Description
A playful, kid-approved party snack featuring creamy mozzarella balls wrapped in spicy salami and topped with a zesty olive ‘iris.’ Quick to assemble and perfect for gatherings, these eyeball bites are both fun and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 thinly sliced salami rounds (Genoa or soppressata recommended)
- 24 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, about 1-inch diameter)
- 12 pitted black or green olives, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons mustard or mayonnaise (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels to prevent slipping.
- Slice the olives into thin rings (about 1/8-inch thick).
- Lay out the salami slices flat on a cutting board.
- Spread about 1/4 teaspoon of cream cheese onto the center of each salami slice. Optionally, use mustard or mayonnaise for added flavor.
- Place one mozzarella ball in the center of each salami slice, pressing gently to stick it to the cream cheese.
- Top each mozzarella ball with an olive ring, pressing gently so it adheres. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Sprinkle cracked black pepper over the assembled eyeballs and garnish the platter with chopped parsley.
- Arrange the eyeballs on a serving tray. If making ahead, cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill up to 2 hours.
- Serve chilled (but not ice-cold) and enjoy!
Notes
Pat mozzarella and olives dry for best stacking. Use thin salami for easy wrapping. Toothpicks help secure layers for transport. Can be made vegetarian or dairy-free with ingredient swaps. Chill before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 eyeball
- Calories: 65
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: party snack, Halloween, kid-friendly, mozzarella, salami, finger food, easy appetizer, gluten-free, no bake