If you’re hunting for a dish that’s both spooky and scrumptious, this Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs might just become your new Halloween party favorite. It’s got all the comfort of a big bowl of pasta, but with just the right amount of ghoulish charm to delight kids, surprise friends, and maybe even gross out that one uncle who always eats too much.
And don’t worry—while it looks spooky enough to give Dracula the chills, it’s still quick, easy, and downright delicious. (Because let’s be honest, after wrangling costumes, candy, and chaos, nobody wants to wrestle with a complicated recipe!)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
- Perfect for parties – It’s festive without being fussy.
- Kid-approved – Those cheesy eyeballs? They’ll be the first to disappear.
- Budget-friendly – You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry.
- Creepy-cute vibes – Equal parts spooky and Instagram-worthy.
This is the kind of recipe that earns you the “cool mom” badge—or at least guarantees your dish will be the first to vanish at a Halloween potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bloody Spaghetti:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 6 black olives (pitted and sliced in half)
- A few drops of balsamic glaze or food-safe black food coloring (optional, for extra spooky eyes)
How to Make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
1. Boil the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, toss in your noodles, and cook until perfectly al dente (8–10 minutes usually does the trick). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Bloody Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you like a little bite. Let this simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes. You’ll end up with a thick, bright red sauce that’s every vampire’s dream come true.
3. Prepare the Mozzarella Eyeballs
Take each mozzarella ball and press a halved olive in the center. Boom—instant eyeball! Want extra creep factor? Dot the olive with balsamic glaze or black food coloring for pupils.
If you’re feeling artsy, use a toothpick dipped in tomato sauce to draw little “veins” for bloodshot eyes. (Gross, but in the best way!)
4. Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked spaghetti in your sauce until every strand is coated in that bloody goodness. Plate it up, then nestle your mozzarella eyeballs on top, spacing them so they look like they’re watching your guests.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Spice it up: If your crowd likes heat, don’t hold back on those chili flakes.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be prepped a day early—just reheat and toss with noodles before serving.
- Party platter idea: Serve it in a big black cauldron for extra witchy vibes.
- Kid-friendly hack: Let the kids help assemble the eyeballs—it’s like edible arts and crafts.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this for my family, my youngest refused to take a bite because he swore the eyeballs were real. (Success!) By the end of the night, though, those mozzarella eyeballs were gone faster than the candy corn. This dish has officially become a Halloween tradition in my house.

FAQs About Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Can I use another type of cheese for the eyeballs?
Yes! Mini Babybel cheese works too—just peel off the wax and decorate.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store mozzarella eyeballs separately to keep them fresh.
Can I make it vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely—this recipe is already meatless! If you want extra protein, add lentils or chickpeas to the sauce.
What if I don’t like olives?
Try using small pieces of roasted red peppers or even pepperoni slices for the “pupil.”
A Festive Ending
This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs isn’t just dinner—it’s a conversation starter, a party centerpiece, and a fun way to make memories around the table. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just want to surprise your kids with a spooky supper, this dish delivers all the drama without the stress.
So grab your pasta, roll those mozzarella eyeballs, and get ready for a meal that’s as hauntingly good as it looks.
More Spooky & Comforting Recipes to Try
If this Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs has you craving more cozy or Halloween-ready dishes, you’ll love these:
- Add some eerie magic to your menu with the hearty and haunting Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew—perfect for serving in a big pot on a chilly October night.
- Keep the spooky pasta theme alive by trying my creative twist, Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, which make any pasta dish extra festive.
- For something warm and comforting, you can’t go wrong with a classic bowl of Sausage Potato Soup—simple, hearty, and family-approved.
- And if you’re into dishes that are creamy and soul-soothing, you’ll adore my Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs—a must-try for weeknights when you want big flavor with little effort.

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is the ultimate spooky Halloween pasta dish! Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and topped with creepy mozzarella-and-olive eyeballs for a dish that’s both scary and delicious. Ideal for Halloween parties, themed dinners, or a fun family night!
Ingredients
For the Bloody Spaghetti:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
6 black olives (pitted and sliced in half)
A few drops of balsamic glaze or food-safe black food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Boil the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.Make the Bloody Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and bright red.Prepare the Mozzarella Eyeballs
Press an olive half into the center of each mozzarella ball to resemble an eyeball. For added creep factor, dot the olive with balsamic glaze or black food coloring. Use a toothpick dipped in tomato sauce to draw “bloodshot” streaks if desired.Assemble the Dish
Toss spaghetti in the bloody sauce until well coated. Transfer to a serving dish or skillet, then place mozzarella eyeballs on top, slightly nestling them into the pasta for a spooky effect.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Family-friendly: Kids love assembling the eyeballs—it’s like edible arts and crafts!
Spooky serving idea: Present the spaghetti in a black cauldron or cast iron pan for Halloween party vibes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Halloween Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg