Description
These festive Caprese skewers are a quick, healthy Halloween party appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and black olives for a spooky ‘eyeball’ effect. Easy to assemble, customizable, and perfect for crowds, they deliver classic Italian flavor with a playful twist.
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 20 mini bocconcini mozzarella balls (about 8 oz), drained and patted dry
- 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 20 black olives (whole or sliced, Kalamata or canned)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Sea salt, flaky preferred, for sprinkling
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 20 bamboo skewers (cocktail or standard size)
Instructions
- Wash cherry tomatoes and basil leaves; pat dry mozzarella balls with paper towels.
- Slice black olives into rings or halves for the ‘eyeball’ effect.
- Thread a cherry tomato onto each bamboo skewer, followed by a basil leaf (fold if large), then a mozzarella ball.
- Press a black olive slice onto each mozzarella ball to create the ‘eyeball’ look. Use a tiny dab of cream cheese or hummus if needed to help it stick.
- Arrange finished skewers on a serving platter in a festive pattern.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil (if using), then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Check for missing ‘eyeballs’ or basil and fill gaps as needed. Dab any excess moisture with paper towels.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Add basil and glaze just before serving for best results.
Notes
For vegan variation, use plant-based mozzarella balls. Swap cherry tomatoes for yellow or orange for extra color. If olives don’t stick, use a dab of cream cheese or hummus. Make ahead up to 2 hours; add basil and glaze just before serving. Toothpicks can be used for mini skewers. Keep ingredients dry for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2.5
Keywords: Halloween appetizer, Caprese skewers, party platter, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy, festive, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, olives