This spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs is as playful as it is tasty. A rich tomato sauce coats the pasta, while mozzarella balls topped with olives stare back from the plate like eerie eyeballs. It’s simple, dramatic, and just right for a Halloween dinner that kids and adults can enjoy together. For more spooky mains and sides to pair with it, browse our Halloween dinner roundup.
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Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs for a Thrilling Halloween Feast
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs is a spooky Halloween pasta in garlicky tomato sauce topped with olive-studded mozzarella for a fun feast.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 12 mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 6 black olives, halved
- Few drops balsamic glaze or food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and onion, then add tomatoes, paste, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Press olive halves into mozzarella balls, dot with glaze for the pupil.
- Toss pasta with sauce, top with mozzarella eyeballs, and serve.
Notes
- Make sauce ahead to save time. Use squid ink pasta for extra spooky flair.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge, following USDA food safety guidelines.
- Reheat pasta gently with a splash of water. Avoid reheating more than once.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
This recipe delivers a mix of fun presentation and cozy flavor. The spaghetti is tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce that feels comforting on a chilly fall evening, while the mozzarella eyeballs add a haunting visual effect. In addition, you can adjust the spice level to suit the crowd, prepare parts of it ahead of time, and even adapt it for different diets. Best of all, it’s fast enough for a weeknight yet dramatic enough for a party centerpiece.
Ingredients for Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Here’s everything you need to create a plate of spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs. Not only are the items easy to find, but they are also budget-friendly, which makes this dish a practical holiday option.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti noodles | 12 oz |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Crushed tomatoes | 15 oz can |
| Tomato paste | 3 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) | 12 |
| Black olives, halved | 6 |
| Balsamic glaze or food coloring (optional) | few drops |
Substitutions
You can swap regular pasta for gluten-free spaghetti if needed, or try black squid ink pasta for extra Halloween flair. Likewise, dairy-free mozzarella makes the dish vegan-friendly without losing the creepy effect. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before simmering. For a mild version, skip the chili flakes, while adding extra garlic or fresh herbs can give it a stronger punch.
How to Make Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Follow these simple steps to bring your spooky pasta dinner to life. Each step builds on the next, so you’ll have a dish that’s both delicious and frightfully fun. In addition, the process moves quickly, so keep ingredients close at hand.
- Boil the Pasta
First, bring salted water to a boil, add spaghetti, and cook until al dente. Then, drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Simmer the Bloody Sauce
Next, heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic and onion, then stir in tomatoes, paste, sugar, and spices. Finally, let it bubble for 10–15 minutes until thick and vibrant red.
- Make the Mozzarella Eyeballs
Meanwhile, press a halved olive into each mozzarella ball. For an even eerier look, add a tiny dot of glaze or food coloring for the pupil.
- Assemble the Dish
Finally, toss spaghetti in the sauce, then place the mozzarella eyeballs on top so they peek out from the noodles.
Pro Tips
For maximum effect, arrange the eyeballs just before serving so they keep their shape. In addition, you can make the sauce a day ahead and reheat gently, which saves time on Halloween night. If you want more “bloodshot” detail, drag a toothpick dipped in tomato sauce across the mozzarella. As a result, the eyes will look realistic and spooky. Using squid ink pasta adds drama, while serving breadsticks shaped like witch fingers completes the theme.
Variations & Substitutions
This pasta adapts easily for different needs. For example, you can use gluten-free noodles for a celiac-friendly option or dairy-free mozzarella for a vegan twist. For extra protein, add cooked ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles to the sauce. If you’re watching the budget, store-brand pasta and canned tomatoes work just as well. Therefore, this recipe fits different diets and kitchens without losing its creepy charm.
Serve It With
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. In addition, for a party, add themed sides like witch finger breadsticks or a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball.
Storage & Reheat
Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, store the spaghetti and mozzarella separately if possible, as the cheese softens quickly. Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water until warm. For food safety guidelines, see the USDA recommendations. Avoid reheating more than once, and discard after three days.
Nutrition for Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
One serving has about 420 calories with 18 grams of protein, 55 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of fat. The mozzarella provides calcium and protein, while the tomato sauce adds fiber and antioxidants. For more on dietary fiber benefits, check the Harvard School of Public Health. To learn about sodium intake recommendations, see the WHO Sodium Reduction.
FAQs About Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs
Slice black olives in half and press one piece into the center of each mozzarella ball. For a realistic touch, dot with balsamic glaze or food coloring.
A thick, garlicky tomato sauce gives the most dramatic “bloody” effect. In addition, you can adjust spices for heat or keep it simple with just herbs for a kid-friendly version.
Yes, the base is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply use plant-based mozzarella and skip dairy entirely. As a result, the look and flavor remain just as festive.
Warm the spaghetti and sauce together in a skillet with a splash of water. Finally, add the mozzarella eyeballs at the end so they stay intact and don’t overmelt.
More Like This
If you’re planning a full Halloween menu, these recipes from Recipes2Gather pair perfectly with spaghetti with mozzarella eyeballs and keep the theme fun and festive.
- For cozy fall flavors, try Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe with savory herbs and bread cubes.
- In addition, add a spooky sip like Purple Halloween Punch to match the festive mood.
- Meanwhile, a refreshing Strawberry Mango Lemonade balances the richness of the pasta.
- Finally, for a creepy cocktail, serve Poisoned Apple Halloween Cocktail to wow your guests.
Save This Recipe for Later
Don’t lose this frightful favorite! Pin it to your Halloween board, share it with friends, or bookmark it now so you’re ready to cook when spooky season arrives.