Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky pasta dish that’s perfect for Halloween! Imagine twirling your fork through a tangle of red tomato sauce that looks like a pool of blood, with gooey mozzarella balls peeking out like creepy eyeballs. It’s both playful and tasty, making it a hit for kids and adults alike.
I love making this dish because it brings a little excitement to the dinner table. The mozzarella balls are really easy to prepare—just add a little olive or an olive slice to turn them into “eyeballs,” and they look so cool floating in the sauce. It’s a simple twist that really makes the meal feel festive without a lot of extra work.
My favorite way to serve this is with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce. Watching everyone’s faces light up as they dig into the “bloody” spaghetti is the best part. It’s a great way to get everyone in the Halloween spirit while enjoying a classic comfort food we all love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like using ground beef for a classic flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter option that works well too. For a vegetarian version, you could try plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is perfect for wrapping around the meatballs, but you can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your diet.
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): These create the “eyeballs.” If you can’t find bocconcini, mini mozzarella balls or even small slices from a block of mozzarella work fine.
Black Olives: Used for the pupil of the eyeball. If olives aren’t your thing, you could use small cut pieces of black peppercorns or capers for a similar effect.
How Do You Make the Spaghetti “Nests” Hold Together?
Creating the spaghetti nests can be tricky if the noodles are too dry or too slippery. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente—still firm but not mushy.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil to stop sticking and help it hold shape.
- Use a fork to twirl a small amount of spaghetti into a tight nest. Pinch the noodles gently around the meatball so it stays secure.
- Don’t overload the nests with too much spaghetti; smaller bundles hold better.
- If nests feel loose, chilling them briefly before baking can help keep their shape.
With these tips, your spooky spaghetti nests will look great on the plate and hold together well under that red sauce and mozzarella eyeballs!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the spaghetti evenly without sticking.
- Colander – drains the pasta easily after cooking.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the meatball ingredients smoothly.
- Baking dish – holds the spaghetti nests and meatballs while baking.
- Fork – helps twirl the spaghetti into neat nests around the meatballs.
- Knife – for slicing olives to make the eyeball pupils.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, richer meatball flavor.
- Use mozzarella and pepperoni slices instead of olives for a classic pizza eyeball.
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers into the meatball mix for extra veggies.
- Mix fresh basil or oregano into the sauce to brighten the tomato flavor.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs (Halloween Pasta)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spaghetti and Meatballs:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 8 black olives (for eyeball centers)
- Extra grated Parmesan for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and roughly 10 minutes to cook the pasta. In total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss the pasta lightly with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. Shape the mixture into 8 evenly sized meatballs.
3. Create Spaghetti Nests Around Meatballs:
Take a fork and twirl a small portion of the cooked spaghetti around it to form a nest big enough to wrap around each meatball. Place each meatball in the center of a nest, gently pinching the noodles around the ball to hold its shape.
4. Add Sauce and Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Arrange the spaghetti meatball nests in your baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each nest to create a “bloody” look. Slice the black olives into small rounds and place one olive slice on top of each mozzarella ball to make the pupil. Then set one mozzarella eyeball on each sauced meatball nest.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top, and serve hot for a fun and spooky meal.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight before assembling the nests. This helps ensure even cooking and keeps the spaghetti from getting too soft.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Replace the ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives or use cooked lentils or mushrooms to make meatless “meatballs.” The rest of the recipe stays the same and is just as spooky!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of sauce if it feels dry.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the meatballs and spaghetti nests in advance and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before adding sauce and mozzarella and baking. This makes it easy to pull together on the day of your Halloween party.
