Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs: The Perfect Spooky Appetizer for Halloween

There’s something delightfully eerie about serving up a tray of Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs at your Halloween party. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people do a double-take—but once they get past the creepy exterior, they’ll discover a savory, delicious bite-sized snack that’s actually quite addictive. These spooky appetizers are fun, easy to make, and perfectly on theme for any Halloween gathering.

The combination of briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of marinara creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests reaching for seconds before they can even say, “Boo!” Plus, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is a go-to for busy hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re throwing a big bash or just want to add a little spooky flair to your weeknight dinner, these Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs are the perfect treat. Kids will love them for their playful appearance, and adults will appreciate the rich flavors packed into every bite. And the best part? They’re super customizable, so you can make them as creepy or as cute as you want!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This is one of those recipes that looks like it took forever to prepare, but actually comes together in just under 30 minutes. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

2. Perfect for Halloween

Nothing says Halloween like a plate of creepy eyeballs! These Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs are a fantastic way to set the spooky mood. They’re a fun, thematic appetizer that will definitely get people talking.

3. Flavorful and Fun

The olives bring a briny bite, while the mozzarella cheese adds creaminess. Pair that with a little drizzle of marinara for a touch of tang, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s sure to please everyone at the party.

4. Kid-Friendly

These little bites are just the right size for kids, and their spooky appearance will definitely get children excited to dig in. They’re also customizable—if your kiddos aren’t into olives, you can swap them out for something more their style.

5. Great for Last-Minute Entertaining

Need something quick for a Halloween get-together? This recipe can be whipped up fast, and it’s easy to scale if you’re serving a crowd. Just double (or triple!) the ingredients, and you’re good to go.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 12 eyeballs
• Calories per serving: 75
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these creepy Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs:

• 12 large green olives (pitted; use the ones stuffed with pimentos for an extra spooky red center)
• 6 mozzarella balls (cut in half to make 12 pieces; bocconcini or ciliegine size work best)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving; homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley leaves (for garnish; optional but adds a pop of color)
• Black olives (sliced into rounds, optional for extra eyeball detail)

Why These Ingredients?

• Green Olives: Large, pimento-stuffed olives provide the perfect “eyeball” look. Their salty, briny flavor is the perfect contrast to the creaminess of the mozzarella.
• Mozzarella Balls: Soft, creamy, and mild, mozzarella balances the strong flavor of the olives, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
• Marinara Sauce: This adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the olives and cheese. Plus, the sauce mimics the look of “blood” on the plate for an extra spooky touch.
• Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps everything stay moist and adds a touch of richness.
• Fresh Herbs: A little fresh basil or parsley brings a hint of freshness and a burst of color, making these eyeballs look extra festive.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—assembling your Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs! Don’t worry, it’s simple and a lot of fun, especially if you’re making these with kids.

1. Prepare the Olives

• Start by draining your pimento-stuffed green olives. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess brine. This will help the mozzarella balls stick better later on.
• Pro tip: If you want to make these even spookier, slice a black olive into thin rounds and place them over the pimento for a creepy pupil effect!

2. Slice the Mozzarella

• Take your mozzarella balls and cut each one in half. You should now have 12 pieces—one for each olive.
• Mozzarella balls come in different sizes, but for this recipe, ciliegine or bocconcini work best because they’re small enough to fit snugly into the olive cavity while still giving that classic “eyeball” look.

3. Assemble the Eyeballs

• Press a piece of mozzarella into the hollow center of each olive. The pimento will serve as the eyeball’s “iris” while the mozzarella gives the effect of a white sclera.
• Place the stuffed olives onto a serving platter, cut-side facing up so they resemble eyeballs staring back at you!

4. Drizzle with Olive Oil

• Lightly drizzle the assembled eyeballs with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. This adds a bit of richness and helps keep the mozzarella nice and moist.
• Optional: If you want extra spook factor, add tiny drops of marinara sauce onto each olive to resemble bloodshot eyes!

5. Prepare the Marinara

• Heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave it for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
• Serve the marinara on the side as a dipping sauce, or you can drizzle it directly over the olives on the platter for that “bloody eyeball” effect.

6. Garnish and Serve

• If you’re using fresh basil or parsley, tear a few leaves and scatter them around the platter for added color. This gives your presentation a nice touch and balances the flavors with a bit of freshness.
• Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still soft and the marinara sauce is warm.

And voila! You’ve got a tray of creepy, delicious Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs ready to go!

How to Serve

Here are a few ways you can serve your Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs to keep the Halloween vibes going strong:

• On a spooky tray: Arrange the eyeballs in a circular pattern on a dark-colored platter to make them really pop.
• With extra “blood”: Drizzle some extra marinara sauce over the platter to make it look like the eyeballs are sitting in a pool of blood.
• In small cups: If you want to serve these as individual appetizers, place a few eyeballs in small cups with a spoonful of marinara sauce in each one.
• With a side of breadsticks: Pair with soft, warm breadsticks for dipping into the extra marinara sauce.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs come out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

1. Use fresh mozzarella

The fresher your mozzarella, the better it will hold its shape and blend with the olives. Avoid the pre-shredded kind, as it won’t give the same creamy texture.

2. Drain your olives

Make sure the olives are well-drained before stuffing them. Too much brine will make the mozzarella slippery and harder to work with.

3. Keep the marinara warm

For the best flavor, keep your marinara sauce warm when serving. Cold sauce can dull the flavors and make the dish less appetizing.

4. Customize the toppings

If your crowd isn’t into olives, you can use small cherry tomatoes instead for a sweeter, less briny bite. Just scoop out the seeds, and stuff with mozzarella as you would with the olives.

5. Make them ahead

These eyeballs can be assembled up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and add the olive oil and marinara sauce right before serving.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Spicy Eyeballs

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a little kick. You could also stuff the olives with spicy pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

2. Vegetarian Eyeballs

For a vegetarian twist, swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative.

3. Cheesy Explosion

If you love extra cheese, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over the entire platter and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

If you have leftovers (though they usually go fast!), store the eyeballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to

keep the marinara sauce separate to prevent the eyeballs from getting soggy.

Freezing:

You can freeze the stuffed olives on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer-safe container once they’re firm. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Melon Baller or Small Spoon: For scooping out any extra pimento or filling space in the olives.
• Serving Tray: A dark or spooky tray can add to the Halloween vibe!
• Small saucepan or microwave: For warming the marinara sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use black olives instead of green?

Yes! Black olives work great, but they don’t have the same visual impact. You could use both black and green olives for variety.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the eyeballs a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and add the finishing touches right before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover eyeballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What’s the best way to reheat these?

If you need to reheat them, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is soft and the olives are warmed through.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe for Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs, it’s time to get spooky! This appetizer is not only fun and festive but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big Halloween party or just looking for a creative snack to share with your family, these eyeballs are sure to be a hit.

Don’t forget to share your spooky creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see how your Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs turn out! Happy Halloween, and enjoy every creepy, delicious bite!

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