Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

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Looking for the perfect spooky dish to serve at your Halloween party or horror movie night? This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is as creepy as it is delicious. It combines the comfort of a classic pasta dinner with the eerie thrill of edible eyeballs staring back at you from the skillet. It’s a visual treat that makes kids giggle and adults raise an eyebrow—literally!

Juicy spaghetti tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce is topped with “eyeballs” made from creamy mozzarella balls and olives, giving your meal a deliciously ghoulish twist. The contrast of flavors and the unexpected look make this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a haunted dinner party or just want to surprise the family with something fun, this dish delivers on taste and creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

It’s quick, easy, and incredibly fun to make. Kids can help assemble the eyeballs, making this a great family activity. Plus, it uses basic pantry staples and only takes about 30 minutes from start to spooky finish. It’s festive, flavorful, and unforgettable.

What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use for the Eyeballs?

Use bocconcini or ciliegine-sized mozzarella balls for best results—they’re the perfect size to mimic eyeballs without overpowering the pasta. You can use larger mozzarella balls if that’s what you have, but you may want to cut them down for a more proportionate look. Green olives with pimentos or black olives work perfectly as pupils.

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Ingredients for the Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

This recipe uses accessible ingredients that come together in a bold, flavorful way, with a spooky visual punch.

• Spaghetti – The base of the dish; choose classic spaghetti or your favorite long pasta.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté garlic and give the sauce richness.
• Garlic – Brings depth and aroma to the tomato sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes – Forms the body of the “bloody” sauce; rich and full of flavor.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings for balance.
• Italian seasoning – Adds herbal warmth and depth.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of heat.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) – Used to create the “eyeballs.”
• Green or black olives – Sliced to resemble pupils for the mozzarella eyeballs.

How To Make the Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Bloody Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Mix the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and toss until well-coated with the sauce. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Mozzarella Eyeballs

Slice olives into thin rings. Gently press one olive slice into the center of each mozzarella ball to create the look of an eyeball.

Step 5: Decorate the Pasta

Nestle the mozzarella eyeballs throughout the skillet of spaghetti. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a finishing touch.

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How to Serve and Store Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

This frightful pasta dish serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portions. Serve it straight from the skillet for the most dramatic effect—those mozzarella eyeballs peeking through the spaghetti are sure to get attention!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. For best presentation, store the eyeballs separately and add them fresh when serving.

What to Serve With Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs?

Spooky Garlic Bread

Classic garlic bread with a Halloween twist—cut into spooky shapes or add a bit of green food coloring to the butter.

Witch’s Finger Breadsticks

Serve breadsticks shaped like creepy fingers with almond slices as fingernails. They’re both delicious and haunting.

Monster Salad

A simple green salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and shredded carrots makes a colorful and fresh side.

Roasted Pumpkin Slices

Lightly seasoned roasted pumpkin adds an autumnal, slightly sweet balance to this savory pasta.

Bloody Shirley Temples

Make the drinks match the meal! Serve red-colored mocktails with gummy eyeballs for an extra gory touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta in advance. However, add the mozzarella eyeballs just before serving so they retain their shape and spooky appeal.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

This dish is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute vegan mozzarella balls and ensure your pasta and sauce ingredients are dairy-free.

Can I use other pasta types?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti squash are fun alternatives. Just make sure the pasta holds the sauce well.

How do I make this spookier for a party?

Add some food-safe red coloring gel for extra bloody effect, or use edible fake blood (made with cornstarch and red dye) drizzled over the eyeballs.

Where can I find mozzarella balls?

Most grocery stores carry them in the specialty cheese section, labeled as “bocconcini” or “ciliegine.” If not available, cut fresh mozzarella into small balls.

For more Halloween food ideas, check out our Witch Finger Cookies or Graveyard Taco Dip.

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