Introduction

These Skewered Salami Eyeballs are a spooky and fun appetizer perfect for Halloween parties. Combining creamy mozzarella with savory pepperoni and olive “eyes,” they’re both visually striking and delicious. Easy to assemble, they’re sure to impress your guests.

The image shows several appetizers on a white plate with a raised edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Each appetizer has three layers pierced vertically by a small wooden skewer with a twisted top, decorated with a small piece of dried red chili. The bottom layer is a smooth, round ball of white mozzarella cheese. Wrapped around the mozzarella is a curved slice of reddish-brown pepperoni with visible white fat spots. On top of the cheese and pepperoni is a green or black olive, pierced by the skewer. The top layer is another slice of pepperoni folded around a small round white mozzarella ball, topped with a green olive cut to look like an eye with a center hole facing forward. The appetizers are arranged closely together in a small bunch, casting soft shadows on the plate and showing detailed textures of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mozzarella balls
1 red bell pepper for decoration
2 tablespoons kalamata olives
4 ounces pepperoni stick

Instructions

Step 1: Use a sharp knife to cut small indents in the mozzarella balls and set them aside.
Step 2: Finely chop the kalamata olives and place them into the indents on the mozzarella balls to create the “eyes.”
Step 3: Cut the pepperoni stick into small pieces about 3/4 inch (2 cm) long, and also into thin slices or strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Step 4: Slice the red bell pepper into small wedge-shaped pieces for decoration. You can also use dried chili peppers for extra spice if you like.
Step 5: Start building the skewer by threading a piece of red bell pepper, followed by a chunk of pepperoni, and then the mozzarella ball with the olive “eye.” Next, add a thicker slice of pepperoni. For the base, place a few thin slices of pepperoni, then another mozzarella ball to keep the skewer stable.
Step 6: Refrigerate the assembled skewers before serving on a Halloween-themed platter.

Tips & Variations

Use dried chili peppers instead of red bell pepper for a spicier, more intense flavor.
Swap kalamata olives with black olives for a milder taste and traditional eye look.
Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano between layers to add freshness.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to complement the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover skewers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, remove from skewers and warm briefly in the microwave or enjoy cold, as mozzarella and pepperoni are tasty chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate holding several appetizer skewers arranged upright. Each skewer has three main layers: at the bottom, a smooth, white mozzarella ball wrapped partially by a folded slice of dark red, marbled salami. Above the mozzarella and salami, a green olive sits pierced by the skewer. The top layer is made of the same salami slice wrapped around a whole white mozzarella ball with a green olive slice placed on the mozzarella to look like an eye, held together by a wooden pick with a looped top and a small piece of dried red pepper tied just below the loop. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a dark, out-of-focus background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella balls with bocconcini or small pieces of fresh mozzarella. Avoid hard cheeses as they won’t give the same creamy texture.

How far in advance can I prepare these skewers?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Avoid making them too early to prevent the mozzarella from drying out.

Skewered Salami Eyeballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

These Skewered Salami Eyeballs are a spooky and delicious appetizer perfect for Halloween gatherings. Featuring mozzarella balls decorated with kalamata olives to resemble eerie eyeballs, combined on skewers with pepperoni and red bell pepper, this no-cook recipe is easy to assemble and visually striking. Serve chilled for a fun and festive snack that will delight guests of all ages.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 skewers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Eyeballs

1 cup mozzarella balls
2 tablespoons kalamata olives

Skewers and Decoration

1 red bell pepper (for decoration, sliced into wedge-shaped pieces)
4 ounces pepperoni stick (cut into small chunks about 3/4 inch and thin slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)

Instructions

Cut Mozzarella: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut small indents into each mozzarella ball to create the base for the eyeball pupils. Set the balls aside after cutting.
Prepare Eyes: Finely chop the kalamata olives and fill the indents on the mozzarella balls with the chopped olive pieces, creating realistic-looking eyeballs.
Slice Pepperoni: Slice the pepperoni stick into small pieces approximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) long and also into thinner slices or strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for layering on the skewers.
Cut Red Pepper: Slice the red bell pepper into small wedge-shaped pieces to be used for decorative accents on the skewers. Optionally use dried chili peppers for added spice.
Assemble Skewers: Begin threading the skewer by placing a piece of red bell pepper first, followed by a chunk of pepperoni, then a mozzarella ball with the olive eye. Add a thicker slice of pepperoni next. For the skewer base, layer several thin slices of pepperoni, then finish with another mozzarella ball to stabilize the skewer.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled skewers until ready to serve. Present on a Halloween-themed platter for a spooky and tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress.