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Eyeball Caprese Bites

These Eyeball Caprese Bites are small, fun appetizers made by assembling fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, black olives or peppercorns, and basil leaves. They are assembled with toothpicks to resemble creepy eyeballs, showcasing vibrant colors and contrasting textures of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy garnishes. The final presentation looks like tiny, spooky eyes perfect for Halloween parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: international
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) preferably chilled
  • 12 pieces cherry tomatoes preferably ripe and firm
  • 12 pieces black olives or peppercorns for the pupils
  • 12 leaves fresh basil leaves for green detail
  • 12 small toothpicks wooden or bamboo

Equipment

  • Small sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and have your toothpicks ready. Carefully rinse the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to ensure they’re clean and dry. Pluck small basil leaves and set aside.
  2. Using a small sharp knife, make a tiny incision in each cherry tomato to create an opening for the mozzarella, if needed. Carefully insert a mozzarella ball into the tomato, gently pressing to ensure it stays put.
  3. Slide a basil leaf into the mozzarella to add a pop of green and fresh flavor, placing it between the cheese and tomato if possible.
  4. Pierce a black olive or peppercorn with a toothpick and place it on top of the mozzarella to resemble a dark, creepy pupil.
  5. Insert the toothpick vertically through the tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive, ensuring all layers are secure and the ‘eye’ is assembled.
  6. Repeat these steps for each bite, arranging them on a serving platter for a fun, spooky display.
  7. If any of the eyes need touching up, adjust the placement of pupils or basil leaves to ensure they look dramatic and uniform.
  8. Serve immediately, or chill briefly in the fridge if you want the ingredients to set nicely before presenting your spooky Halloween snack.

Notes

For extra creepiness, use different colored peppers or olives for pupils. Keep the mozzarella slightly chilled for easier handling. Use short, sturdy toothpicks for stability.