Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs (Halloween Recipe)

Name: Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs (Halloween Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked; 2 28-oz (1.6 l) cans crushed tomatoes; 3 tbsp (45 ml) tomato paste; 1 medium white onion, minced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil; 1 ½ tbsp dark brown sugar; 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese; ½ cup fresh basil, chopped; 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella ciliegine; 8–10 large pitted black olives; 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Author: Sophia

Published: September 16, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is the ultimate creepy-cute Halloween dinner. Twirls of pasta get smothered in rich tomato sauce, then topped with mozzarella and olive “eyeballs.” It’s spooky, fun, and guaranteed to thrill both kids and adults.

Halloween Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeball Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Bloody Spaghetti Recipe

A fun and spooky Halloween dinner

Halloween isn’t complete without a dish that makes everyone laugh and squirm. Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs looks scary enough for a haunted table, yet it’s still comforting and delicious.

Kid-friendly yet delicious for adults

Kids love spotting the mozzarella eyeballs, while adults appreciate the bold, herby tomato sauce. Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs brings everyone together at the table, making it a perfect Halloween recipe for both kids and adults.

Simple ingredients with a creative twist

To make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs, you’ll need everyday pantry staples: pasta, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and mozzarella. A few black olives transform this simple dinner into a spooky masterpiece with almost no extra effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the spooky tomato sauce

Crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced onion, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, basil, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar. These build a rich and slightly tangy sauce.

For the mozzarella eyeballs

Fresh ciliegine mozzarella balls and large pitted black olives. Together, they create creepy, edible eyeballs that sit right on top of the spaghetti nests.

Garnishes and extras

Fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. These not only add flavor but also make your plate look eerie and inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the bloody tomato sauce

Start by sautéing minced onion and garlic in olive oil until golden and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar, letting the flavors deepen. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and baking soda to cut acidity. Stir well, then let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Before serving, mix in parmesan and fresh basil.

Cooking onions, garlic, tomato paste, and spices for Bloody Spaghetti sauce

Tomato sauce with basil and parmesan for Bloody Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti to perfection

While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and toss lightly with olive oil to keep strands from sticking. This step ensures your pasta is ready right as the sauce finishes.

Prepare the mozzarella eyeballs with olive pupils

Drain mozzarella balls and pat them dry. Use a wide straw, knife tip, or piping tip to cut a shallow hole in each ball. Slice black olives into small rounds to form pupils. Place an olive round into each mozzarella hole, pressing gently so it sticks.

Assemble the spooky spaghetti nests

Scoop spaghetti into small mounds or nests on a platter or individual plates. Ladle warm tomato sauce generously over the nests. Place one mozzarella eyeball (or two for extra creepiness) on each nest so they peek out from the red sauce. This is where Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs comes to life on your table.

Final garnishes and presentation

Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the eyeballs, sprinkle with basil and parmesan, and serve immediately. The glossy, eerie look makes this pasta unforgettable at any Halloween gathering.

Tips for the Best Spooky Spaghetti

Save time with multitasking

Cook spaghetti while the sauce simmers. This way, both finish together, saving you from last-minute scrambling.

Creative hacks for cutting mozzarella and olives

If you don’t have a straw, use a piping tip or small knife to carve holes. Trim olive slices flat so they sit neatly inside mozzarella.

Mozzarella balls and olives on cutting board for Halloween eyeball pasta

Plating ideas for Halloween parties

Serve nests on a dark platter for maximum spook factor. For a buffet, make smaller nests so each guest gets their own eyeball-topped portion.

Flavor boosters and sauce swaps

Add chili flakes for extra heat, or swap in a favorite jarred marinara if you’re short on time. Any red sauce works as long as it looks “bloody.”

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

How to store leftovers properly

Keep pasta, sauce, and mozzarella eyeballs separate. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best way to reheat

Warm spaghetti and sauce together on the stove or in the microwave. Add mozzarella eyeballs just before serving so they stay fresh.

Make-ahead tips for parties

You can prep the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Cook pasta just before serving, then assemble everything fresh so the mozzarella eyeballs look their best.

What to Serve with Bloody Spaghetti

Spooky garlic bread

Whip up garlic bread shaped like ghost faces or tombstones. It pairs perfectly with saucy pasta.

Individual plate of Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs and garlic bread for Halloween

Witch finger breadsticks

These fun breadsticks shaped like fingers complete the creepy vibe while adding a crunchy side.

Other creepy Halloween side dishes

Think dyed pasta salads, eerie deviled eggs, or themed desserts like Mummy Brownies – Fun Halloween Treats for a full Halloween spread.

Recipe FAQs

How to make eyeball pasta?

Eyeball pasta is simple: just top your spaghetti with mozzarella balls cut with shallow holes, then insert black olive slices for pupils. Add them to saucy nests for maximum effect.

Can I make spaghetti with mozzarella cheese?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and mild flavor that balances the tangy tomato sauce. In this recipe, it doubles as edible decorations.

What is the spaghetti eyeball game for Halloween?

It’s a fun party activity where spaghetti stands in as “guts” and peeled grapes or mozzarella balls act as eyeballs. Kids reach into bowls and guess what they’re touching.

Can you put mozzarella cheese on top of spaghetti?

Absolutely. Mozzarella melts beautifully on hot pasta. For this spooky version, keep it whole as eyeballs instead of melting, but both ways are tasty.

Conclusion

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is creepy, tasty, and surprisingly easy. This Halloween pasta recipe combines a rich tomato sauce, twirls of spaghetti, and mozzarella eyeballs for a meal everyone will remember. Serve Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs with spooky sides and desserts for the ultimate Halloween spread. Find more fun seasonal inspiration on my Pinterest boards.