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Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

A fun and spooky dish perfect for Halloween that combines classic spaghetti with creepy mozzarella eyeballs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bloody Spaghetti
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 oz / 425 g
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
For the Mozzarella Eyeballs
  • 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • 6 black olives, pitted and sliced in half
  • a few drops balsamic glaze or black food coloring optional

Method
 

Boiling the Spaghetti
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Bloody Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onions for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. The result should be thick and vividly red.
Preparing the Mozzarella Eyeballs
  1. While the sauce simmers, press a slice of black olive into the center of each mozzarella ball.
  2. For an extra creepy effect, add a small dot of balsamic glaze or black food coloring to resemble the pupil.
  3. If you want 'bloodshot' eyes, you can use a toothpick dipped in tomato sauce to draw red streaks on the mozzarella.
Assembling the Dish
  1. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the bloody sauce until well coated.
  2. Plate the spaghetti, then place the mozzarella eyeballs on top, nestling them into the noodles so they appear to be staring back at your guests.
  3. Optional: Serve with extra Halloween touches like garlic 'fingers' and demon-gnawed crusty bread.

Notes

You can store leftover Bloody Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out.