Get ready to serve an appetizer that will have all your guests doing a double-take! These Salami Eyeballs are one of the most creative and easy Halloween Appetizers you can make. This is a completely no-cook recipe that cleverly assembles simple deli ingredients—mozzarella, olives, and salami or pepperoni—into a spooky, skewer that looks like a creepy eyeball. It’s one of the best Halloween Party Food Ideas because it’s visually stunning, delicious, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Why This is One of the Best Halloween Party Appetizers
When it comes to Halloween Themed Appetizers, this recipe is a clear winner.
- Incredibly Thematic & Fun: The “eyeball” effect is easy to achieve but looks fantastically creepy on a party platter, making it a standout Halloween Charcuterie Board element.
- No-Cook & Super Quick: This entire appetizer comes together with just a few minutes of simple assembly. No oven or stove required!
- Deliciously Savory: It’s a classic and delicious combination of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Parties: Skewers are the ultimate easy-to-eat finger food, making them ideal for a Halloween gathering.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
You only need a handful of simple deli ingredients to create these spooky skewers.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 1 cup of small, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 4 ounces of a thick pepperoni or salami stick
- A handful of thin, pre-sliced pepperoni or salami
- 2 tablespoons of Kalamata or black olives, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, for decoration
- Skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to assemble the easiest, most impressive appetizer for your party.
Part 1: Create the Eyeballs
- Carve the Socket: Using the tip of a small, sharp knife or a small melon baller, carefully scoop out a small indent in the center of each mozzarella ball.
- Add the Pupil: Take a small pinch of the finely chopped Kalamata olives and press it firmly into the indent of the mozzarella ball to create a realistic-looking “pupil.”
Part 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Prep the Meats and Veggies: Slice the thick pepperoni or salami stick into ½ to ¾-inch thick chunks. Cut the red bell pepper into small, decorative wedge-shaped pieces.
- Layer the Skewer: Thread the ingredients onto your skewer in the following order:
- Start with a decorative piece of red bell pepper.
- Add a thick chunk of the pepperoni or salami stick.
- Follow with one of your spooky mozzarella “eyeballs.”
- Add another thick chunk of pepperoni or salami.
- Create the Base: To help the skewer stand up on a platter and to add more deliciousness, fold a few thin slices of pepperoni and another mozzarella ball onto the very bottom of the skewer to create a stable base.
- Chill and Serve: Arrange the finished skewers on a platter. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these eyeball skewers ahead of time? Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead party appetizer! You can fully assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Just arrange them on a platter, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
2. What are some other fun Halloween Charcuterie Board ideas? These skewers are a fantastic centerpiece for a Halloween Charcuterie Board. You can surround them with other spooky-themed items like “witch finger” pretzels, a small pumpkin-shaped cheese ball, dark-colored crackers, and a “bloody” dip made from beet hummus or a red pepper jelly served over cream cheese.
3. Can I use different ingredients for the eyeball? Absolutely! For a different look, you could use a pimiento-stuffed green olive. Slice it in half and press the red pimiento side into the mozzarella for a creepy, “bloodshot” eyeball effect.
4. What are some other Easy Halloween Appetizers? If you’re looking for more simple and spooky ideas, you could make “mummy” jalapeño poppers (wrapped in strips of crescent dough with candy eyes), a “graveyard” layered taco dip with tombstone-shaped tortilla chips, or a simple dip served in a hollowed-out “cauldron” (a small, dark-colored pumpkin or squash).
Spooky Salami Eyeball Skewers
Equipment
- Skewers wooden or metal, about 6–8 inches long
- Small knife or melon baller for carving mozzarella
Ingredients
- 1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 4 oz thick pepperoni or salami stick
- 1 handful thin pre-sliced pepperoni or salami
- 2 tbsp Kalamata or black olives, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into small wedge pieces
- Skewers
Instructions
- Using a small knife, carefully scoop out a small indent in each mozzarella ball.
- Press a pinch of finely chopped olives into each indent to form the ‘pupil’.
- Slice the thick salami or pepperoni stick into ½–¾-inch chunks. Cut bell pepper into small wedges.
- Assemble each skewer: start with a bell pepper piece, add a thick salami chunk, then one mozzarella eyeball, followed by another salami chunk. Add folded slices of thin pepperoni and an extra mozzarella ball at the base for stability.
- Arrange skewers on a platter, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.