A spooky twist on the classic Caprese: mozzarella balls become eerie eyeballs with olive “pupils,” paired with cherry tomatoes and basil on skewers. They’re fresh, fun, and perfect for Halloween party platters.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsTotal Time 20 minsMakes 12 skewers
12 mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
6 black olives, sliced into rings (for pupils)
12 cherry tomatoes (preferably red or orange for Halloween colors)
12 basil leaves
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
12 short skewers or cocktail sticks
Make the eyeballs
1
Slice black olives into thin rings.
Place one olive ring on top of each mozzarella ball to form the “pupil.”
Assemble skewers
2
Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer.
Add a basil leaf (folded if large).
Finish with a mozzarella “eyeball.”
Repeat until you have 12 skewers.
Season & garnish
3
Arrange skewers on a platter.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
4
Serve as part of a Halloween appetizer platter with Creepy Crawly Stuffed Mushrooms and Pumpkin Deviled Eggs .
Present skewers upright in a halved pumpkin or skull for spooky effect.
Pair with sparkling water, wine, or Halloween cocktails.
Tips & Variations
5
Bloodshot eyes: Use thin strips of roasted red pepper or sriracha lines across the mozzarella to look like veins.
Iris variation: Use green olives with pimentos for colorful eyeballs.
Kid-friendly: Skip balsamic glaze and serve with ranch dip.
Make-ahead: Assemble skewers up to 2 hours before serving; cover and refrigerate. Add glaze right before serving.
Ingredients Makes 12 skewers
12 mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
6 black olives, sliced into rings (for pupils)
12 cherry tomatoes (preferably red or orange for Halloween colors)
12 basil leaves
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
12 short skewers or cocktail sticks
Directions Make the eyeballs
1
Slice black olives into thin rings.
Place one olive ring on top of each mozzarella ball to form the “pupil.”
Assemble skewers
2
Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer.
Add a basil leaf (folded if large).
Finish with a mozzarella “eyeball.”
Repeat until you have 12 skewers.
Season & garnish
3
Arrange skewers on a platter.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
4
Serve as part of a Halloween appetizer platter with Creepy Crawly Stuffed Mushrooms and Pumpkin Deviled Eggs .
Present skewers upright in a halved pumpkin or skull for spooky effect.
Pair with sparkling water, wine, or Halloween cocktails.
Tips & Variations
5
Bloodshot eyes: Use thin strips of roasted red pepper or sriracha lines across the mozzarella to look like veins.
Iris variation: Use green olives with pimentos for colorful eyeballs.
Kid-friendly: Skip balsamic glaze and serve with ranch dip.
Make-ahead: Assemble skewers up to 2 hours before serving; cover and refrigerate. Add glaze right before serving.
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