These fun Eyeball Caprese Skewers are a playful twist on a classic appetizer! Each skewer features juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, all ready to impress your guests.
Kids (and adults) will love how spooky yet tasty these look at parties. I always make a few extra because they disappear fast—trust me, who can resist a cheesy eyeball? 👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the base for our skewers. Look for firm, bright tomatoes. If you can’t find cherries, grape tomatoes also work well.
Fresh Mozzarella: The small balls give that classic taste! If you need a dairy-free option, try using marinated tofu or vegan cheese balls instead.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma. If you prefer, you could substitute with baby spinach or arugula for a different flavor.
Black Olives: They create the “pupil” look. You can also use capers or even small dollops of black bean puree as alternatives.
How Do You Make the Perfect Skewers Without Making a Mess?
Assembling the skewers is where you can get creative! Follow these tips for neat and fun results:
- Use a sharp knife to cleanly slice your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Always scoop out a bit of the tomato carefully, so you have enough space for the cheese.
- For decorating with food coloring, use a toothpick for more control. A little bit goes a long way!
- Press ingredients gently to avoid crushing them, especially the cheese and tomatoes.
- Finally, insert the skewer in the center to prevent wobbling while serving.
With these simple tricks, you’ll serve up some impressive, spooky snacks that everyone will love!
Eyeball Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves (about 12 small leaves)
- Black olives (for the pupil; 12 small slices or pieces)
- Blue or green food coloring (optional, for the iris effect)
- Balsamic glaze or glaze reduction (optional, for drizzling)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and assembling the ingredients, and then it’s ready to serve! Perfect for a last-minute spooky snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Start by washing the cherry tomatoes underwater. Slice off the top of each tomato and then carefully scoop out the seeds and some pulp to create a little space for the mozzarella balls to fit inside.
2. Mix the Food Coloring:
If you like, you can use food coloring to create a fun iris effect. Mix a small amount of blue or green food coloring in a tiny bowl with some fresh mozzarella until it reaches your desired color.
3. Add the Basil:
For some extra flavor and decoration, take a small basil leaf and place it at the bottom of each hollowed tomato. This adds a nice fresh touch to your skewers!
4. Add the Mozzarella:
Next, take a small mozzarella ball and carefully insert it into each hollowed cherry tomato. Gently press it down, making sure it stays inside.
5. Prepare the Olive Pupil:
To create the “eye,” add a small dab of cream cheese or your favorite spreadable cheese on top of the mozzarella ball. This will help stick the black olive slice (the pupil) to the mozzarella.
6. Place the Pupil:
Now, take a small slice of black olive and place it right in the center on top of the mozzarella ball to resemble the pupil of the eye.
7. Create the Iris Effect:
If you’re using food coloring, now’s the time! Carefully add a small drop of blue or green food coloring around the olive slice to make it look like an iris. Use a toothpick for precision!
8. Assemble the Skewers:
Take a toothpick or small skewer and gently insert it through the center of each “eyeball.” This keeps everything together and makes it easy to grab!
9. Present Your Skewers:
Arrange your eyeball skewers on a platter. If you want to make them look even fancier, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top and garnish with extra basil leaves.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These spooky yet delicious Eyeball Caprese Skewers are now ready to impress! Serve them immediately, and watch your guests’ reactions. Enjoy this fun twist on a classic dish!
These playful skewers combine the classic Caprese flavors with a fun Halloween twist, perfect for parties or any festive gatherings!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes for This Recipe?
Yes! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for these skewers, you can also use grape tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties. Just make sure they are firm and can hold the mozzarella and other ingredients well.
What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese balls. They’ll still provide a delicious taste and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the tomatoes may lose some firmness as they sit, but they’ll still taste great!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the individual components (hollowed tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and olives) a few hours in advance and assemble them before serving. Just keep everything covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve!