Looking for the ultimate creepy‑cute Halloween appetizer? These Skewered Salami Eyeballs are quick to make, fun to assemble, and packed with savory flavor. With creamy mozzarella, zesty salami, and spooky olive “pupils,” they’re guaranteed to be the hit of your Halloween party.
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Skewered Salami Eyeballs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 eyeballs 1x
Description
Looking for the ultimate creepy‑cute Halloween appetizer? These Skewered Salami Eyeballs are quick to make, fun to assemble, and packed with savory flavor. With creamy mozzarella, zesty salami, and spooky olive “pupils,” they’re guaranteed to be the hit of your Halloween party.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (pearls), about 12
- 4 oz salami stick or pepperoni stick, cut into thick slices or chunks
- 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, finely chopped for “pupils”
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into small triangle shapes for garnish
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Arrange your ingredients on a clean board: mozzarella balls, salami slices, chopped olives, and red pepper pieces.
- Cut a small indent into each mozzarella ball using a paring knife. Press a bit of chopped olive into each indent to resemble a pupil.
- Slice the salami stick into ¾-inch chunks and thinner slices for layering. Cut red bell pepper into little triangle shapes for decoration.
- On each skewer or toothpick, thread a red bell pepper piece first, then a thick salami chunk, followed by a mozzarella “eyeball,” then a salami slice. Finish with an extra salami piece if desired.
- Store in the fridge until party time. Serve on a dark platter or Halloween-themed tray.
Notes
Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine also work. Meat: Try prosciutto or turkey pepperoni. Olives: Swap with green olives or sun-dried tomato bits. Bell pepper: Use sliced chili peppers for heat. Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and cover. Use different color peppers for variety. For vegetarian version, use roasted red pepper or zucchini. Add a streak of hot sauce for extra horror. Serve with crackers, grapes, cheeses, and nuts. Add a spooky name card like “Monster Eyes.” If mozzarella slides, add a salami slice behind it. Press olives deeper if they don’t stick. Let mozzarella warm slightly if too firm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Halloween
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 eyeball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Halloween appetizer, spooky snacks, mozzarella, salami, eyeballs
At a Glance
- Servings: 12 eyeballs
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Cost: $
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (pearls), about 12
- 4 oz salami stick or pepperoni stick, cut into thick slices or chunks
- 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, finely chopped for “pupils”
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into small triangle shapes for garnish
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Swaps & Notes
- Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine (small mozzarella balls) also work.
- Meat: Try prosciutto or turkey pepperoni as alternatives.
- Olives: Green olives or sun‑dried tomato bits can substitute for a different “eyeball” look.
- Bell pepper: For a spicy kick, use sliced chili peppers instead.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prep everything: Arrange your ingredients on a clean board mozzarella balls, salami slices, chopped olives, and red pepper pieces.
- Make the eyeballs: Cut a small indent into each mozzarella ball using a paring knife. Press a bit of chopped olive into each indent to resemble a pupil.
- Cut and shape: Slice the salami stick into ¾-inch chunks and thinner slices for layering. Cut red bell pepper into little triangle shapes for a decorative touch.
- Assemble skewers: On each skewer or toothpick, thread a red bell pepper piece first, then a thick salami chunk, followed by a mozzarella “eyeball,” then a salami slice. You can finish with an extra pepperoni piece if desired for stability.
- Chill and serve: Store in the fridge until party time. Serve on a dark platter or Halloween-themed tray for extra effect.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate just cover them well.
- Use different color bell peppers for variety.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the meat with roasted red pepper strips or grilled zucchini ribbons.
- Want extra horror vibes? Add a tiny streak of ketchup or hot sauce on the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers pair perfectly with a spooky charcuterie board. Serve with crackers, grapes, aged cheeses, and nuts. Add a creepy name card like “Monster Eyes” to keep things festive.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge up to 1 day.
- Reheating: No need to reheat serve cold or allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting
- If mozzarella balls slide off, make sure your skewers are inserted firmly and layer a slice of salami behind them for support.
- If olives don’t stick, make the indents deeper and press the pieces in firmly.
- Mozzarella too firm? Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes or soak briefly in warm water, then dry before assembling.