💀 Skull Caprese Salad: A Creepy-Cute Halloween Bite

Halloween isn’t just about candy and cocktails—it’s also the perfect excuse to turn everyday eats into something spook-tacular. Enter: the Skull Caprese Salad. It’s the same fresh, classic Italian combo you know and love—mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic—but with a ghoulish twist. Because nothing says “bone-appétit” like cheese shaped like tiny skulls.

This dish is equal parts creepy and classy, making it the ultimate appetizer for your haunted house party, pumpkin-carving night, or even a low-key spooky dinner. Plus, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and guaranteed to make your guests scream (with delight).

🧾 Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or ciliegine balls)

• 10 oz cherry tomatoes (bonus points if you find black or dark heirloom ones for extra spook factor)

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze (or vinegar if you like it tangier)

• Pinch of salt & cracked black pepper

• Silicone skull mold (yes, the same kind people use for ice cubes—Amazon has tons)

🕸️ How to Make It

1. Summon the Skulls: Place mozzarella pearls into your skull mold. Bake at 350°F for about 6 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until softened. Press the cheese firmly into the mold so it takes on all those eerie details. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes until set.

2. Slice the Victims (tomatoes, that is): Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Arrange them on a platter like a bloody red carpet.

3. Add the Greenery: Tuck basil leaves between the tomatoes for that fresh pop of color (and a witchy herbal vibe).

4. Release the Skulls: Pop your mozzarella skulls out of the mold and place them proudly among the tomatoes and basil.

5. Drizzle with Darkness: Finish with olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.

🎃 Serving Ideas

• Plate it on a black tray for maximum gothic drama.

• Add plastic spiders or skeleton hands around the platter for extra creep factor (just don’t eat those).

• Pair with a blood-red cocktail (think sangria or cranberry spritz) for the full haunted feast effect.

🧛 Why You’ll Love It

• Fast & Easy: 20 minutes from start to finish.

• Instagram Gold: Your guests will be snapping pics before they even take a bite.

• Healthy-ish: A refreshing break from all the candy corn and caramel apples.

So this Halloween, skip the boring veggie tray and serve up something that’s equal parts eerie and elegant. Your guests will be dying to know your secret.

Bone appétit! 💀🍅🌿