Eyeball Canapés Recipe

I made these Eyeball Canapés for a Halloween party, and they were a total crowd-pleaser! The combination of flavors and the spooky design had everyone talking. They’re easy to make and look impressively creepy, making them the perfect addition to any festive gathering. Plus, they’re delicious enough that even the faint of heart couldn’t resist!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these frightfully fun canapés:

• 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced into rounds
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for blood effect)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Canapés: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted bread slice.
4. Create the Eyeballs: Place a halved cherry tomato in the center of each canapé. Then, use the halved black olives to form the pupils by placing them on top of the tomato.
5. Add the Blood Effect: If desired, drizzle a little red food coloring around the edges to create a “bloody” effect.
6. Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, if using.
7. Serve: Arrange the canapés on a spooky platter and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 7 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve on a decorative platter for a festive touch.
• Pair with Halloween-themed cocktails or mocktails.
• Consider placing small labels next to each canapé with spooky names.
• Use fun toothpicks for easy eating and extra flair.
• Create a mix-and-match station with various toppings for guests to customize.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
2. Spice It Up: Add herbs or spices to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.
3. Customize: Feel free to swap in other toppings, like sliced cucumbers or radishes, for different flavors.
4. Stay Fresh: Assemble the canapés just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
5. For a Vegan Option: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for a plant-based version.

Recipe Variations

• Devilish Eyeballs: Use sliced boiled eggs instead of cherry tomatoes for a protein-packed variation.
• Sweet Eyeballs: Replace cream cheese with sweetened mascarpone and use fruit instead of olives and tomatoes for a dessert twist.
• Spicy Eyeballs: Mix in some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with other spooky appetizers like pumpkin soup or ghost-shaped cheese.
• Serve alongside a festive charcuterie board for a complete spread.
• Consider creating a themed drink station to accompany the canapés.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover assembled canapés are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing, as the texture of the bread will change once thawed.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Yes! Cream cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or any soft cheese you prefer.

1. What if I don’t have black olives?

• You can use green olives or even cherry peppers for a different look.

1. How do I keep the canapés from getting soggy?

• Toast the bread just before assembling to keep it crisp.

1. Can I make these vegetarian?

• Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.

1. What if I want to make them gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free bread or crackers as a base for the canapés.

Enjoy making these spooky Eyeball Canapés—they’re sure to be a hit at your Halloween festivities!

Eyeball Canapés Recipe

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced into rounds
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for blood effect)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
• Mix the Cream Cheese: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Assemble the Canapés: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted bread slice.
• Create the Eyeballs: Place a halved cherry tomato in the center of each canapé. Then, use the halved black olives to form the pupils by placing them on top of the tomato.
• Add the Blood Effect: If desired, drizzle a little red food coloring around the edges to create a “bloody” effect.
• Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, if using.
• Serve: Arrange the canapés on a spooky platter and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per Serving
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 3g