These Mozzarella Eyeballs are a fun and spooky Halloween snack that’s perfect for kids, made with fresh mozzarella, tangy pesto, and black olives for a creepy look that adults will love too. Quick to assemble and served over messy “blood” marinara sauce, they’re sure to be a hit at any party or as a festive snack for all ages!

mozzarella eyeballs with pesto and black olives on top.  - 1

Halloween Mozzarella Eyeballs

Looking for a fun and spooky Halloween snack that’s perfect for kids and adults? These Mozzarella Eyeballs are a deliciously creepy treat that’s sure to be a hit!

This is one of my favorite recipes to make our girls during Halloween week, along with Bloody Finger Cheese Sticks , Zombie Meatloaf and Bloody Finger Hot Dogs !

Made with fresh mozzarella balls, basil pesto, and eerie black olives, they’re quick to assemble and served over a messy “blood” marinara sauce for an extra spooky effect. They’re as easy to make as they are to eat!

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply looking for a fun appetizer idea, these eyeball bites are guaranteed to delight your little ghouls and goblins. Enjoy!

mozzarella eyeballs on pink serving plate on halloween table.  - 2

Mozzarella Eyeball Ingredients

  • Marina sauce , or pizza sauce
  • Mozzarella balls , I used ciliegini/cherry size but bocconcini size also works! I find that pearl size is too small for the eyeballs.
  • Pesto , pick your favorite brand or make your own.
  • Black olives , you can buy them already sliced or slice whole ones yourself.
ingredients on table.  - 3

How to Make Mozzarella Eyeballs, Step by Step

Spoon marinara sauce onto a large serving plate, creating a messy, spooky look.

marinara sauce spread out on pink plate.  - 4

Take a mozzarella ball and spread a small amount of pesto over the top.

spoon lifting mozzarella ball out of container. - 5

Gently press a black olive slice onto the pesto to create the “eyeball.” Place the mozzarella eyeball on the plate.

mozzarella eyeballs with black olive and pesto on them.  - 6

Repeat with the remaining mozzarella balls, then serve and enjoy!

mozzarella eyeballs ready to serve. - 7

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can make these in advance, good to keep in the refrigerator for a few days. I like to prep the mozzarella balls with the pesto and olives, placing them into a airtight container and then into the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add marinara sauce to a plate and then put mozzarella eyeballs on top!

mozzarella eyeballs on pink plate.  - 8

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These Mozzarella Eyeballs are a fun and spooky Halloween snack that’s perfect for kids, made with fresh mozzarella, tangy pesto, and black olives for a creepy look that adults will love too. Quick to assemble and served over messy “blood” marinara, they’re sure to be a hit at any party or as a festive snack for all ages! - 9
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Ingredients

  • ▢ marinara sauce
  • ▢ mozzarella balls I used ciliegini/cherry size
  • ▢ basil pesto
  • ▢ black olives sliced

Instructions

  • Spread marinara sauce messily on a large serving plate.
  • Grab a mozzarella ball and spread a dollop of pesto on top, spreading it across. Gently press a black olive slice on top. Place mozzarella eyeball on serving plate.
  • Repeat with remaining mozzarella balls. Serve and enjoy!
Mozzarella Eyeballs with Olives - 10

Spooky Mozzarella Eyeballs with Olives

Ingredients

  • marinara sauce
  • mozzarella balls I used ciliegini/cherry size
  • basil pesto
  • black olives sliced

Instructions

  • Spread marinara sauce messily on a large serving plate.
  • Grab a mozzarella ball and spread a dollop of pesto on top, spreading it across. Gently press a black olive slice on top. Place mozzarella eyeball on serving plate.
  • Repeat with remaining mozzarella balls. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Created by Pamela Reed for brooklynfarmgirl.com