Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Looking for spine-chilling Halloween dinner ideas that will thrill both kids and adults? This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is the ultimate spooky main dish that delivers taste and theatrics. With rich red sauce and eerie mozzarella “eyeballs,” this pasta plate is as fun to look at as it is delicious to eat!

 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)

 Required Kitchen Tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Medium saucepan for sauce

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Colander

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Small spoon or toothpick for shaping “eyeballs”

• Serving platter or plate

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1. Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Bloody Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onions for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The result should be thick and vividly red—perfect for that “bloody” look!

3. Prepare the Mozzarella Eyeballs

While the sauce simmers, take each mozzarella ball and gently press a slice of black olive into the center. For extra creepy effect, add a small dot of balsamic glaze or black food coloring to resemble the pupil.

If you want “bloodshot” eyes, you can use a toothpick dipped in tomato sauce to draw red streaks on the mozzarella.

4. Assemble the Dish

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the bloody sauce until well coated. Plate the spaghetti on a serving platter or individual plates.

Gently place the mozzarella eyeballs on top of the pasta, slightly nestling them into the noodles so they appear to be staring back at your guests. Try to space them out for maximum visual effect.

Helpful Tips for a Spookier and Tastier Experience

• Use Squid Ink Pasta: Want to make things even eerier? Swap regular spaghetti for black squid ink pasta to contrast with the red sauce and white mozzarella eyeballs.

• Add Extra Eyeballs: These mozzarella and olive eyes are so fun, you might want to make a few extra to scatter around the plate or serve on toothpicks as appetizers.

• Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated before tossing with pasta. This is especially useful if you’re preparing for a busy Halloween evening.

• Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the chili flakes and strong spices for a milder sauce that little goblins will love.

• Serve with Garlic “Fingers”: Add a side of breadsticks shaped like witch fingers to turn your Halloween dinner into a full fright fest.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 55 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Sodium: 750 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Why It’s the Perfect Addition to Your Halloween Dinner Ideas

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs checks every box when planning your Halloween dinner:

• Visual Impact: Guests will be delighted (and maybe a little spooked) by the realistic eyeballs staring up from the plate.

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dish achievable even for beginner cooks.

• Kid-Approved: Kids love creepy food that tastes great, and this recipe never disappoints.

• Customizable: Make it spicy for the adults, mild for the kids, gluten-free with the right pasta, or even vegan with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

When you’re brainstorming Halloween dinner ideas that balance eerie aesthetics and rich, comforting flavor, this pasta dish leads the pack. Whether you’re hosting a haunted dinner party or just want a fun meal before trick-or-treating, this recipe is a guaranteed scream!

Final Thoughts

This Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs recipe is the ultimate spooky-meets-savory meal that turns your dinner table into a Halloween spectacle. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, it’s a standout among Halloween dinner ideas and perfect for sharing with family or friends.