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Eyeball Caprese Bites

These Eyeball Caprese Bites are bite-sized appetizers composed of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, assembled to resemble spooky eyeballs. They are assembled by stacking ingredients and decorating with olives to create a playful, spooky presentation with a smooth, creamy texture and fresh flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces cherry tomatoes preferably ripe and firm
  • 12 ounces fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine or small mozzarella balls
  • 12 leaves fresh basil leaves whole leaves, no stems
  • 12 pieces black olives stuffed with pimentos pitted and sliced to resemble pupils

Equipment

  • Toothpicks
  • Serving Platter

Method
 

  1. Arrange all ingredients in individual bowls for easy assembly.
  2. Place a cherry tomato on a clean work surface and insert a toothpick through the stem end.
  3. Skewering a mozzarella ball onto the toothpick beneath the tomato, so it sits directly under the cherry tomato.
  4. Add a basil leaf on top of the cherry tomato, pressing gently so it slightly fans out, mimicking eyelids.
  5. Thread a sliced olive onto the toothpick, positioning it on top of the basil leaf to resemble an eyeball's pupil.
  6. Repeat the process with remaining ingredients until all bites are assembled, arranging them on a serving platter.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to keep ingredients fresh until ready to display.

Notes

For a more dramatic look, use larger olives or add a dab of olive tapenade around the pupil for depth.