Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on a classic pasta dish. It features spaghetti noodles coated in a rich, red tomato sauce that looks just like blood, making it perfect for Halloween or any time you want a playful meal. The mozzarella eyeballs, made from balls of fresh mozzarella topped with olives to look like pupils, add a creepy but cute touch that kids and adults alike will love.
I love making this dish when friends come over for a themed dinner because it’s easy to put together but feels extra special and festive. The eyeballs are my favorite part to prepare—I usually slice the olives small and place them carefully on each mozzarella ball to give them that eerie eye look. It’s a creative way to make something simple feel exciting, and I find that everyone gets a kick out of it.
Serving this with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad makes a complete meal that’s both satisfying and fun. I like to pair it with a cool sparkling drink to balance the richness of the sauce. It’s always a hit at parties and can easily be turned into a family favorite dinner during spooky season or whenever you want a little culinary adventure.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works best to hold the sauce. You can swap for linguine or fettuccine if preferred. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
Tomato Sauce: A thick marinara gives the “bloody” look. You can use store-bought sauce for ease or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice kick, but skip if you want it mild.
Mozzarella Balls: Fresh mozzarella balls make the perfect “eyeballs.” If you can’t find them, you can cut a block of mozzarella into small rounds.
Black Olives: These create the pupils. You can also use sliced black grapes or capers if you want a softer texture or different look.
How Do I Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs Stay on the Spaghetti?
It can be tricky to keep the mozzarella “eyeballs” on top of saucy spaghetti without them sliding off. Here’s what helps:
- Use a thick, chunky tomato sauce that clings well to the noodles and mozzarella.
- Press each mozzarella ball gently into the sauce so it nestles a bit and doesn’t roll around.
- Dab a little sauce on the bottom of the olive slices before placing them on the mozzarella to help them stick and look like pupils.
- Serve the dish right away, while warm, so the cheese and sauce hold together well.
Following these steps will give you a creepy but stable look that stays put as you serve and enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to boil the spaghetti until tender and salting the water for flavor.
- Skillet or large pan – perfect for simmering the sauce and tossing the spaghetti for even coverage.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps you drain the pasta without breaking it.
- Small spoon or tweezers – useful for carefully placing the mozzarella eyeballs and olives.
- Serving dish or shallow pan – for arranging the spaghetti and eyeballs attractively before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked meatballs or sausage slices instead of mozzarella for a heartier, meaty eyeball effect.
- Add diced green peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for more texture and flavor.
- Incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce into the sauce for extra heat if you like spicy dishes.
- Swap basil for oregano or parsley to change up the fresh herb flavor—pick whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara or tomato sauce (rich and thick)
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 12 black olive slices (for pupils)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total: 10-12 minutes to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce, plus a few minutes to assemble the mozzarella eyeballs on top. It’s a quick, fun dish that’s perfect for a casual spooky meal!
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 (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well so every strand is coated in that rich “bloody” tomato sauce.
4. Arrange the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Transfer the saucy spaghetti to a serving plate or shallow pan. Gently place the fresh mozzarella balls evenly spaced on top of the pasta. Press them down lightly so they nestle into the sauce.
5. Create the Eyeball Pupils:
Put one black olive slice on top of each mozzarella ball to look like pupils. If needed, you can dab a little tomato sauce under the olive slice to help it stick firmly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the entire dish for a nice pop of green color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your spooky, fun meal!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge beforehand and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent extra moisture from diluting the sauce or making the eyeballs slippery.
How Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the marinara sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove before tossing with the freshly cooked spaghetti.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep mozzarella balls separate if possible and add them fresh when serving again to maintain the eyeball effect.
Can I Add Meat or Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked meatballs, sausage slices, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk up the dish while keeping the fun spooky presentation.
