This easy two ingredient grilled mozzarella appetizer is simple enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough to serve guests! It’s grilled on a cedar plank to add a smoky element to the creamy, melty cheese.
This simple recipe is perfect for entertaining. Creamy mozzarella is topped with sweet preserves for a restaurant quality appetizer that will have your guests begging for more!
One of the many things I learned in my catering career was that simple is always the best. Elevated ingredients and presentation can turn the simplest foods into something spectacular.
Case in point – this grilled mozzarella appetizer. The best part is that it is made in minutes with just two ingredients! It’s so gourmet, yet so simple!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mozzarella – Use a large mozzarella ball that is as fresh as you can get. I like to use buffalo mozzarella that has a higher fat content.
- Preserves – I like to top this appetizer with apricot preserves, but you can use your favorites. Cherry, blueberry and strawberry all work well.
Variations
- This recipe also works well with brie!
- Top with honey, whipped honey or our favorite hot honey
- Use nuts on top (like our candied nuts) or any flavor of preserves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
- Or, top with our raspberry sauce or strawberry topping for an incredible upgrade!
Tip from my Test Kitchen
A cedar plank is a must have for this grilled mozzarella appetizer! Cheese would melt through the grates, so the cedar is for both practicality and to infuse a smoky flavor and aroma.
Cedar conducts heat much more slowly than if you were to put the cheese in a pan, so you get just the right gooey consistency without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this grilled mozzarella with any of your favorites!
- Crostini
- Crackers
- Flatbread
- Thick Tomato Slices
Grilled Mozzarella Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mozzarella fresh
- 3 tablespoons preserves
Instructions
- Soak a cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. This will keep it from burning.
- Preheat your grill to medium high.
- Place your cheese on the plank and add preserves on top. Place plank on top of the grate.
- Grill 10 minutes with lid closed or until it appears to almost burst at the sides.
Julie’s Tips
Substitutions
- Mozzarella – Use a large mozzarella ball that is as fresh as you can get. I like to use buffalo mozzarella that has a higher fat content.
- Preserves – I like to top this appetizer with apricot preserves, but you can use your favorites. Cherry, blueberry and strawberry all work well.
Variations
- Top with honey, whipped honey or hot honey
- Use nuts on top (like our candied nuts)
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
- Upgrade with raspberry sauce or strawberry topping instead of preserves
Serving Suggestions
- Crostini
- Crackers
- Flatbread
- Thick Tomato Slices
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
this looks sooo good. We are bbq-ing for a family get together this weekend and I’ve already got the marmalade. OH yum. I can’t wait. Question though. I’ve never used cedar planks. Are there planks especially for cooking? (food grade?)
Yes, you can get them at most grocery stores & meat markets. They’re generally in the meat department or on the end cap. Enjoy! Oh, and brie is also fabulous!
Have a great holiday weekend!