Save Eyeball Stuffed Olives are my go-to when I want to make Halloween parties a little more playful and a lot more delicious. They always get people talking with their eerie look but the combo of briny olives, smooth cream cheese, and peppery bite means guests keep coming back for more. If you want a quick and quirky appetizer everyone will remember, these little snacks can be prepped in minutes and set the mood for any spooky gathering.
I first made these for a costume party and the platter vanished before I had my own taste. Since then I always double the batch when I have friends over and I guarantee there is never a boring moment by the snack table.
Ingredients
- Green olives: These are salty and briny and make the perfect base. Go for large pitted ones so you can stuff a generous amount inside and check jars for a bright green color
- Roasted red pepper: Adds a sweet smoky flavor and that bold red pops for the ultimate eye effect. Try to choose peppers with a deep roasted aroma
- Cream cheese: Creates the creamy “eye white” texture and holds the filling together. Use a block or the spreadable kind and make sure it is really soft before piping
- Black olive tapenade or black olives: The black olive gives contrast and depth and completes the scary eye look. Pick tapenade with simple ingredients or chop up whole olives for a fresher flavor
Instructions
- Pat the Olives Dry:
- Lay out your green olives on paper towels and gently press with another towel to wick away moisture. This step keeps the filling from sliding out later
- Fill with Cream Cheese:
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to stuff the cavity of each olive. Try to fill all gaps and smooth the top without overflowing. If using spreadable cream cheese make sure it is soft enough to pipe easily
- Insert Red Pepper Iris:
- Take a thin strip of roasted red pepper and gently press it into the center of the cream cheese. You want it to peek out just like an iris so go slow and avoid tearing the strip
- Add the Black Pupil:
- Place a tiny dab of black olive tapenade or a chopped piece of black olive in the middle of the red pepper. This “pupil” should sit neatly so the stuffed olive looks just like an eyeball
- Arrange and Chill:
- Set each finished olive on a serving plate and spread them out for a dramatic scatter. To keep them firm and develop the flavor let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Offer these spooky snacks on their own on a platter or skewer onto cocktail picks for easy grabbing. They are excellent as martini garnishes or just as a fun side for any Halloween-themed spread
Save I love how cream cheese makes these so creamy and luscious and how the bright red pepper always grabs kids’ attention. Last year my son tried to sneak extras from the tray before guests arrived and the whole family giggled every time someone caught him with stuffed “eyes” in his hand.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover stuffed olives in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Place paper towels under them to absorb extra moisture so they stay firm and fresh. If prepping ahead do all the steps except the final garnish and add the pepper and tapenade at serving time for best presentation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap cream cheese with vegan almond or cashew cheese for a dairy free treat. If you are out of red peppers you can use sun dried tomatoes for a different color and flavor. Kalamata olives work if you prefer a purple black pupil instead of plain black olive tapenade.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these olives on a bed of fresh rosemary or basil for a haunting contrast. Skewer three olives per pick and stick them in a martini glass. Pair with spicy cocktails or place on a charcuterie board with crackers and cheeses for a bold snack centerpiece.
Cultural and Historical Context
The idea of making “eyeball” foods for Halloween has grown popular partly because humans love playful food art at parties. Stuffed olives have roots in Mediterranean cuisines but for Halloween the presentation goes over the top with bright colors and whimsical shapes. These bites connect tradition with creativity and have become American favorites for October gatherings.
Save Enjoy these playful bites at your next Halloween bash or anytime you want to add a little spooky fun to your party spread. They disappear fast so make extra for your hungry crowd!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other olives than green ones?
Green olives provide the best color contrast for the eyeball look, but you may use other large pitted olives if preferred.
- → How do you make these vegan?
Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What is the best way to serve these for parties?
Chill the stuffed olives and arrange them on a platter. Skewer on cocktail picks for easy grabbing by guests.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and chill them a few hours ahead to save prep time before your event.
- → Are there alternative garnishes for the 'iris' and 'pupil'?
You can use capers or finely chopped basil for a different look or taste if you wish.