Spooky Eyeball Caprese Skewers: Easy Halloween Appetizer
These spooky eyeball caprese skewers are the perfect Halloween appetizer—ready in 15 minutes with just five ingredients. Creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives come together on a toothpick for a fun, delicious, and naturally gluten-free treat that will disappear from the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Large black olives (whole, pitted)
- Fresh basil leaves (small to medium)
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Toothpicks or short bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients first. Take the mozzarella balls out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cut the olives. Slice each black olive in half lengthwise to create two oval halves that look like pupils. Ensure olives are pitted.
- Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil. Pat everything dry. Pick the smaller basil leaves and set them aside.
- Assemble the skewers. Take a toothpick or skewer. Start with a cherry tomato, then a basil leaf, then a mozzarella ball. Push everything gently together so it’s snug but not squished.
- Add the eyeball detail. Press an olive half, cut side down, into the center of each mozzarella ball. The olive should stick slightly to the cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Arrange the skewers on a platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top in a thin stream using a spoon.
- Finish with olive oil and salt. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Add a crack of black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate. These are best within a few hours. If making ahead, leave the balsamic glaze off until just before serving.
Notes
Dry the mozzarella well to prevent sliding. Let cheese come to room temperature for best flavor. If olives fall off, dip cut side in balsamic glaze to act as glue. For make-ahead, assemble without glaze and refrigerate up to 4 hours; add glaze just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 2.5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: Halloween appetizer, caprese skewers, spooky eyeballs, easy appetizer, gluten-free appetizer, party food, Halloween party