Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on classic spaghetti that’s perfect for Halloween or any time you want a playful meal. The rich, red tomato sauce looks like fresh blood, while the mozzarella balls with olive slices mimic eerie eyeballs staring up from your plate. It’s a dish that’s both tasty and a little bit creepy in the best way.
I love making this dish because it turns dinner into a little adventure. The mozzarella eyeballs are easy to prepare and add a creamy surprise with every bite. Plus, the bright red sauce is full of flavor and a bit tangy, which keeps things interesting. I usually let the kids help me assemble the eyeballs—it makes the whole meal feel like a fun project and guarantees big smiles all around.
For serving, I like to put it on a big white plate so the red sauce and white eyeballs really pop. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a bit of green to the mix, making it look even more like a spooky masterpiece. Whether it’s for a Halloween party or a quirky weeknight dinner, Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is sure to make your meal unforgettable and bring everyone to the table with excitement.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works great because it twirls nicely into “nests.” If you want, you can use linguine or fettuccine for a similar effect.
Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are the heart of this rich sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use tomato puree instead. Adding sugar balances the acidity, but you can leave it out if you like your sauce tangier.
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Small mozzarella balls make perfect “eyeballs” because of their size and shape. If bocconcini aren’t available, you can use small fresh mozzarella slices or halved fresh mozzarella pearls.
Black Olives: Olives add the pupil detail and a hint of saltiness. If you’re allergic or don’t like olives, you can use small pieces of roasted red pepper or capers as an alternative.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a fresh, herbal note and bright green color. If fresh basil isn’t on hand, dried basil or parsley can work as a garnish.
How Do You Make Perfect Spaghetti Nests That Hold Their Shape?
Creating compact spaghetti nests is key to making the mozzarella “eyeballs” sit nicely on top. Here’s how to do it:
- After boiling the spaghetti, drain it well and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Using a fork or tongs, grab a small amount of spaghetti and twirl it tightly against the bottom of a spoon or inside a ladle to form a neat round shape.
- Gently place the twirled nest on your serving pan or plate before adding sauce or toppings.
- The nests should hold their shape but stay soft enough to enjoy. If too stiff, cook the spaghetti a minute less next time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to boil the spaghetti easily and it’s big enough so the noodles don’t stick together.
- Skillet or large frying pan – perfect for making the sauce and simmering the ingredients together.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir the sauce without scratching the pan.
- Small bowl or plate – for twirling and shaping the spaghetti nests.
- Serving platter or plates – to display your spooky spaghetti with eyeballs nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked meatballs or sausage slices instead of mozzarella for extra protein and a hearty twist.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies and texture.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or pinch of smoked paprika to give the sauce a smoky or spicy kick.
- Replace basil with chopped parsley or oregano for different herb flavors.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 12 black olives, pitted and sliced (for the “pupils”)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook the spaghetti, plus 20 minutes to simmer the flavorful tomato sauce. Overall, you should allow about 30 minutes from start to finish to make this fun and spooky dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set aside for now.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add sugar, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes bright red.
3. Combine and Assemble:
Stir the freshly chopped basil into the sauce, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as you like. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well so every strand is coated.
On your serving dish, twirl small portions of spaghetti into neat nests. Place one mozzarella ball on top of each spaghetti nest to create a spooky “eyeball.” Then, carefully place a slice of black olive on each mozzarella ball to form the “pupil.” Garnish with more fresh basil leaves around the plate for a splash of color.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs immediately while warm. It’s fun, tasty, and perfect for a Halloween dinner or themed party!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
You can, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before using. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture so they don’t make your spaghetti watery.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The tomato sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready, just reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier or Milder?
Yes! Adjust the red chili flakes to your taste or leave them out entirely for a milder sauce. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to customize the heat.
