Go Back

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 pieces cherry tomatoes preferably firm and ripe
  • 16 pieces mozzarella balls small fresh mozzarella, about 1-inch diameter
  • fresh basil leaves a few fresh basil for garnishing and decorating
  • olive oil as needed extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • salt to taste sea salt
  • black pepper to taste freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Small knife
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpicks or Small Skewers
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Gently insert a toothpick or small skewer into each tomato, piercing near the top where it will act as the 'pupil' for your eyeball.
  3. 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.
  4. Garnish the top of each mozzarella with a tiny basil leaf, pressing gently so it looks like an iris or colorful vein.
  5. Arrange the assembled eyeball bites on a serving platter, spacing them out for visual effect.
  6. Drizzle a little olive oil over the bites, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  7. Optionally, add additional basil leaves around the platter for decoration and extra flavor.
  8. 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.