🎉 Introduction
Looking for a creepy-cool appetizer for Halloween? These Skewered Eyeball Bites are the perfect mix of fun and flavor. With soft mozzarella balls as the “eyeballs,” sliced olives as the pupils, and roasted red bell pepper for a bloodshot effect, each bite looks scary but tastes amazing.
Traditionally made with salami or pepperoni, this version uses beef or turkey pepperoni wrapped around each cheesy eyeball, making it both spooky and savory. They’re easy to assemble, require no complicated cooking, and are guaranteed to wow guests at any Halloween party.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Small skewers or toothpicks
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for peppers
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 oz beef or turkey pepperoni stick (cut into thin slices)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- 2 tbsp Kalamata olives (sliced into small “pupil” circles)
- 1 red bell pepper (roasted, peeled, and cut into thin strips)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the red pepper
Roast the red bell pepper over an open flame or in the oven until the skin blisters. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and slice into thin strips. These will be the “veins” for the eyeballs.
Step 2: Slice the pepperoni
Cut the beef or turkey pepperoni stick into thin slices, large enough to wrap around each mozzarella ball.
Step 3: Assemble the eyeballs
Place one mozzarella ball in the center of a pepperoni slice. Wrap the slice around it snugly.
Step 4: Add the pupils
Press a Kalamata olive slice onto the mozzarella ball to create the “pupil.” Use the moisture of the cheese to help it stick.
Step 5: Add the red pepper veins
Lay thin strips of roasted red bell pepper around the olive to give the eyeballs a “bloodshot” look.
Step 6: Skewer and serve
Secure each eyeball with a toothpick or small skewer. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: ~12 eyeball bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time (roasting pepper): 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Best served fresh; avoid reheating, as mozzarella may lose shape.
🥄 Variations
- Spicy Eyeballs: Use spicy beef pepperoni for a kick.
- Veggie Version: Skip pepperoni and use thin cucumber slices to wrap the mozzarella.
- Green Monster Eyeballs: Use green bell pepper instead of red for a different spooky effect.
- Cheese-Stuffed Olives: Swap mozzarella with pimento-stuffed olives for a quick version.
- Bloody Effect: Drizzle with tomato sauce for a scarier presentation.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use regular olives instead of Kalamata? – Yes, black olives work too.
- Do I need fresh mozzarella balls? – Yes, they give the right size and shape for eyeballs.
- Can I skip roasting the bell pepper? – Yes, but roasting gives a better color and texture.
- Can I make them ahead of time? – Yes, assemble a few hours before serving and refrigerate.
- Can I use turkey slices instead of pepperoni? – Yes, turkey pepperoni works perfectly.
- How do I keep the olive slices from falling off? – Press them gently into the mozzarella, or use a toothpick through the center.
- Can I make them vegetarian? – Yes, just leave out the pepperoni and use extra pepper strips.
- What can I serve them with? – Tomato dipping sauce or marinara works great.
- How long do they last at a party? – Best eaten within 2 hours at room temperature.
- Can kids help make these? – Yes, kids will love decorating the “eyeballs.”
🏁 Conclusion
These Skewered Eyeball Bites are spooky, cheesy, and ridiculously fun to make. With mozzarella “eyeballs,” olive pupils, and pepperoni wraps, they’re perfect finger food for Halloween. The roasted red pepper veins make them look gory but delicious—exactly the kind of playful food that keeps guests talking.
They’re easy, quick, and customizable, so whether you’re hosting a big party or just want a creepy snack for movie night, these eyeball bites are a guaranteed hit.
Skewered “Eyeball” Bites Recipe | Spooky Halloween Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roast the red bell pepper over an open flame or in the oven until the skin blisters. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and slice into thin strips. These will be the “veins” for the eyeballs.
- Cut the beef or turkey pepperoni stick into thin slices, large enough to wrap around each mozzarella ball.
- Place one mozzarella ball in the center of a pepperoni slice. Wrap the slice around it snugly.
- Press a Kalamata olive slice onto the mozzarella ball to create the “pupil.” Use the moisture of the cheese to help it stick.
- Lay thin strips of roasted red bell pepper around the olive to give the eyeballs a “bloodshot” look.
- Secure each eyeball with a toothpick or small skewer. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
These Skewered Eyeball Bites are spooky, cheesy, and ridiculously fun to make. With mozzarella “eyeballs,” olive pupils, and pepperoni wraps, they’re perfect finger food for Halloween. The roasted red pepper veins make them look gory but delicious—exactly the kind of playful food that keeps guests talking. They’re easy, quick, and customizable, so whether you’re hosting a big party or just want a creepy snack for movie night, these eyeball bites are a guaranteed hit.
