These fun Eyeball Caprese Skewers are perfect for a party! They combine fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and basil—so tasty and colorful!
You’ll love how easy they are to make! Just stack the ingredients on a skewer and you’re ready to impress your guests. Plus, they make for a spooky and delicious treat! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little tomatoes are perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes work well too, as they have a similar size and taste.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: I love using bocconcini because they are bite-sized. You can also use larger mozzarella balls and cut them into smaller pieces if needed.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use spinach as a substitute, though it won’t give the same flavor.
Black Olives: These give our “eyeballs” their pupils. If you’re not a fan, you can use small bits of black pepper or even capers as a quirky alternative.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet tang. If you don’t have glaze, a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey can create a similar effect.
How Can I Assemble These Skewers Without Them Falling Apart?
Assembling your Eyeball Caprese Skewers is key to making them look great. Follow these tips for a successful build:
- Start by slicing cherry tomatoes neatly; make sure they stay stable when placed on the platter.
- Gently press the black olive slice into the mozzarella without crushing it. This helps everything stay together.
- When adding the basil leaf, place it over the mozzarella like an eyelid for an authentic look, and make sure to skewer through all the components securely.
- Use a steady hand when drizzling balsamic glaze. A squeeze bottle can help achieve a smooth drizzle.
By following these steps, your skewers will hold together nicely and look stunning on the platter!
How to Make Eyeball Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 20 small slices of black olives (for the “pupil”)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. With just a little preparation, you can have a platter of spooky Eyeball Caprese Skewers ready for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes:
Start by slicing each cherry tomato in half. Place the bottom halves on a serving platter, cut side up. This will create a sturdy base for your eyeballs.
2. Create the Eyeball Pupils:
Take a small mozzarella ball and gently press a small slice of black olive into the center of it. This will serve as the “pupil” of your eyeball. Repeat this for all mozzarella balls.
3. Assemble the Eyeballs:
Now, place each mozzarella ball directly on top of the halved tomato. This creates the eyeball look. Make sure they sit nicely on the tomatoes.
4. Add the Eyelids:
Next, take a fresh basil leaf and lay it over the mozzarella ball to mimic the eye’s eyelid. This adds a beautiful touch of green and flavor!
5. Secure with Skewers:
Using a toothpick or small skewer, carefully pierce through the basil leaf, mozzarella, and tomato to hold all parts together. This will help keep your skewers stable.
6. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:
Before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze around the assembled skewers on the platter. This adds a tasty tang and gives a spooky, blood-like effect to the presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These quirky Eyeball Caprese Skewers are now ready to serve! Enjoy them at a Halloween party or any fun gathering. Your guests will love both the flavor and the creative presentation!
Can I Make Eyeball Caprese Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. To prevent the basil from wilting, add it just before serving if possible.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Olives?
If you’re not a fan of black olives, you can substitute them with small bits of red bell pepper or even capers for a unique twist. Just make sure they fit nicely on the mozzarella to maintain the “pupil” look.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, note that the basil may wilt, so it’s best to eat them fresh for the best flavor and presentation.
Can I Use Larger Tomatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer using larger tomatoes, such as beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, just cut them into thicker slices. You may need to adjust the amount of mozzarella and olives used to maintain the “eyeball” effect!
