Description
Whip up spooky Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs for Halloween! These fun, quick appetizer skewers are a hit with kids and adults. Simple and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- Eyeball Base:
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 12–24 thin slices Genoa or hard salami
- Pupil & Detail:
- 12 pimento-stuffed green olives, halved or left whole
- Assembly Tools:
- 12 small skewers or toothpicks
- Optional Spooky Touches:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Eyeball Bases:: First things first, drain your mozzarella balls really well. I usually just tip them into a colander and let them sit for a few minutes while I get everything else ready. Nobody wants watery Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs, trust me on that! You want them nice and firm. This is where I always forget to pat them dry, but it makes a difference, so grab a paper towel and give them a gentle pat.
- Prepare the Salami Iris:: Now for the salami. You’re going to fold each slice in half, then in half again, creating a quarter-circle shape. This forms the ‘iris’ around your Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs. I remember trying to just wrap them once and they looked so messy. The double fold gives a nice, layered look. Don’t worry if they’re not absolutely perfect; a little rustic charm is part of the fun!
- Assemble the Eyeball:: Carefully unroll one folded salami slice just enough to cup a mozzarella ball. The mozzarella should peek out from the center, like the white of an eye. Press the salami gently against the mozzarella to help it hold its shape. You want the salami to be snug but not squished, giving your Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs their distinct look.
- Add the Spooky Pupil:: Next, take a pimento-stuffed green olive. If you want a more dramatic ‘bloodshot’ effect, you can slice a tiny piece of the pimento and place it on the mozzarella before adding the olive. Then, gently press the olive onto the center of the mozzarella ball, right where the salami iris opens up. This is where the magic happens for your Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs!
- Secure Your Skewers:: Once your Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are assembled, carefully thread a small skewer or toothpick through the center, making sure it goes through the olive, mozzarella, and salami. This holds everything together. I once tried to move them without skewers and had a few roll away—total kitchen chaos, but we recovered! It’s all part of the home cooking adventure.
- Garnish and Arrange:: If you’re using basil, tuck a tiny leaf under the salami, near the base of the mozzarella. Arrange your completed Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs on a platter. For an extra spooky touch, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze around the platter (not directly on the eyeballs unless you want a ‘bloody’ look) makes them pop. They should look delightfully eerie and ready for your guests!