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Halloween Mozzarella Eyeballs on a white plate

Halloween Mozzarella Eyeballs

Spooky no-cook Halloween mozzarella eyeballs made with fresh mozzarella, green and black olives, roasted red pepper veins, and marinara dipping sauce. A fun and easy Halloween party appetizer ready in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 eyeballs
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Halloween
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

Mozzarella Eyeballs
  • 20 balls fresh mozzarella (ciliegine) approximately 10 oz (280 g), drained and patted dry
  • 10 large pitted green olives sliced into 20 circular pieces
  • 5 pitted black olives cut into 20 small pupil-sized pieces
  • 0.25 cup roasted red bell peppers drained and sliced into very thin strips
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese softened, for attaching decorations
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For Serving
  • 0.25 cup thick marinara sauce for dipping or decorating the serving platter

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Serving platter
  • Small spoon or toothpick

Method
 

  1. Drain the mozzarella balls thoroughly and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them on a clean cutting board or tray.
  2. Slice the green olives crosswise to create 20 circular iris rings. Cut the black olives into 20 small pieces that will fit inside the green olive rings.
  3. Drain and pat dry the roasted red peppers, then slice them into very thin strips to resemble bloodshot veins.
  4. Place a tiny dab of softened cream cheese on the smoothest side of each mozzarella ball. If necessary, trim a very thin piece from the surface to create a stable area for the iris. Gently press one green olive ring into place.
  5. Insert a small black olive piece into the center of each green olive ring to create a pupil. Repeat until all 20 mozzarella balls are decorated.
  6. Arrange a few thin roasted red pepper strips around each iris, extending them outward across the mozzarella to resemble bloodshot veins. Use tiny additional dabs of cream cheese if needed to secure the strips.
  7. Combine the olive oil and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Very lightly brush or spoon the mixture over exposed mozzarella, taking care not to disturb the decorations.
  8. Arrange the completed mozzarella eyeballs on a serving platter. Add the marinara sauce in a small dipping bowl or as decorative swirls on the platter. Serve chilled or cool.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 135mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, thoroughly dry the mozzarella before assembly. Use thin pepper strips and small olive pupils for the most realistic eyeball appearance. Prepare olive and pepper decorations ahead of time if desired, but assemble shortly before serving. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 1–2 days, subject to the mozzarella packaging guidance. Do not leave perishable appetizers at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). Nutrition is estimated per eyeball.

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