Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on a classic pasta dish, perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add a little drama to dinner. The bright red tomato sauce looks like blood, and the mozzarella balls, decorated to look like eyeballs, give it a playful and creepy vibe that kids and adults will enjoy. It’s a simple but striking way to make a meal exciting.
I love making this dish because it’s not only delicious but also brings a smile and a bit of surprise to the table. The fresh mozzarella balls are soft and mild, which balances the tangy tomato sauce perfectly. I usually add a little fresh basil or oregano to lift the flavors, and the fun part is painting the “eyeballs” with a small olive slice in the center—everyone gets a kick out of it!
Serving this at a Halloween party or a spooky-themed dinner is always a hit. I like to put the pasta on big plates, let everyone pick their eyeballs, and enjoy the silliness together. It turns an everyday dinner into a little celebration, and I find that the simple ingredients come alive with the theme. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy night but still brings out some creative vibes in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works best for the classic look, but you can use linguine or fettuccine if preferred. Thicker pasta might not nestle as easily around the mozzarella.
Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: These create the rich, “bloody” sauce. If fresh tomatoes are available, you can blend and cook them down for a fresher taste. Tomato paste boosts richness.
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Their smooth round shape makes perfect “eyeballs.” Fresh mozzarella works best for texture and mild flavor. For a dairy-free option, use firm vegan mozzarella balls.
Olives: Kalamata or black olives create the “pupil.” Slice them thinly to balance the look and flavor. If olives aren’t your thing, use small pieces of roasted red pepper or capers instead.
How Do You Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs Look Great and Stay Put?
Getting the mozzarella “eyeballs” to look right and stay on top can be a little tricky. Here are some easy tips:
- Form small nests of spaghetti on your serving plate or in the skillet first. The nest shape helps keep the “eyeball” steady.
- Press the mozzarella balls gently into the pasta nests so they rest securely on top, but don’t squash the cheese.
- Place a thin olive slice carefully on each mozzarella ball. To keep olives from slipping, set them gently rather than pushing down too hard.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still fresh and soft. If the pasta cools too much, the cheese may become slick and slide off.
These little details make the eyeballs look realistic while keeping everything tasty and fun!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use a big pot to cook the spaghetti so it cooks evenly and comfortably.
- Large skillet or deep pan – Perfect for simmering the sauce and tossing the noodles together.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Helps keep your ingredients just right, especially with seasonings.
- Small spoon or mortar and pestle – For arranging the olives and creating the eyeball pupils neatly.
- Serving platter or dish – A wide, flat surface makes the eyeball nests look spooky and neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for small slices of provolone or gouda for a different flavor and texture.
- Add cooked meatballs or diced cooked chicken for more protein and heartiness.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor depth.
- Use spicy tomato sauce or add chili flakes if you like a little heat in your “blood.”
How to Make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 12 black or Kalamata olives, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have it ready in around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick yet spooky meal!
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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its aroma.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so it thickens nicely.
3. Mix Pasta and Sauce, Then Create Eyeballs:
Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, tossing well so every strand is coated with the rich, red sauce.
Now comes the fun part! Make small nests or circles of spaghetti right in the skillet or on a serving dish. Place one mozzarella ball in the center of each nest to look like an eyeball.
Top each mozzarella ball with a slice of black olive to create the “pupil.” Press the olive slices gently so they stay put.
Sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil leaves over the dish for a bit of green color, and serve immediately while it’s warm and delicious.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, you can use frozen mozzarella balls, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight and pat them dry before assembling to avoid extra moisture in the dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the tomato sauce and cook the spaghetti in advance, then refrigerate them separately for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove before tossing with pasta and adding the mozzarella eyeballs just before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, but add the mozzarella eyeballs fresh when serving since they don’t reheat well.
Can I Add Meat or Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked meatballs, sausage, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to make the dish heartier while keeping the spooky presentation.
