Description
These Spooky Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are the ultimate Halloween party appetizer—creamy mozzarella balls wrapped in salty salami, topped with olive ‘pupils’ for a creepy, crowd-pleasing bite. Quick to assemble, fun to serve, and easily customizable for any spooky gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained and patted dry (about 8 oz or 250g)
- 24 thin slices salami (about 3.5 oz or 100g), Genoa or spicy
- 24 thin slices black or green olives (pitted)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
- Hot sauce or sriracha (optional, for ‘bloodshot’ effect)
- Roasted red pepper strips (optional, for ‘veins’)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for serving)
- Paper towels (for blotting)
Instructions
- Drain the mini mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Lay out the salami slices. If they are too large, trim to fit around the mozzarella balls.
- Slice the olives into thin rings for the ‘pupils.’ Prepare any optional garnishes (red pepper strips, basil leaves).
- Wrap each mozzarella ball with a slice of salami, overlapping the edges to encircle the cheese. Secure with a toothpick or skewer.
- Press an olive slice onto the exposed front of each mozzarella ball to create the ‘pupil.’ If needed, use a dab of cream cheese or hummus to help it stick.
- For a bloodshot effect, add a tiny drop of hot sauce or sriracha to the center of the olive.
- Arrange the eyeballs on a platter lined with fresh basil leaves or lettuce. Add roasted red pepper strips for ‘veins’ and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving, if time allows.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use mozzarella packed in water and thin, good-quality salami. Make sure cheese is well-drained to help the salami and olive stick. Can be made vegetarian or vegan with simple swaps. Assemble up to a day ahead and chill; add fresh herbs or wet garnishes just before serving. Imperfect shapes add to the spooky fun!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 eyeballs per person
- Calories: 70
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Halloween, party bites, mozzarella, salami, spooky snacks, appetizer, kid-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb, finger food, holiday