@therecipecollector: Unleash a deliciously spooky feast for the eyes with these Staring Eyeball Caprese Salad Bites! Perfect for your Halloween dinner party, these appetizers feature ripe ruby tomato rounds layered with vibrant green basil, crowned with smooth, white mozzarella balls fitted with sliced black olive pupils. Drizzled with dark, rich balsamic glaze and a dusting of seasoned breadcrumbs, each bite delivers a refreshing, flavorful explosion of juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and tangy-sweet balsamic glaze! **Recipe Basics:** Yield: 4 to 6 servings Measurements: USA (cups, tablespoons, ounces) **Ingredients:** * 12 fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size) * 3 ripe vine-ripened tomatoes or plum tomatoes (sliced into 12 rounds) * 12 fresh basil leaves * 6 black olives (sliced into 12 rings for pupils) * 0.25 cup thick balsamic glaze * 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil * 2 tablespoons toasted Italian breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan * 0.5 teaspoon sea salt * 0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper **Detailed Instructions:** 1. Slice tomatoes into 12 even rounds and arrange on a platter. 2. Season tomato rounds lightly with sea salt and pepper. 3. Place one fresh basil leaf on top of each tomato slice. 4. Make a tiny, shallow indentation on each mozzarella ball. 5. Press a sliced black olive ring firmly into each mozzarella ball to form the pupil. 6. Place one mozzarella "eyeball" securely in the center of each basil-topped tomato round. 7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil lightly over the arranged Caprese eyeballs. 8. Drizzle balsamic glaze dramatically over the eyeballs and platter for a bloodshot vein effect. 9. Finish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan lightly around the platter before serving immediately! **Chef's Notes by NancyG:** * **Tip:** Patting mozzarella balls dry helps olive slices stick firmly. * **Substitution:** Swap vine tomatoes for halved cherry tomatoes or use tiny bits of sun-dried tomatoes for a red pupil center. **Nutritional Facts:** Calories: 160 kcal | Fat: 12 g | Protein: 7 g | Carbs: 6 g #TheRecipeCollector #NancyGCookOn #HalloweenRecipes #SpookyAppetizers #CapreseSalad

NancyG The Recipe Collector

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Saturday 17 October 2026 09:27:37 GMT