Eyeball Mozzarella Bites

Eyeball Mozzarella Bites are small mozzarella balls with a pimento-stuffed olive on top, so each one looks like an eye. They are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with Italian seasoning and baked for 10 minutes until slightly golden. The recipe makes 12 bites and takes 25 minutes, 15 for prep and 10 in the oven. It is a Halloween appetizer that needs only five ingredients.

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The Five Ingredients

• Mozzarella balls (12): creamy and mild, so they work as a blank canvas for the eyeball.
• Pimento-stuffed olives (12): set on top of each ball, they make the eye. They also add a salty flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): brings out the flavor of the cheese and the seasoning, and helps the bites turn golden when baked.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): a blend of herbs that adds a savory taste to the cheese.
• Fresh basil leaves (12): the green garnish at the end.

Making Them

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain the mozzarella balls well before you season them, because this helps them turn golden. Drizzle the balls with the olive oil and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning. Press one pimento-stuffed olive onto the top of each ball, then bake for 10 minutes, until slightly golden.

For extra crunch, broil the bites for the last minute of baking. Serve them warm, garnished with basil, since they are best straight from the oven. The seasoning can be adjusted to taste.

Ways to Change Them

• Different olives: use any type of olive you like for a different flavor.
• Flavored oil: garlic-infused olive oil adds another layer of taste.
• Mini bites: use smaller mozzarella balls and smaller olives for party-sized snacks.
• No Italian seasoning: a mix of dried oregano and basil works in its place.

Serving and Timing

Arrange the bites on a platter with fresh basil leaves for a festive look, or serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. They work as an appetizer or a party snack.

To save time, get the mozzarella and olives ready in advance and assemble and bake just before your guests arrive. Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking takes 10 and the total is 25 minutes.

Nutrition per Bite

One bite has about 80 calories, 6 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), 1 gram of carbohydrates, 6 grams of protein and 150 milligrams of sodium.

FAQ

Can the bites be made ahead of time?

Partly. You can prepare the mozzarella bites in advance and store them in the fridge, but bake them right before serving for the best taste.

Can the ingredients be swapped?

Any type of olive works. If you do not have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil is a good substitute.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us