What excites me most is how these bites transform classic Caprese into tiny eyeballs that look almost too good to eat—until you take a bite! They’re a playful mix of chaos and charm, perfect for unexpected guests or a surprise treat during trick-or-treating. Plus, the combination of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes makes my kitchen smell like a garden in full bloom.
Caprese Eyeball Bites
These Caprese eyeball bites are composed of fresh cherry tomatoes topped with mozzarella balls, decorated to resemble tiny eyeballs. They are assembled by stacking ingredients and garnished with herbs, resulting in a playful appetizer with a smooth, firm texture and vibrant appearance.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes and patting them dry. Carefully slice off a small, flat part from the bottom of each tomato to help them sit upright without wobbling.
- Gently insert a toothpick or small skewer into each tomato, piercing near the top where it will act as the ‘pupil’ for your eyeball.
- Place a mozzarella ball onto the toothpick, pressing lightly to secure it onto the tomato, resembling the white of the eye with the toothpick as the iris stalk.
- Garnish the top of each mozzarella with a tiny basil leaf, pressing gently so it looks like an iris or colorful vein.
- Arrange the assembled eyeball bites on a serving platter, spacing them out for visual effect.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the bites, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Optionally, add additional basil leaves around the platter for decoration and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, firm texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella, with the herb garnish providing a burst of aroma and color.
Notes
For a more realistic eyeball effect, vary the sizes of mozzarella or add small streaks of balsamic glaze as ‘veins.’ Use fresh, ripe ingredients for the best appearance and flavor.
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