One of my favorite things to make at Halloween time is my Prosciutto Skull Appetizer with Marinated Mozzarella and Bread slices!
It is a crowd pleaser, super simple to make, and always a show stopper This year I was excited to test my creativity by trying my hand at my own homemade marinade for the mozzarella using #OurFamily seasoning blends.
One of my favorite memories for this amazingly delicious starter was a time I brought it to a friend's "pot-luck" style Halloween party. They had younger kids at the party (I would say between the ages of 7 and 12) and the kids were mesmerized by this ghoulishly gross creation. They were both slightly skeptical and afraid but infatuated by the peeling prosciutto layers it quickly became a regular dish for me to bring to every spooky soiree.
I got everything I needed from my local Family Fare including the delicious fresh baked bread from the bakery and the fresh mozzarella pearls from the deli section!
For the marinade I used the Our Family Italian Seasoning blend but the Our Family Sicilian spice blend would also be perfect to use too, for a slightly sweeter result.
I also chose to use Our Family brand Grapeseed oil for a lighter finish but you can also use Our Family Olive Oil for a deeper robust flavor.
Other items you will need, a mixing bowl, a spooky serving platter, and a plastic or Styrofoam skull (you can find the skull sometimes at your local Family Fare during Halloween season or at your local dollar store).
First we will need to make the marinade. Place your fresh mozzarella pearls into a mixing dish. Then add about 1 Tbs of the Our Family Italian Seasoning and a pinch of salt. (You may need more depending on how much mozzarella you have). You can also add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Next drizzle the seasoned mozzarella with about 2-3 tsp oil of choice and mix it around until all the mozzarella pearls are well coated in the marinade mixture. Once mixed, cover with plastic wrap and place the cheese mixture into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
While the mozzarella is marinading, it is time to prep the skull. Wrap the skull in tin foil, layering with several pieces of different sizes to cover the entire skull.
Be sure and take care to "indent" the skull features, like the eye sockets, jaw/cheek bone and mouth/chin area. The better features you can maintain the creepier and more realistic your final result will be.
The final step will be to add your layers of prosciutto to the skull before assembling your platter.
Depending on how many guests you plan on serving, I would suggest using at minimum 2 pkgs of dry cured Prosciutto. Sometimes it is easier to also cut the prosciutto in half to create smaller pieces for easier placement and also making it easier for guests to peel away bite-size pieces.
If using a Styrofoam skull, you can also use toothpicks to help secure the prosciutto pieces in place as well as keep more of the skull details and characteristics while adding the layers of meat.
Once you have wrapped your skull with the desired amount of prosciutto it is time to assemble the platter. Cut your fresh baked bread into about 1/4-1/2 inch slices or desired thickness. Cutting the bread "on the bias" gives it an extra special touch.
Place the meat skull in the middle of the platter and place the bread slices all around. Once the bread is placed it is time to add your marinated mozzarella. You can place the mozzarella on top of the bread around the skull at random, but also making sure there is a little bit on all sides. Don't worry if the marinade gets on the bread, it adds extra flavor and is like dipping the bread in seasoned oil!
You can add mozzarella pearls to the skull eye sockets for eyeballs. For an extra creepy look add slices of green or black olives to make the eye pupils! Part of why this is such a fun recipe is you get to be as creative as you want to be!
Serve immediately. If transporting to a different location, I would suggest assembling the platter at the location you will be serving. You can wrap the skull with the meat ahead of time and simply cover with plastic wrap taking gentle care when removing the plastic at your final destination as to not peel up any of the meat. Feeling carnivorous? Get creative by adding a variety of cured meats such as Dry Coppa, Salami, or Capocollo for an even eerier result!
I really hope you enjoy making this fun appetizer!
SCRAPPY GIDGET'S HALLOWEEN MARINATED MOZZARELLA
AND PROSCIUTTO SKULL APPETIZER
Ingredients:
2 - 3oz pkgs Prosciutto (dry cured ham)
1 - 8oz pkgs fresh mozzarella pearls
2 - 3 tsp Our Family Grapeseed or Olive Oil
1-2 Tbs Our Family Italian Seasoning or Sicilian Seasoning blend (to taste)
1/4 tsp sea salt (to taste)
1 large fresh baked Italian or French Baguette, sliced
Pinch Our Family Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Our Family Manzanilla or Black Olives, sliced (optional)
Directions:
1). In a small or medium bowl, mix together mozzarella, oil, and seasonings; refrigerate for minimum 20 minutes to marinade
2). Wrap a plastic Halloween decorative skull with tin foil until all areas are covered.
3). Begin layering the skull with slices of Prosciutto or cured meat of your choice. Be sure to wrap in all different directions and in several layers so you no longer see the foil underneath.
4). Cut the bread loaf into 1/4-1/2 inch slices (or desired thickness) at an angle and place around the base of the meat skull.
5). Scatter the marinated mozzarella pearls evenly around the skull and on top of the bread
OPTIONAL STEPS:
6). Place one mozzarella pearl in each "eye socket" of the skull for an eyeball effect;
7). If you wish to use olives, you can distribute around the tray like you did with the mozzarella pearls;
8). Cut a green or black olive in slices and use a single slice as the pupil for the mozzarella eye ball.
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