Erie Eyeballs – Marinated Mozzarella with Herb Oil & Olive Garnish

October at Gård is all about leaning into the spooky, the playful, and the delicious, and these Erie Eyeballs fit right in. Soft mozzarella marinated in herb‑infused oil and topped with hand‑cut olive “eyes,” make a fun little bite that brings Halloween spirit to any table. Great to bring to a party or nibble on at home with the kids, this easy appetizer is guaranteed to get a reaction (and pairs beautifully with a glass of Boneyard Syrah).

Recipe inspired by one we found on recipes.com, but is no longer available on the site
Suggested Pairing: 2022 Boneyard Syrah

INGREDIENTS
  • ¾ cup extra‑virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sundried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano (note: 1½ tsp or 5 sprigs fresh oregano)
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon peel
  • Fresh mozzarella balls
  • Green olives
  • Black olives
INSTRUCTIONS

  • Infuse the Oil
    Combine olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf in a small skillet. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to sizzle, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until the garlic softens, about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

  • Make the Marinade
    Pour the cooled oil mixture into a large bowl. Whisk in sundried tomatoes, champagne vinegar, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and lemon peel. Add mozzarella balls and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.

  • Create the Olive “Eyes”
    Working one green olive at a time, slice off four rounded edges to create flat circles. Use a plastic straw to punch a hole in the center of each circle — these become the irises. Flatten each black olive and punch out small circles to create pupils. Press one black olive pupil into each green olive iris, then place onto each mozzarella ball.

  • Serve
    Serve the marinated mozzarella eyeballs with crackers and baguette — and a bone‑chilling glass of Boneyard Syrah to complete the eerie pairing!

Related Posts