Name: Monster Eyeball Caprese Bites
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 cherry tomatoes (choose large, round ones); 12 small mozzarella pearls (bocconcini); 12 large fresh basil leaves; 3 large pitted black olives; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; A pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper; Toothpicks or small cocktail skewers

Ingredients

Scale

12 cherry tomatoes (choose large, round ones)
12 small mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
12 large fresh basil leaves
3 large pitted black olives
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
A pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper
Toothpicks or small cocktail skewers

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Bases. Wash and dry your cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Use a sharp paring knife to slice off the top third of each tomato. Use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out a small amount of the seeds and pulp from the center. This creates a “socket” for the mozzarella eyeball to sit in. Slice a tiny sliver off the bottom of each tomato so they stand upright on your serving platter without rolling away.
Step 2: Create the Pupils. Place your black olives on a cutting board. Carefully slice them into thin rounds to create the “pupils” for your eyes. If you want more precision, use a plastic straw to punch out perfectly circular dots from the olive flesh. Set these aside on a paper towel to drain any excess brine, as this prevents the black color from bleeding into the white cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Eyeballs. Take a mozzarella pearl and gently press an olive slice onto the center of the flat side. If it doesn’t stick, use a tiny drop of balsamic glaze as “glue.” Place one basil leaf on top of each prepared tomato base. Gently push the mozzarella eyeball into the tomato socket, pinning the basil leaf between the cheese and the tomato. Secure everything together by sliding a toothpick through the center of the eyeball down into the tomato.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Plating. Arrange the assembled eyeballs on a white platter for maximum visual impact. Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil over the bites. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of sea salt and cracked pepper. For an extra spooky effect, use the balsamic glaze to draw “veins” on the platter or add a small drop of glaze around the olive pupil to make the eyes look extra eerie.

Cook Time: 20 minutes