Kid-Approved Eyeball Caprese Skewers: Best Halloween Appetizer
These creepy-cute eyeball caprese skewers are a quick and easy Halloween appetizer made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and black olives. Perfect for parties, they come together in under 15 minutes and are a crowd-pleasing, savory treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup large pitted black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (small to medium)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 20–24 toothpicks or short skewers
Instructions
- Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with paper towels. Pat the cherry tomatoes dry as well.
- Slice the pitted black olives into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Set aside in a small bowl.
- Pick small to medium basil leaves off the stems. Tear large leaves in half.
- Assemble the skewers: thread a basil leaf onto a toothpick, then a cherry tomato, then a mozzarella ball. The basil should be sandwiched between the tomato and mozzarella.
- Press an olive slice onto the front of the mozzarella ball to create the pupil. Use a tiny dab of balsamic glaze as adhesive if needed.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients to make about 20-24 skewers.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, then a light drizzle of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Optional: cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat ingredients dry to prevent sliding. Use room temperature mozzarella for easier assembly. For a dairy-free version, substitute with marinated firm tofu. Add balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid soggy tomatoes. Double the recipe for a crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 2.5
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: Halloween appetizer, caprese skewers, eyeball skewers, easy Halloween snack, kid-friendly Halloween, no-cook appetizer