Spooky Salami Eyeballs

These spooky salami eye sticks make a fun, creepy starter that's both visually striking and tasty with every bite. My crew just can't stop grabbing these during our Halloween parties, as they mix Italian-inspired stuff with a scary look that everyone loves.

I first whipped these eyes up for my boy's Halloween birthday bash five years back. The youngsters were totally drawn to how they looked, and the grown-ups couldn't wait to snag a stick or two before we even had dinner. They've now turned into our must-have Halloween tradition.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella balls: They work as the ideal eye base with their creamy white look and squishy feel
• Red bell pepper: Brings bright color and a crisp sweetness that works against the salty bits in the mix
• Kalamata olives: The dark shade makes lifelike pupils while adding a zesty, salty taste twist
• Pepperoni stick: Forms the meaty base with its tasty Italian spices and chewy texture

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Fix Up the Mozzarella Eyes:

Grab each cheese ball and make a tiny round dent in the middle. Just go deep enough for an olive bit but don't cut all the way through. Take your time with a small knife to get it right since this makes the eye socket look that gives these snacks their scary touch.

Make the Pupils:

Chop up the kalamata olives into small bits that will snugly fit in the cheese dents. Push each olive piece into the dent you made. When the dark olive sits in the white cheese, it instantly looks like an eyeball that seems weirdly real.

Get the Pepperoni Ready:

Cut your meat stick two ways. First, make big chunks about 3/4 inch long for the main parts on your stick. Then cut some skinny pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to layer in. The mix of thick and thin adds more fun to look at and tastes better when you bite in.

Slice the Red Pepper Bits:

Cut the bell pepper into little wedges for pretty touches. These bright red bits look like blood drops on the stick and stand out next to the white cheese and reddish meat. They also bring a sweet taste that balances out all the salty stuff.

Put Your Eye Sticks Together:

String items onto each stick starting with a pepper bit at the top then a chunk of pepperoni. Next add your ready-made cheese eyeball. Follow with another big slice of meat. End with a few thin pepperoni slices and a plain cheese ball at the bottom so it stands up nice. The stack creates a gross but yummy look.

Cool Before Serving:

Stick your finished eye skewers in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before you put them out. Cooling helps everything firm up so they're easier to hold during your party and makes the chilled cheese look even more like real eyeballs.

The kalamata olives are really the magic touch that turns these from plain cheese sticks into something special. My little girl actually told me to try them instead of black olives our first time, and their rich taste makes all the difference. Just last year, my sister's husband liked these so much he asked me to bring them to his grown-up Halloween bash too.

Creative Variations

What's great about these scary eyes is how easy they are to change up. You could swap the mozzarella for chunks of provolone or even cubes of pepper jack if you want some heat. The mild spice works really well with the pepperoni and gives your adult friends a nice surprise. For a fancy twist, soak your cheese balls in olive oil and herbs before you put your sticks together.

Serving Suggestions

Show off these spooky treats on a dark plate with Italian herbs sprinkled around for the best look. I like to stand them up in a ring, making what my kids call the "eye graveyard." Put out a bright red marinara dip in a small pot or black dish to play up the Halloween feel. These eyes go great with other finger foods like spider-topped deviled eggs or breadstick "bones" with hummus on the side.

Storage Tips

Your eye sticks will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Keep them in a sealed container with a paper towel at the bottom to soak up any wetness. For the best look, build the sticks completely but wait to add the olive pupils until right before you serve them so the black doesn't run into the white cheese. If you're taking them somewhere, lay them flat in a container with edges so they don't roll around.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these before serving?

Absolutely! You can put them together a few hours ahead and keep them chilled until you're ready.

→ What's a good swap for kalamata olives?

Any green or black olives can replace kalamata. They’ll still give the same eye-like effect.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Kick up the heat by using spicy meat like chorizo or add some crushed chili flakes.

→ Can I pick a different cheese option?

Sure! Bocconcini or any firm cheese cut into small circles will work great for this snack.

→ Any serving suggestions?

Arrange them on a themed tray and add extras like fake spiders for a creepy touch.