Halloween Antipasto Eyeballs Delight

Halloween Antipasto Eyeballs Appetizer brings a playful and delicious twist to your party table with no cooking required. These spooky bites combine fresh mozzarella, savory chicken ham, and black olives to delight guests both visually and in flavor, making them a standout appetizer for Halloween gatherings.

I first made these for a Halloween party where kids and adults alike couldn’t stop reaching for them. Now they are a tradition every year.

Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella balls: also called bocconcini or ciliegine creamy and mild, choose small ones roughly cherrysized for perfect eyeballs
• Whole pitted black olives: add the “pupil” and a salty contrast, look for medium to large size for better coverage
• Chicken ham sliced thinly: wraps around mozzarella and adds a smoky savoriness, thin slices are easier to roll
• Olive oil: drizzled on top to add richness and a silky finish, go for extra virgin for the best flavor
• Fresh basil leaves: bring a pop of herbal brightness to balance the richness, pick bright green and unblemished leaves
• Balsamic glaze: adds a sweet tangy drizzle to finish, opt for a thick glaze to control the pour
• Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil julienne cut: provide a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness to complement the savory elements
• Kosher or table salt and flake salt: sprinkled to elevate every bite, use minimal salt if olives are very salty

Instructions

Gather Ingredients and Prepare Basil:

Wash the fresh basil leaves carefully and set aside. Make sure all other ingredients are ready for assembly.

Wrap Mozzarella in Chicken Ham:

Take one fresh mozzarella ball and wrap it tightly with a slice of chicken ham. The thin ham keeps the ball together and adds flavor.

Attach the Olive 'Eyeball':

Secure one whole black olive on top of each wrapped mozzarella ball using a toothpick. This olive represents the pupil creating the eyeball effect.

Arrange on a Platter and Dress:

Place the assembled eyeballs neatly on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil evenly and sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.

Garnish and Drizzle Balsamic Glaze:

Tuck fresh basil leaves artistically around the platter for color and fragrance. Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the eyeballs just before serving to add a sweet tang and visual appeal.

My favorite part is the mozzarella wrapped in ham it melts slightly in your mouth while the olive adds a pop of briny sharpness. One Halloween, my niece was so fascinated by the eyeball shape she insisted we make them every year.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover eyeballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. Avoid soaking them in balsamic glaze ahead of time as it can overpower the mild mozzarella.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find chicken ham, prosciutto or turkey ham are great alternatives for wrapping the mozzarella. For black olives, kalamata or even green olives give a unique twist but may alter the classic eyeball look.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or Italian white wine for an elegant touch. Pair with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad to create a more substantial appetizer spread.

Assemble just before serving for the freshest appearance and flavor. Enjoy the spooky presentation.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What ingredients create the eyeball effect?

The effect comes from fresh mozzarella balls wrapped with thinly sliced chicken ham and topped with a whole black olive, mimicking an eyeball appearance.

→ Is any cooking required for these bites?

No cooking is needed; the dish assembles fresh ingredients like mozzarella, ham, olives, and basil.

→ What flavors complement the mozzarella and ham?

Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang, while fresh basil and olive oil bring herbal and fruity notes for balanced flavor.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled a few hours before serving and kept chilled to maintain freshness.

→ How should I serve these at a party?

Arrange the bites on a platter, drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze, then garnish with basil leaves for an appealing presentation.