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This Halloween Antipasto Eyeballs appetizer brings spooky fun to your table without any cooking required. Combining creamy fresh mozzarella, flavorful chicken ham, and briny black olives, this no-fuss finger food is perfect for Halloween gatherings or any time you want to impress guests with something playful and tasty.
I first made these at a Halloween party and everyone loved how fun and easy they were to eat. Now they're a regular feature on my holiday appetizer menu.
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella: Ten balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for a creamy base. Choose good quality cheese that is soft but holds its shape well
- Black olives: Five whole pitted black olives, medium to large size works best for the "pupil" detail
- Chicken ham: Half a pound of thinly sliced chicken ham adds a savory layer and wraps around the cheese nicely
- Olive oil: Quarter cup of olive oil for drizzling adds richness and helps everything glisten
- Basil leaves: Eight fresh basil leaves bring a bright herbal note and a pop of color
- Balsamic glaze: One and a half ounces of balsamic glaze for drizzling, sweetness and acidity balance the flavors
- Sun dried tomatoes: Eight and a half ounces of sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced thinly for an extra burst of umami
- Salt: Kosher or table salt to taste to enhance all the flavors
- Flake salt: Flake salt as a finishing touch for a delicate crunch and visual appeal
Instructions
- Prep:
- Gather all ingredients and wash the basil leaves.
- Assemble eyeballs:
- Wrap each mozzarella ball with a slice of chicken ham and secure an olive on top using a toothpick. This step creates the "eyeball" and combines the creamy, savory, and salty flavors into one bite.
- Arrange and season:
- Arrange the assembled eyeballs neatly on a platter. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt to boost taste and add a little sheen.
- Garnish and finish:
- Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves scattered around to brighten the presentation. Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze over the eyeballs to add sweet acidity and a lovely, glossy finish.
My favorite part of this recipe is the black olive "pupil" which turns simple ingredients into a fun and spooky presentation. One Halloween, my niece was so excited to see "eyeballs" on the table that she ate six in a row without a break.
Storage tips
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. The mozzarella will soften over time so it's best enjoyed fresh. Let the platter come to room temperature before serving again for optimal flavor.
Ingredient substitutions
If chicken ham is unavailable try prosciutto or thinly sliced deli turkey for a different but still delicious flavor. You can also swap black olives for green olives stuffed with pimentos for a colorful twist.
Serving suggestions
Serve with crusty Italian bread or crackers to round out the appetizer spread. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and savory ham.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy the spooky presentation.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What ingredients make the eyeball appetizer distinctive?
The combination of fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced chicken ham, and black olives creates the distinctive eyeball look and flavor.
- → Is cooking required to prepare these appetizers?
No cooking is necessary; they are assembled fresh by wrapping mozzarella with ham and topping with olives.
- → How should the antipasto be served for best presentation?
Arrange the eyeballs on a platter, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt, garnish with basil, and finish with balsamic glaze.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
You may swap chicken ham for vegetarian alternatives, or use different olives, but fresh mozzarella is key for texture.
- → What makes this dish suitable for Halloween gatherings?
The creative eyeball appearance and finger-food style offer a playful, thematic touch perfect for festive celebrations.