Halloween Caprese Smokie Popper Skewers

Get ready to scare up some serious snacking! These Halloween Caprese Smokie Popper Skewers, created by @aka.foodiedreams, put a spooky spin on a classic caprese, with Grimm’s Jalapeño Cheddar Poppers, mozzarella skulls and eyeballs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Finished with a strawberry balsamic drizzle for a perfectly creepy (and delicious) touch, they’re sure to be a hit at your Halloween spread.

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Serves: 15

Ingredients

Skewers
● 1 package Grimm’s Jalapeño & Cheddar Poppers
● 30 bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)
● 30 cherry tomatoes
● Fresh basil leaves
● Pitted black olives
● 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
● Wooden or bamboo skewers

Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
● 1/4 cup fresh strawberries
● 2-3 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Make the Mozzarella Skulls
    • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
    • Place the bocconcini in an oven-safe silicone skull mould and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently, until the cheese softens enough to press into the mould.
    • Remove from the oven, allow it to cool, and gently pat dry with paper towels to absorb excess liquid.
    • Refrigerate until firm, then carefully remove the skulls from the mould.
  2. Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs
    • Using a large bubble tea straw, poke a hole into the centre of each bocconcini.
    • Insert a medium-sized pitted olive into each hole to create the pupil of the eyeball.
  3. Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
    • Add the finely chopped strawberries and balsamic glaze to a small saucepan.
    • Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
    • Remove from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract the sauce. Discard the solids and let the glaze cool slightly to thicken.
  4. Warm the Jalapeño Cheddar Poppers
    • Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
    • Add Grimm’s Jalapeño Cheddar Poppers and warm, turning occasionally, until the outside is lightly golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before assembling.
  5. Assemble the Skewers
    • Thread a mozzarella skull or eyeball onto each skewer, along with a cherry tomato, fresh basil leaves, and a Jalapeño Cheddar Popper. Arrange the ingredients in your preferred order.
    • Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and the strawberry balsamic glaze for a spooky “bloody” finishing touch.

Tip: Prepare the mozzarella shapes and strawberry balsamic glaze ahead of time and refrigerate in airtight containers until ready to assemble.