These Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs are a spooky and delicious snack perfect for Halloween. They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a platter of these eerie appetizers that will disappear faster than a ghost in the night.
The combination of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and salty olives creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and spooky. Plus, the creepy eyeball design adds a touch of Halloween fun that’s sure to impress your guests. Get ready to create some edible Halloween magic!
Why You’ll Love It
These little eyeballs aren’t just creepy; they’re also incredibly tasty! The salty salami, the creamy mozzarella, and the briny olives all come together in a symphony of flavor that’s perfectly balanced. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is a huge bonus when you’re busy prepping for a Halloween party. And let’s be honest, they look amazing. They’re sure to be a conversation starter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These spooky and savory salami eyeballs are a perfect Halloween appetizer. Easy to assemble with mozzarella, olives, and pepperoni, they’re a fun and flavorful treat for all ages. Get ready for a creepy culinary experience!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons kalamata olives
- 4 ounces pepperoni stick
Instructions
- Prep the Mozzarella: Make small indents in each mozzarella ball.
- Make the Eyes: Fill the indents with chopped kalamata olives.
- Slice the Pepperoni: Cut into small pieces, roughly ¾ inch (2 cm) long, and some into thin slices or strips.
- Cut the Red Bell Pepper: Cut into small, wedge-shaped pieces.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread bell pepper, pepperoni, mozzarella eyeball, thicker pepperoni slice, and thin pepperoni slices at the base with another mozzarella ball for stability.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the mozzarella balls are small enough for easy skewering. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning. For a vegetarian option, consider using cherry tomatoes instead of mozzarella and cucumber slices for the iris.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create these spooky and satisfying Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs:
- 1 cup mozzarella balls: Small fresh mozzarella balls work best for these creepy appetizers.
- 1 red bell pepper: This adds a pop of color and a fresh crunch.
- 2 tablespoons kalamata olives: These are the key to creating the creepy “eyes.”
- 4 ounces pepperoni stick: This classic Italian cured meat provides the savory base for the eyeballs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella
Use a sharp knife to carefully make small indents in each mozzarella ball. These will hold the olive “eyes.” Set the mozzarella balls aside.
Step 2: Make the Eyes
Finely chop the kalamata olives. Place a small amount of chopped olive into the indent of each mozzarella ball to create the “pupil” of the eyeball.
Step 3: Slice the Pepperoni
Cut the pepperoni stick into small pieces, roughly ¾ inch (2 cm) long. Also, cut some of the pepperoni into thin slices or strips about ¼ to ½ inch thick. These varying sizes will give the skewers dimension.
Step 4: Cut the Red Bell Pepper
Cut the red bell pepper into small, wedge-shaped pieces. These will add a touch of color and freshness to the skewers.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Begin assembling the skewers by threading a piece of red bell pepper, followed by a chunk of pepperoni, and then a mozzarella eyeball. Add a thicker slice of pepperoni next. To create a stable base for the skewer, place a few thin pepperoni slices at the bottom, followed by another mozzarella ball to hold it all in place.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Place the finished skewers on a Halloween-themed platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld and the skewers hold their shape.
Pro Tips
- For extra creepy eyeballs, use black olives instead of kalamata olives.
- If you want to add a bit of heat, use a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of dried chili flakes.
- Make sure your skewers are long enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. You can find a selection of skewers and picks on our website.
- To make these appetizers ahead of time, assemble the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Recipe Variations
- Spooky Spider Version: Wrap black olive slices around the mozzarella “eyeball” using thin strips of red bell pepper. This changes the creepy eyeball into a spooky spider!
- Mummy Style: Wrap thin strips of mozzarella around each “eyeball” to make it look like a tiny mummy. Secure the ends with a small piece of red bell pepper “bandage.”
- Bloody Eyeballs: Add a small drop of sriracha or hot sauce to the olive “pupil” for a “bloody eyeball” effect. Check out our recipe for kimchi jjigae for another spicy idea.
- Veggie Eyeballs: Substitute cherry tomatoes for the mozzarella balls and use small pieces of cucumber for the green “iris” around the black olive pupil.
How far in advance can I make these Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs?
You can assemble these appetizers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While mozzarella balls are recommended for their shape and texture, you could try using other firm cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Just be sure to choose a cheese that will hold its shape well on the skewer.
Are these appetizers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the spooky look of these eyeballs, and the combination of salami, cheese, and olives is generally a crowd-pleaser. You can adjust the spiciness by omitting the chili flakes or jalapeños if needed.
What can I serve with these skewers?
These Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other Halloween-themed snacks like witch fingers (breadsticks shaped like fingers) or ghost puffs (mini marshmallows dipped in white chocolate).
Serving Suggestions
These Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs are the perfect spooky snack for any Halloween gathering. Serve them on a platter decorated with spiderwebs or other spooky decorations. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Try pairing them with our Korean fried chicken recipe for a delicious fusion meal.
Final Thoughts
These Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs are a fun and festive treat that everyone will enjoy. They’re simple to make, visually appealing, and packed with delicious flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try and make your Halloween celebration extra special. Check out some of our other spooky recipes like Ghostly White Chocolate Bark for more Halloween inspiration! Share your creepy creations on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
