Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on a classic favorite. This dish features spaghetti drenched in a rich, red tomato sauce that looks just like a pool of “blood,” perfect for any Halloween or themed dinner. The mozzarella eyeballs, made with fresh mozzarella balls and a little olive slice for the pupil, add a creepy but tasty touch that kids and adults will love.
I love making this for a Halloween party or just when I want to add some playful fun to dinner time. The simple ingredients come together quickly, but the presentation really shines. I like to be creative with the eyeballs—sometimes I add a little basil leaf or use pepperoni for different “pupils.” It’s a neat way to make spaghetti feel special without much extra work.
When I serve it, I like to pair the dish with a crisp salad or some garlic bread to balance the bold tomato sauce. Watching everyone’s reactions when they spot the eyeballs in their pasta always makes me smile. This dish reminds me that food can be both delicious and playful, and sometimes a little unusual can make a meal extra memorable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works well here, but feel free to swap in any pasta you like, such as linguine or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also make great options.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara adds rich tomato flavor. If you want a quicker option, store-bought pasta sauce works fine. For a spicier touch, add chili flakes or fresh herbs.
Mozzarella Balls: Fresh mozzarella balls create the perfect “eyeball” texture. If you can’t find them, small bocconcini or even mozzarella pearls work well too.
Olives: Green or black olives make the eyeball’s iris and pupil. If you don’t love olives, try small pieces of pepperoni or cherry tomato halves for a similar effect.
How Do You Make Realistic “Mozzarella Eyeballs” That Hold Their Shape?
Making mozzarella eyeballs pop takes simple but careful prep. Start by drying the mozzarella balls well—if they’re too wet, olives won’t stick properly. Use paper towels and gently press.
- Place a thin olive ring around the center of each ball to create the iris.
- Put a tiny piece of black olive or a caper in the middle as the pupil. Use tweezers or a toothpick for precision.
- Handle the balls gently so they stay intact. If you want, chill them briefly before placing on pasta to keep the shape.
- If olives don’t stick, try a small dab of tomato sauce as “glue.”
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use a big pot to cook the spaghetti easily without crowding.
- Colander – helps drain the pasta quickly and well so it doesn’t stick.
- Saucepan – perfect for heating and simmering the marinara sauce.
- Small spoon or toothpick – useful for placing the black olive pupils onto the mozzarella eyeballs.
- Serving platter or plates – to display the spooky spaghetti arrangement beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use spicy sausage or ground beef in the sauce for a meaty twist.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for extra heat.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Replace mozzarella with carved cheese slices for a different look and taste.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Spaghetti and Sauce:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Mozzarella Eyeballs:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- 8 sliced olives (green or black), sliced into rings for eyeball effect
- 8 small pieces of black olive or capers (for the pupil inside the olive slice)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, including boiling the pasta and simmering the sauce. Preparing the mozzarella eyeballs is quick and easy, so you can have this fun, spooky dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, then stir in dried oregano, dried basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Prepare the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place an olive ring around the center of each mozzarella ball to form the iris of the eyeball. Next, put a small piece of black olive or a caper in the middle for the pupil. Gently press the pieces to stick them in place.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Either toss the cooked spaghetti directly in the tomato sauce or plate the spaghetti and spoon the sauce over the top. Arrange the mozzarella eyeballs on top of the sauced pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the entire dish to add a touch of green and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your spooky, delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge and pat them dry before assembling so the olives stick well and the texture stays firm.
How Can I Make the Eyeballs Stay on the Spaghetti?
Dab a little bit of tomato sauce under each mozzarella ball to help “glue” them in place, especially if serving on a saucy plate.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tomato sauce a day in advance and reheat it gently before serving. Just add the mozzarella eyeballs fresh when plating.
What’s a Good Substitute for Olives in the Eyeballs?
If you don’t love olives, try small slices of black grapes, cherry tomatoes, or even pepperoni to create quirky pupils for the eyeballs.