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Halloween Eyeball Caprese Bites

These Halloween Eyeball Caprese Bites are small, visually striking appetizers made from fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, assembled to resemble eerie eyeballs. They are assembled by stacking and skewering the ingredients, with a balsamic reduction drizzle giving a bloodshot effect, resulting in a fun, spooky snack with a firm yet tender texture and a burst of freshness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces fresh mozzarella balls chilled
  • 12 pieces cherry tomatoes ripe and firm
  • 12 fresh basil leaves fresh basil leaves small-sized if possible
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar for reduction
  • optional for garnish pesto or balsamic glaze for extra bloodshot effect

Equipment

  • Plate or serving tray
  • Skewers or toothpicks
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Start by pouring balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy consistency, smelling sweet and tangy—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Arrange the mozzarella balls on a platter, ensuring they stay chilled to keep their firm texture. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, patting them dry gently.
  3. Take a skewer or toothpick and spear a cherry tomato, then add a fresh basil leaf for the 'eyelid.' Next, push a mozzarella ball onto the skewer, creating a stacked effect that resembles an eyeball.
  4. Repeat the stacking process for all the bites, placing them neatly on the serving tray. Once assembled, drizzle the balsamic reduction over each 'eyeball,' letting it drip to mimic bloodshot veins.
  5. Optionally, add a tiny dot of pesto or balsamic glaze on the mozzarella to create a bloodshot look, for extra creepy effect. This also adds a burst of flavor.
  6. Once all the eyeballs are decorated and the balsamic is set, serve immediately on a platter for a spooky, fun presentation. These bites are best enjoyed fresh for optimal firmness and visual impact.

Notes

Keep the mozzarella chilled to maintain its shape. Be careful when reducing the balsamic vinegar to avoid burning. Use sturdy skewers for easy assembly and presentation.