Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky pasta dish that’s perfect for Halloween! It features classic spaghetti noodles covered in a rich, red tomato sauce that looks just like blood, and then it’s topped with mozzarella balls that resemble creepy eyeballs—complete with olives for the pupils. It’s simple but really gets everyone in the Halloween spirit.
I love making this dish when I want something playful but still tasty. The mozzarella eyeballs are my favorite part because they add a creamy, soft bite right in the middle of all the tangy tomato sauce. Plus, it’s easy to get kids and adults involved by letting them help place the olives on each mozzarella ball before serving.
My go-to is to serve this with a side of garlic bread and a green salad to balance out the bold flavors. It’s such a great dish to share around the table and watch everyone’s faces light up with both delight and just a little bit of spooky surprise. It turns dinner into a fun Halloween event without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic long pasta works best here, but you can swap in linguine or fettuccine if that’s what you have. The key is using something that can easily twist into little nests.
Marinara Sauce: A thick, rich tomato sauce gives the “bloody” look. If you prefer, you can use jarred marinara or make your own with canned tomatoes and herbs. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Mozzarella Balls: Fresh bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella are perfect for eyeballs because of their size and texture. If unavailable, small mozzarella cubes or slices of regular mozzarella cheese can work too.
Black Olives: Sliced olives create the spooky pupil. Kalamata or black Spanish olives are great choices, but you can also use canned black olives. Just dry them well to prevent slipping.
How Do You Make Perfect Spaghetti Nests for the Eyeball Effect?
Forming the spaghetti into nests helps each serving look like a creepy eyeball bundle. Here’s how to do it neatly:
- Use a fork or tongs to twist about a small handful of sauced spaghetti.
- Twirl the pasta steadily, gathering it into a tight bundle on your fork.
- Carefully slide the nest off onto the serving plate. Keeping it tight helps it hold its shape.
- Don’t overload each nest; smaller bundles hold better and look more like eyeballs.
Practice a couple of times—you’ll get a feel for how much pasta to twirl. This way, your mozzarella eyeballs will sit nicely on top without slipping off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the spaghetti; big enough so pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for making and simmering the tomato sauce with garlic and onions.
- Tongs or fork – helps you twist spaghetti into neat little nests for the eyeball effect.
- Sharp knife – to slice olives cleanly in half for the eyeball pupils.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer (optional) – makes it easier to lift and drain spaghetti nests without water.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meatier “bloody” pasta that fills you up more.
- Use roasted red peppers blended into the sauce for a sweeter, smoky flavor and deeper red color.
- Swap mozzarella balls with vegan cheese or small tofu cubes for a dairy-free version that still looks like eyeballs.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach to add earthiness and a bit of green without losing the spooky vibe.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs (Halloween Pasta)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 3 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce (rich and thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Mozzarella Eyeballs:
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- 12 black olives (preferably kalamata or black Spanish olives)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the spaghetti and sauce, then another 5-10 minutes assembling the spooky eyeball nests before serving. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for a last-minute Halloween treat!
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 well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken a bit.
3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, making sure every strand is nicely coated with the rich, red “blood” sauce.
4. Form Eyeball Nests:
Using a fork or tongs, twirl portions of the saucy spaghetti into small nests, then arrange them on a large serving dish.
5. Make Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Slice each black olive in half horizontally. Place one mozzarella ball atop each spaghetti nest. Then, gently place one olive half on top of each mozzarella ball to create the “pupil” of your eyeball. Use a small dab of sauce if you need help securing it.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley around the nests for a pop of color and an extra fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your spooky, delicious Halloween pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid extra moisture that might make the olives slip off.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Definitely! Prepare the sauce and cook the spaghetti ahead, then refrigerate separately for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and toss in the pasta before assembling the eyeball nests.
What Can I Substitute for Black Olives?
If you don’t have black olives, small slices of roasted bell pepper or pieces of black grape can work as the “pupil” of the eyeball. Just pick something small and dark for the best effect!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep mozzarella balls and olive halves separate until reheating to keep eyeballs fresh. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
