors.

How far ahead can I prepare these cups?

Marinate the cheese and olives up to 4 hours in advance. Keep your cups or leaves separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Are these suitable for vegetarian guests?

Yes! This recipe uses all vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Just double-check your olives and phyllo cups for any unexpected animal-derived additives.

What’s the best way to transport these for a potluck?

Layer the marinated mix in a sealable container and carry phyllo cups in a separate box. Assemble onsite for crisp cups and fresh flavors.

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