Thank you so much for stopping by! I always feel incredibly lucky to share these festive recipes with you—especially ones that get both gasps and giggles! This Bloody Halloween Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is spook-tacularly fun, ridiculously easy to make, and perfect for a gory Halloween dinner that’s kid-friendly but creepy enough to wow your party guests. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house bash or just want to impress the family with a themed weeknight dinner, this one delivers!
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What is Bloody Halloween Spaghetti?
This delightfully eerie dish is basically your favorite spaghetti and marinara—but with a spooky twist! We’re talking rich, tomatoey “blood” sauce tangled with al dente pasta and topped with mozzarella eyeballs that stare back at you (don’t worry, they’re delicious!). The eyeballs are made with mini mozzarella balls, olives, and just a touch of creativity—nothing fancy or hard to find.
It’s the ultimate trick-or-treat dinner idea, and I PROMISE you, kids absolutely lose their minds over this. It’s fun, creepy, and actually tastes amazing. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it earlier—it’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive and fun: It’s spooky without being gross (okay, maybe just a little)!
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Family-friendly: No weird ingredients—just pasta, sauce, cheese, and olives.
Customizable: Great for picky eaters and perfect for adapting to dietary needs.
Impressively gross (but in a good way): It’s a Halloween hit every time.
What Does It Taste Like?
Despite its gory looks, this spaghetti is anything but scary when it comes to flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and rich thanks to a garlicky tomato marinara. The mozzarella adds a creamy, mellow contrast, while the olives bring a salty little bite that balances the dish. Imagine your go-to spaghetti dinner—just dressed up for Halloween!
Benefits of Making This Spaghetti
Great way to involve kids in cooking.
Uses pantry staples—nothing you need to special order.
Perfect for Halloween night dinner before (or after) trick-or-treating.
Makes a great themed meal for school parties or October potlucks.
Can be prepped ahead and assembled last minute!
Ingredients for Bloody Halloween Spaghetti
Here’s what you’ll need:
12 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta of your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
6 black olives (sliced into rounds)
Optional: red food coloring for extra “bloody” effect
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or saucepan for sauce
Cutting board and knife
Small spoon or piping bag (to create the “eyeballs”)
Tongs or pasta spoon for serving
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
Substitutes:
Use any pasta you love—fettuccine or linguine give fun, slithery vibes!
Vegan? Sub in vegan mozzarella and double-check your pasta and sauce are dairy-free.
No olives? Try roasted red peppers or capers for the eyeballs.
Additions:
Add ground beef or sausage to make a meaty, even “gutsier” sauce.
Stir in sautéed mushrooms or red bell peppers for extra depth and color.
Want more “blood”? Drizzle extra tomato sauce on the serving platter.
How to Make Bloody Halloween Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Bloody Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. If you’re feeling extra spooky, stir in a few drops of red food coloring for an even deeper “blood” hue.
Step 3: Assemble the Eyeballs
Slice your black olives into rounds. Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towel. Place one olive slice in the center of each mozzarella ball—lightly press so it sticks. For more drama, you can dot the olive with a tiny bit of sriracha or balsamic glaze to mimic a pupil!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the bloody marinara sauce until well coated.
Step 5: Plate and Decorate
Twirl the spaghetti onto plates or a serving platter. Top with the mozzarella eyeballs, scattering them randomly so they “peek” out of the pasta. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
What to Serve with It
Garlic breadsticks shaped like bones – so fun!
“Witch’s brew” green salad – use mixed greens, black olives, and purple cabbage.
Pumpkin soup shooters as a starter.
For dessert? Keep it creepy with my Graveyard Chocolate Mousse Cups!
Tips for Making the Eyeballs Look Extra Creepy
Use a toothpick to draw “veins” on the mozzarella balls with a tiny bit of marinara.
Freeze mozzarella balls for 10 minutes before decorating to make them firmer.
For a more realistic pupil, use a small piece of black bean or edible marker.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the eyeballs separate if possible so they stay fresh.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: While the sauce and pasta freeze well, the eyeballs are best made fresh.
Fun Fact
Did you know mozzarella balls are also called ciliegine because they’re about the size of a cherry? That size is perfect for edible eyeballs—who knew Halloween could be so… educational?
FAQs About Bloody Halloween Spaghetti
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and spaghetti up to a day in advance. Just reheat and assemble with fresh mozzarella eyeballs before serving.
What age is this recipe appropriate for?
All ages love it, but the mozzarella balls can be a choking hazard for kids under 4, so always slice them or supervise!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Totally—just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your sauce ingredients.
Can I add meat to the sauce?
Yes, browned ground beef or sausage works beautifully and makes the sauce even heartier.
How do I get my mozzarella to stick to the olive slice?
Press gently and make sure both are dry—if needed, use a tiny dab of cream cheese or a drop of balsamic reduction as “glue.”
In Conclusion
This Bloody Halloween Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is creepy, kooky, and outrageously delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings out giggles, snaps tons of photos, and STILL manages to taste like a comforting homemade dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your little goblins or throwing a haunted dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Looking for more hauntingly good ideas? You’ll love these Halloween treats too:
Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cups
Spider Web Taco Dip
Ghost Meringues
Share the Spooky Spirit!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your terrifying twist! Leave a comment below or share your Halloween spaghetti creations on Pinterest and tag me—let’s get ghoulishly creative together!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 430
Protein: 16g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 680mg
Wishing you a delicious and delightfully spooky Halloween! 🎃👁️🩸