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