Save Eyeball Stuffed Olives are the ultimate creepy finger food for a Halloween party. They transform humble pantry staples into a festive showstopper that never fails to get conversation started. Whether you float these in a martini or arrange them on a platter, they are always a hit with guests who love a playful twist to their snacks.
The first year I served these, the whole tray disappeared in minutes and I had multiple requests for the recipe. It is now a nonnegotiable party tradition at my house.
Ingredients
- Large green olives: These are the heart of the recipe. Choose the biggest ones you can find for easy stuffing. Look for firm olives with a little snap when you bite
- Roasted red pepper: Offers a pop of color and sweet tang. Jarred works perfectly. Check for vibrant color and soft but not mushy texture
- Cream cheese: This adds the perfect creamy filling and helps the “iris” stick. Choose a block style for best texture or a thick, spreadable one
- Black olive tapenade or black olives: This brings out the “pupil” effect. Find tapenade in the deli and look for glossy, briny black olives
Instructions
- Prep the olives:
- Pat olives thoroughly dry with a paper towel. Removing moisture ensures the filling will stay put and not slip out
- Fill with cream cheese:
- Use a small spoon or piping bag to stuff each olive with softened cream cheese. Press gently so the cavity fills entirely but do not overstuff or it will ooze out
- Add the “iris”:
- Cut thin strips from your roasted red pepper and insert one into the center of the cream cheese in every olive. This forms a bright red eye and a sweet contrast to the salty olive
- Create the “pupil”:
- Place a tiny dab of black olive tapenade or a small piece of black olive right on top of the red pepper strip. This mimics the look of a real eyeball staring out
- Arrange and chill:
- Lay all stuffed olives flat on a serving plate. Pop the plate in the fridge until your guests arrive to let the filling firm up for easy handling
- Serve:
- Offer your Eyeball Stuffed Olives as spooky party snacks or as dramatic martini garnishes
Save I love using bright roasted peppers in these olives because they pop against the green. Last Halloween, my daughter got creative and helped arrange them in a spiral for maximum creepy effect. Nothing brings a family together like making a tray full of little edible eyeballs.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The cream cheese will stay smooth and the peppers hold their color if you keep them cold. Let them sit out just five to ten minutes before serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a dairy free version, swap in whipped plant based cream cheese which stays smooth and pipes well. You can also use goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or a blended hummus if you want something even lighter. Pickled cherry peppers can substitute for roasted red pepper for sharper bite.
Serving Suggestions
Eyeball Stuffed Olives make excellent edible garnishes for martinis or Bloody Marys. Thread three on a cocktail pick or skewer and serve perched on the edge of any spooky drink. They also look great scattered on a cheese and charcuterie board for Halloween night.
Cultural and Historical Context
While the look is pure Halloween, this appetizer is a playful riff on classic stuffed olives found across Mediterranean cultures. Spanish tapas plates often feature olives stuffed with cheeses or piquant peppers and this dish takes the tradition into party territory.
Save Eyeball Stuffed Olives put a memorable twist on party snacks that will have everyone crowding around your table for one more peek and bite.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make these eyeball olives in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead and chill until serving. Assemble a few hours before your event for best results.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the filling?
Substitute dairy cream cheese with a plant-based spread for a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing texture.
- → Can I use other types of olives?
Large green olives work best, but you can try black olives for a darker look, adjusting the filling as needed.
- → What drinks pair well with these?
Classic martinis, bloody marys, or themed cocktails enhance the spooky effect and complement the flavors.
- → How should I serve these stuffed olives?
Display them on a platter or skewer onto cocktail picks for easy serving at parties and gatherings.