If you’re looking for a creepy (but seriously tasty) party appetizer this Halloween, Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are about to steal the show! These little bite-sized treats are spooky enough to make the kids giggle, delicious enough to keep the adults coming back for seconds, and easy enough that you’ll have them ready before the next knock at the door.
Think of them as the perfect mix of eerie and irresistible — a combo of creamy mozzarella, savory salami, and a fun olive “pupil” that gives off that delightfully gory Halloween vibe. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something totally unforgettable.
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Why You’ll Love These Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s equal parts creepy and crowd-pleasing. Here’s why these Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs deserve a place on your Halloween menu:
- Quick to Make: You can whip up a platter in under 15 minutes — no stove, no oven, no stress.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love helping assemble these little eyeballs (especially the “pupil” part!).
- Customizable: From vegetarian options to spicy twists, this recipe works for everyone.
- Festive & Fun: Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or just to surprise your family with something spooky.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs Ingredients & Substitutions
- Mozzarella Balls: Fresh bocconcini or ciliegine size work best. If you’re in a pinch, cut string cheese into small rounds.
- Salami Slices: Thinly sliced for easy wrapping. You can also use pepperoni or turkey slices.
- Olives: Black or green, sliced to create that “pupil” look. Stuffed olives? Even better for a burst of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper or Pimento: Adds that perfect bloodshot touch. For extra spook, use sriracha or ketchup for the red streaks.
- Fresh Herbs or Toothpicks/Skewers: For assembling your delicious eyeballs.
Substitutions:
- Swap mozzarella with mini Babybel cheese for a firmer texture.
- Use vegetarian deli slices instead of salami for a meat-free version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra savory punch.
How to Make Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs
- Prep the Cheese: Drain your mozzarella balls and pat them dry with paper towels. This keeps your eyeballs from slipping apart later.
- Lay the Base: Spread salami slices on a clean surface. (Bonus: they look like little red “veins.” Creepy-cute!)
- Assemble: Place one mozzarella ball in the center of each salami slice.
- Wrap it Up: Fold the salami around the cheese and secure it with a toothpick or small skewer.
- Add the Eyes: Slice olives into thin rounds and press one onto each mozzarella ball to resemble a pupil.
- Get Spooky: Add thin strips of red bell pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to mimic bloodshot eyes.
- Serve & Scare: Arrange them on a platter — bonus points if you use a dark tray or fake spider web decor for that eerie touch!
Mounia’s Kitchen Tip
If your eyeballs start to “weep” (aka get a little watery), just dab them with a paper towel before serving. Also — don’t stress about perfection here. The more uneven they look, the creepier they are! Remember, we’re going for spooky, not Pinterest-perfect.
And if you have picky eaters, try using turkey slices or even veggie deli rounds — they’ll still get the fun of the eyeballs without the strong salami flavor.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
I first made these Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs for my kids’ Halloween sleepover. I was exhausted from decorating pumpkins and wrangling sugar-fueled little monsters, but these came together so fast that I felt like the Halloween hero. The platter was gone in ten minutes flat, and one of the kids even asked if I could make them for Christmas — “but, like, reindeer eyes instead.” (Nice try, kid.)

FAQs About Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs
Can I make Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours before serving. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Add the “bloodshot” details right before serving for the freshest look.
Can I use something other than olives?
Absolutely! Try small grape tomato slices, capers, or even black beans for a fun twist.
What’s the best way to serve these?
I love them on a spooky Halloween platter with some cheese cubes, crackers, and maybe a few candy eyeballs scattered around for effect.
Bring the Fun to Your Halloween Table
These Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs aren’t just appetizers — they’re conversation starters. Quick, easy, and delightfully creepy, they’ll add that perfect spooky-cute touch to your party spread. Plus, they’re proof that Halloween food can be festive and flavorful without turning your kitchen into a haunted mess.
So grab your mozzarella, a handful of salami, and let’s get rolling — literally. Your guests will be eyeballing these all night long!
Related Spooky & Seasonal Recipes You’ll Love
To make your Halloween menu even more delicious and festive, check out these fun and flavorful ideas:
- Keep the creepy vibes going with these Cemetery Flatbread Pizzas — a perfect savory bite alongside your spooky eyeballs.
- For another Halloween hit, don’t miss this Halloween Buffalo Chicken Dip — creamy, spicy, and perfect for parties.
- Sweeten things up with some Cauldron Cookies — adorable, magical, and kid-approved!
- And if you’re hosting a full Halloween dinner, try pairing your appetizers with this cozy Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew for a hearty main course.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below or leave a quick review — it makes my day to see your spooky creations come to life!
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Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs are a spooky, bite-sized Halloween appetizer made with mozzarella balls, salami, olives, and bell peppers. They’re quick to assemble, creepy-cute to look at, and delicious to eat — the perfect fun addition to any Halloween party spread!
Ingredients
12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
12 thin salami slices (or pepperoni/turkey slices)
6 black or green olives, sliced into rounds
½ red bell pepper or a few pimentos (cut into thin strips)
12 small bread slices or crackers (optional, for serving base)
Toothpicks or small skewers
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions:
Use mini Babybel cheese for a firmer texture.
Try vegetarian deli slices for a meat-free option.
Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra savory punch.
Instructions
Drain mozzarella balls and pat them dry with paper towels.
Lay out the salami slices on a clean surface.
Place one mozzarella ball in the center of each slice.
Wrap the salami around the cheese and secure with a toothpick or skewer.
Add an olive slice on top of each mozzarella ball to resemble a “pupil.”
Use strips of red bell pepper or pimento to create bloodshot “veins.”
Optional: Place each eyeball on a small bread round or cracker.
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Notes
If making ahead, keep refrigerated and add the “veins” right before serving for the freshest look.
Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped — imperfect “eyeballs” look even spookier!
Add a drizzle of sriracha or ketchup for extra “bloody” detail.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Halloween Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 eyeball (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 7.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 6.2 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg