Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky twist on a classic Italian favorite! This dish features rich, red tomato sauce that looks like a bright, bloody pool beneath a nest of tender spaghetti noodles. The real showstoppers are the mozzarella “eyeballs,” made by shaping cheese balls with a slice of olive in the center to look like creepy eyes staring up at you from your plate.
I love serving this dish around Halloween or anytime I want to surprise friends and family with something playful and a bit unexpected. It’s simple but clever—the mozzarella melts just right, blending in nicely while still holding its spooky shape. Plus, the taste is just as comforting and delicious as regular spaghetti, with a little extra fun on the side.
My favorite way to enjoy this is with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top and a big garlic bread on the side to scoop up every last drop of that bright red sauce. It’s a perfect meal to share with kids or adults who enjoy a good laugh or a little scare at the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This classic pasta shape is perfect for twirling into fun nests. You can swap with linguine or fettuccine if you prefer a wider noodle.
Tomato Sauce: A bright, chunky marinara works best to give the “bloody” look. Use a smooth sauce or homemade if you want a fresher taste. For a thicker sauce, add a bit of tomato paste.
Mozzarella Balls: Fresh bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella are ideal for creating the eyeballs. If you can’t find these, small fresh mozzarella slices shaped into balls will do.
Black Olives: These provide the “iris” and “pupil” of the eyeball. Kalamata or black ripe olives work well. If olives aren’t available, you could use small slices of roasted seaweed or black grapes for a creative touch.
Fresh Herbs: Oregano or basil adds color contrast and a bit of freshness. You can swap with parsley or chives if you like.
How Do You Make Mozzarella Eyeballs Look Realistic and Stay Intact?
Making the mozzarella look like eyeballs is fun but needs a steady hand. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Dry the mozzarella balls well before assembling. Water makes them slippery and the toppings won’t stick well.
- Place the black olive slice gently on the mozzarella to form the iris and pupil. Press lightly so it adheres but the cheese keeps its round shape.
- Use a small dab of tomato paste or sauce around the olive to create a “bloody” effect. Apply this with a toothpick or small brush for control.
- Keep the mozzarella balls cool until ready to serve so they hold their shape and don’t melt prematurely.
- Arrange them on the pasta just before serving for the best fresh look.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use it to boil the spaghetti easily and quickly.
- Large skillet or saucepan – perfect for simmering the sauce and tossing the noodles without splashing.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps to drain and handle the mozzarella balls gently.
- Small knife or toothpick – useful for placing the olive slices and applying the “blood” details on the eyeballs.
- Serving platter or individual plates – for presenting the creepy spaghetti nests nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap marinara with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for extra heat that adds a fiery “blood” touch.
- Incorporate cooked meatballs, sausage slices, or ground beef for a meaty version of the dish.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or black olives into the sauce for more texture and flavor.
- Top with fresh grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to add a salty, rich note.
Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara or tomato sauce (preferably chunky and bright red)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- 4 black olives, sliced into rounds (for the iris)
- 1 tsp tomato paste or a little extra tomato sauce for “blood” effect on eyeballs
- Fresh oregano or basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend 10-12 minutes boiling the pasta and cooking the sauce, plus 5 minutes assembling the spooky mozzarella eyeballs and plating the spaghetti. It’s quick enough for an easy meal with a fun twist!
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 directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara or tomato sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly. Remove from heat once mixed.
4. Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs:
Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls to remove excess moisture. Place a slice of black olive on each ball to create the “iris” and “pupil.” Dab a little tomato paste or extra sauce around the olives on the mozzarella to create a bloody, creepy look.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Twirl portions of the spaghetti into nests on plates or a large platter. Nestle the mozzarella eyeballs on top of the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh oregano or basil leaves for a bit of green and freshness. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Balls for the Eyeballs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator and pat them dry before assembling to prevent excess moisture and keep the olive slices in place.
How Do I Store Leftover Bloody Spaghetti?
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Mozzarella eyeballs are best made fresh, but if needed, keep them covered and chilled for up to 1 day.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, then toss them together when ready to serve. Assemble the mozzarella eyeballs just before plating for the best presentation.
What Can I Substitute for Black Olives?
If you don’t have black olives, you can use small slices of roasted seaweed or black grape halves to create the iris on the mozzarella eyeballs. Just make sure they’re small enough to fit nicely on each cheese ball.