Description
These Eyeball Mozzarella Bites are a spooky and fun appetizer perfect for Halloween or themed parties. Featuring fresh mozzarella balls dressed up with vibrant green pimiento-stuffed olives as irises and black olive pupils, these creepy treats are as delicious as they are eye-catching. A drizzle of olive oil adds gloss and flavor, while optional paprika or red food coloring creates a bloodshot effect. Served on a bed of fresh basil or arugula, these no-cook bites are quick to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 16 ounces (450g) Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine), packed in water, patted dry
Olives
- 1/2 cup Pimiento-Stuffed Green Olives, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/4 cup Black Olives (pitted), for pupils
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons High-Quality Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Optional for “Bloodshot” Effect: Paprika or Red Food Coloring Gel
- Fresh Basil Leaves or Arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workstation and Mozzarella: Set up a clean, dry workspace. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels. Let them air dry for a few minutes to ensure the olives will adhere properly in the assembly step.
- Create the “Iris” of the Eyeball: Slice the pimiento-stuffed green olives into thin, uniform rounds (3-4 slices per olive). These green and red slices will form the eyeball’s iris. Set aside the slices that are uniform circles, discarding the ends.
- Craft the “Pupil”: Using a small straw or round piping tip, punch out small circular pieces from the black olives to serve as pupils. Alternatively, carefully cut tiny round pieces with a paring knife. Prepare one pupil per iris slice.
- Assembling the Eyeball – The Iris: Pick a dry mozzarella ball and select its “front.” Place one green olive slice flat against it and press firmly. If needed, carve a shallow circular indent on the mozzarella ball to secure the olive slice snugly. Repeat for all balls.
- Assembling the Eyeball – The Pupil: Dab a small amount of olive oil onto the back of each black olive pupil, then carefully place it in the center of the red pimiento of the green olive slice. Press gently to adhere and add a glossy, realistic look.
- The “Bloodshot” Final Touch (Optional): Using a toothpick or fine brush, dip it into red food coloring gel or paprika and draw thin, squiggly vein lines radiating from the iris to create bloodshot veins. Use sparingly for a realistic effect.
- Chilling and Serving: Arrange the completed eyeballs on a platter or airtight container and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to set. Serve on a bed of fresh basil or arugula leaves and enjoy the spooky presentation.
Notes
- Ensure mozzarella balls are thoroughly dried for optimal olive adhesion.
- Use a small straw or piping tip for uniform pupils to enhance the eyeball effect.
- The bloodshot veins are optional but add a great visual impact.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and presentation.
- This recipe works well as a no-cook, quick appetizer perfect for Halloween parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: Mozzarella bites, Halloween appetizer, spooky snacks, olive eyeballs, no-cook appetizer, party food, vegetarian snack
