Halloween parties aren’t just about sweet treats savory snacks can be just as spooky and fun. Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are the ultimate bite-sized appetizers that look creepy but taste delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary cheese and deli meat into eyeball-shaped party snacks that your guests will love.
Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs
Equipment
- toothpicks for holding eyeballs together
- paper towels to dry mozzarella
- platter for serving
- knife to slice olives or peppers
Ingredients
- 12 bite-sized mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
- 12 thin slices of salami
- 6 black or green olives, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for decoration)
- 12 toothpicks
Instructions
- Drain mozzarella balls and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the salami stick better.
- Lay a slice of salami flat and place a mozzarella ball in the center. Fold the salami up around the cheese, overlapping edges slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Place an olive slice on top of the mozzarella where it peeks out. For extra effect, add a small piece of red pepper under the olive slice to look like an iris.
- Arrange your eyeballs on a platter. For a creepy touch, drizzle marinara sauce underneath to resemble blood.
Notes
What Are Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs?
These “eyeballs” are made by wrapping slices of salami around mozzarella balls (like bocconcini or ciliegine), then adding an olive slice or pepper to create a pupil. The result is a realistic eyeball effect that looks straight out of a haunted kitchen but delivers rich, savory flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mozzarella balls (bite-sized, drained)
- Salami slices (thin, round slices)
- Black or green olives (pitted, sliced into rounds)
- Optional extras: roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs for decoration
- Toothpicks (to hold everything together)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the mozzarella
Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the salami stick better.
Step 2 – Wrap with salami
Lay a slice of salami flat and place a mozzarella ball in the center. Fold the salami up around the cheese, overlapping the edges slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Step 3 – Add the pupil
Place an olive slice on top of the mozzarella ball where it peeks out. If you want more detail, add a small piece of red pepper under the olive slice to look like an iris.
Step 4 – Serve and enjoy
Arrange your eyeballs on a platter. For extra creepiness, drizzle a bit of marinara sauce underneath to look like “blood.”
Creative Variations
- Bloody Eyeballs: Use roasted red peppers or hot sauce under the olive slice for a bloodshot look.
- Monster Mix: Alternate between black and green olives for different spooky “eye colors.”
- Spider Eyeballs: Add thin strips of black olives around the eyeballs to resemble spider legs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap salami for roasted zucchini or grilled eggplant slices.
Tips for Best Results
- Use small mozzarella balls (ciliegine) so they fit neatly inside the salami.
- Pat ingredients dry so they stick together easily.
- Make ahead of time and refrigerate, but add olive pupils just before serving for the freshest look.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on a Halloween platter with fake spiders or cobweb decorations.
- Pair with crackers or breadsticks for a more filling snack.
- Place on top of salads or pasta as a creepy garnish.
FAQS
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Add olive pupils right before serving.
What type of salami works best?
Thin, large slices are easiest to fold around the mozzarella. Genoa salami or peppered salami works perfectly.
Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella balls?
You can cut string cheese into chunks, but round mozzarella balls give the most realistic “eyeball” effect.
Are they kid-friendly?
Yes! They’re fun to make with kids—just leave out spicy peppers if serving to little ones.
Why They’re Perfect for Halloween
These appetizers are quick to assemble, require no cooking, and instantly add a spooky touch to any party spread. They balance out all the sweet Halloween desserts and give guests a savory option that’s just as festive.
Conclusion
Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are creepy, delicious, and the perfect savory snack for Halloween gatherings. With their gory look and cheesy flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party. Quick to make, fun to serve, and customizable to your taste, these eyeballs will keep everyone coming back for more if they dare!