Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on classic pasta that’s perfect for Halloween night. The bright red tomato sauce looks like a rich “bloody” base, while the mozzarella balls transformed into “eyeballs” make it playful and a little creepy in the best way. It’s a mix of simple ingredients with a clever, festive touch that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
I love making this dish when I want to add a bit of Halloween spirit to dinner without a lot of fuss. The mozzarella eyeballs are super easy to prepare — just roll mozzarella balls with a bit of sliced olive for the pupil, and suddenly your plate looks like a creepy feast! I like to tell friends and family that this pasta is “guilty” of being both tasty and a little spooky, which always gets a good laugh.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad to balance all that bold tomato sauce. Kids and adults both get a kick out of digging in and spotting the “eyeballs” hidden in the spaghetti strands. It’s a great way to make dinner feel festive and fun, especially if you’re serving a Halloween crowd with all ages. This recipe always makes the evening a little more memorable!
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti is perfect here, but feel free to swap for any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine to suit your pantry. Just cook until al dente for the best texture.
Tomato Sauce: Using crushed tomatoes combined with tomato paste gives the sauce a rich, thick “bloody” look. If you prefer, use fresh plum tomatoes blended smooth. Canned tomato sauce works too but may be thinner.
Mozzarella Balls: Fresh bocconcini mozzarella works best for the “eyeballs” because of their size and soft texture. If you can’t find them, small fresh mozzarella pearls or even sliced regular mozzarella can be used.
Black Olives: These make perfect “pupils.” Kalamata or sliced black olives both work. If olives aren’t your thing, you could use small pieces of roasted red pepper or even capers for a different look.
How Do You Make the Mozzarella Look Like Creepy Eyeballs?
Creating the eyeballs is simple but key to the spooky vibe. Here’s how I do it:
- Drain and pat dry your mozzarella balls well so they don’t slide around on the plate.
- Slice black olives very thin for small, round pupils. Press one slice gently onto each mozzarella ball.
- For extra creepiness, use a tiny paintbrush dipped in red food coloring or an edible red marker to add thin “bloodshot” veins around the olives.
- If you don’t have edible markers, gently dragging a toothpick dipped in a little sauce or food coloring onto the mozzarella can create nice vein lines.
These little details make the dish playful and really emphasize the Halloween theme without any extra cooking effort.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the spaghetti easily without crowding the pasta.
- Large skillet or saucepan – perfect for simmering the tomato sauce evenly.
- Colander – to drain the cooked pasta quickly and simply.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – to toss and serve spaghetti with sauce without making a mess.
- Small knife – for slicing black olives to make the “pupils” for your mozzarella eyeballs.
- Brush or toothpick (optional) – to add red veins on the mozzarella for extra spooky effect.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked Italian sausage or meatballs for a heartier, meaty version that still feels festive.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms to add extra color and depth to the sauce.
- Use fresh basil or parsley instead of dried herbs for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Swap mozzarella balls for small bocconcini filled with pesto for a surprising flavor twist.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs (Halloween Pasta)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mozzarella Eyeballs and Garnish:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Black olives (for “pupils”)
- Red food coloring or red edible marker (optional, for eye veins)
- Dried parsley or basil flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, 15 minutes cooking the sauce and pasta, plus a few extra minutes to make and decorate the mozzarella eyeballs. In around 30 minutes, you’ll have a spooky and tasty Halloween dinner ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce to coat it evenly. Keep the pasta warm on very low heat while you prepare the mozzarella eyeballs.
4. Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls. Slice black olives into thin rounds to create small pupils. Gently press one black olive slice onto each mozzarella ball to resemble an eye. If you want to add creepy red veins, use a tiny brush dipped in red food coloring or an edible red marker to carefully draw thin lines on the mozzarella.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Plate the spaghetti smothered in the rich red sauce for that “bloody” look. Gently place the mozzarella eyeballs on top of and around the spaghetti. Sprinkle dried parsley or basil flakes over the dish for a finishing touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your spooky, delicious Halloween pasta with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge before using. Pat them dry thoroughly to prevent extra moisture, so the olive “pupils” stick well.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage as an add-in for extra flavor.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the tomato sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
How Should I Store Leftover Bloody Spaghetti?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
