These fun Eyeball Caprese Skewers are a spooky twist on the classic salad! Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, they look super cool and taste amazing!
They’re perfect for Halloween parties or just to impress your friends! I love how kids giggle when they see them. Plus, it’s an easy, healthy snack you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the star of your dish! Use firm, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work as a nice substitute.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: I recommend using bocconcini for their size, which fits well on a skewer. If you want a lower-fat option, consider using part-skim mozzarella.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For a burst of flavor, use fresh basil. However, if you’re out, consider arugula or baby spinach as a mild substitute.
Balsamic Glaze: It adds a sweet and tangy touch. If you don’t have it, you can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until it’s thick, or simply use a splash of regular balsamic vinegar for zest.
Black Olives or Food Coloring: Use olives for an edible pupil. If olives aren’t your thing, consider using a dab of black food coloring or edible ink for a fun effect.
How Do I Assemble the Perfect Eyeball Skewers?
Assembling these skewers looks tricky, but it’s super easy! Each step is important for both appearance and taste. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start by washing and drying your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. This ensures everything sticks well.
- Halving the tomatoes gives them stability on the platter. Keep the flat side down to prevent rolling!
- When pressing the mozzarella onto the tomato, make sure it’s secure to avoid any mess as your guests pick them up.
- For the pupils, a small dot of balsamic glaze can look impressive. Use a toothpick to place just the right amount.
- Lastly, drizzling olive oil adds flavor and keeps everything fresh. Just a little is enough—feel free to skip if you want a lighter dish!
These skewers are not only tasty but also a fun addition to your table, especially during Halloween gatherings!
Eyeball Caprese Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Black olives or black food coloring/edible ink pen (for the “pupil”)
- Wooden toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time to wash, cut, and assemble the skewers. Once completed, you can either serve them right away or chill them in the refrigerator until your guests arrive. Easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by washing and drying the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly. It’s super important to make sure everything is clean and dry so that the toppings stick well!
2. Cut the Tomatoes:
Take each cherry tomato and cut it in half horizontally. This will create a flat base for your skewer. Place the halved tomatoes cut-side down on a serving dish so they won’t roll around!
3. Assemble the Eyeballs:
Now, grab a mozzarella ball and gently press it onto the flat surface of one tomato half. The mozzarella should sit right on top; this is the “eyeball” part!
4. Create the Pupil:
Use a small dot of balsamic glaze or a tiny piece of black olive to create the “pupil” on top of the mozzarella. You can use a toothpick to help place a small dot of glaze or attach a piece of olive exactly where you want it.
5. Eye Lids with Basil:
Take one fresh basil leaf and place it over the mozzarella ball to resemble an “eyelid.” This adds flavor and makes your skewers look extra cool!
6. Skewer It Together:
Insert a wooden toothpick or small skewer through the basil leaf, mozzarella ball, and tomato half to hold everything securely together. Make sure it goes through all three components for stability!
7. Add Finishing Touches:
Drizzle olive oil lightly over the assembled skewers for added flavor. Then, season them with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your Eyeball Caprese Skewers on a fun serving platter. You can serve them immediately, or if you prefer, keep them in the refrigerator until it’s time to party!
These visually playful skewers combine the classic flavors of Caprese salad—tomato, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic—presented in a spooky eyeball form that’s perfect for Halloween or any themed party! Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their size and flavor, you can use grape tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties. Just make sure they can hold the shape and fit on a skewer!
How Do I Store Leftover Eyeball Caprese Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the basil may wilt, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Skewers Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the mozzarella balls with plant-based cheese options or marinated tofu cubes for a fun, vegan version while still maintaining that creamy texture!
Can I Prepare These Skewers in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. This way, they remain fresh and visually appealing!
