Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, eye-catching appetizer that’s both easy to assemble and irresistible to your guests, you’re in the right place. My Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe is a Halloween party staple in my house—and honestly, I whip it up all year round because it’s just that good! These spooky little bites pack bursts of savory flavor with creamy mozzarella, salty pepperoni, and a tangy olive “pupil” that makes each eyeball come to life. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star ingredients in this Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe are simple but so effective together. Look for fresh mozzarella balls and good quality pepperoni or salami to get the best flavor and texture combination.

• Mozzarella balls: Small bocconcini work great here for perfect eyeball size and that lovely creamy texture.
• Pepperoni stick: Choose one with good flavor and firm texture so it slices neatly and holds its shape on the skewer.
• Kalamata olives: These give the “pupil” a deep, rich color and a tangy bite that balances the richness.
• Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a pop of vibrant color that shapes the fun presentation.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste or occasion. Don’t be shy to get creative with the garnishes or swap ingredients to suit any dietary needs.

• Swap the Pepperoni: I’ve tried spicy chorizo or turkey pepperoni for a different flavor profile that still pairs wonderfully with the creamy mozzarella.
• Vegetarian Version: Use marinated grilled zucchini or eggplant slices in place of pepperoni for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes on the pepperoni or choose a spicier salami to give your eyeballs some heat.
• Different “Eyes”: I’ve experimented with green olives or even small slices of cherry tomatoes for the “eye” – both give a slightly different but tasty look.

How to Make Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Eyeballs

Start by taking your mozzarella balls and carefully use a sharp knife to make small indents on one side—these will be the spot for your olive pupil. Be gentle; the cheese is soft, and you want a clear little “socket” without breaking the whole ball. Next, finely chop your kalamata olives and press a bit into each indent. This is where your eyeballs really start to look eerie and fun!

Step 2: Prepare the Pepperoni and Bell Pepper

Slice your pepperoni stick into small chunks about 2 centimeters long. You’ll also want a few thin strips (about 0.5 to 1 cm thick) for layering and base support on the skewers. Meanwhile, slice the red bell pepper into small, wedge-shaped pieces that will top off each skewer and add a festive hint of color. If you’re a fan of a little spicy pop, keep some extra thin slices of pepper for garnish.

Step 3: Assemble the Eyeball Skewers

This is the fun part. Thread a red bell pepper wedge onto a skewer first, then add a chunk of pepperoni, followed by your mozzarella-olive eyeball. Next, layer on a thicker slice of pepperoni, a couple of thin pepperoni strips for the base, and finish off with another mozzarella ball to keep everything snug and upright. This layering not only makes an eye-catching skewer but keeps each bite perfectly balanced flavor-wise.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop your assembled skewers in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and ensure they’re served nice and chilled. You’ll find chilling them also helps keep the mozzarella from getting too soft and makes the skewers easier to handle while serving.

How to Serve Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil over the platter to add a little pop of green and freshness. For extra creep factor, scatter some edible flowers or place the skewers on a bed of shredded lettuce or kale—this adds color contrast and makes the eyeballs stand out even more.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some crusty garlic bread, or a tangy herb dip on the side. When I make these for parties, I always throw together a Mediterranean-inspired spread with hummus, olives, and roasted nuts to complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween, I’ve arranged the skewers to look like they’re “walking eyeballs” by placing them upright in a vase or foam base. Another time, I created a “eyeball bouquet” by tying skewers together with a festive ribbon—guests loved how quirky and fun it looked on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, any leftovers I keep tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. I find it’s best to store them on a flat plate or tray lined with parchment to keep the skewers from rolling or getting squished. They stay fresh for about 1-2 days, though I usually don’t have leftovers for long!

Freezing

I haven’t had the best luck freezing the Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe since the mozzarella’s texture changes after thawing. I recommend making these fresh or at least the same day you plan to serve them.

Reheating

Since this is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary—and I’d actually advise against it. The flavors are best enjoyed chilled, and reheating could make the textures less appealing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Skewered Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Recipe turns out every time—easy, impressive, and packed with flavor. When I first made it for a Halloween bash, it was an instant hit, and now it’s one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for any gathering. You’ll find that once you make this, it’s a go-to because it’s fun to eat and ridiculously simple to put together. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a trusted favorite in your kitchen, too!

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