Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs: 9 Fun Facts!

Why Make This Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with making and serving Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs:

• Visually Stunning: It’s an instant showstopper, perfect for themed parties or a fun family dinner.
• Deceptively Simple: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to create.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will adore helping assemble the “eyeballs” and eating their spooooky dinner.
• Deliciously Satisfying: Beyond the novelty, it’s a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that’s truly tasty.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

How to Make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Ingredients of Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

For the Bloody Spaghetti Base

• 1 pound spaghetti or your preferred pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mozzarella Eyeballs

• 1 (8-ounce) package small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
• 1 (3.8-ounce) can black olives, pitted and sliced into rounds
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• Green or blue food coloring (gel or liquid)

Directions of Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Step 1: Prepare the Bloody Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water (or vegetable broth).
5. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti to Perfection

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the spaghetti well and set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Mozzarella Eyeballs

1. Take each small mozzarella ball.
2. Place a slice of black olive in the center of one side of the mozzarella ball. This will be the “pupil.”
3. Dip a clean toothpick into a tiny drop of green or blue food coloring. Carefully dot around the black olive “pupil” to create the “iris.” Repeat for all mozzarella balls.
4. Dip another clean toothpick into a tiny drop of red food coloring. Carefully draw thin, squiggly lines radiating from the olive “pupil” towards the edges of the mozzarella ball to create bloodshot veins. Be gentle; a little goes a long way.

Step 4: Bring It All Together: The Ghoulish Plating

1. Add the drained spaghetti to the pot with the simmering bloody sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Serve generous portions of the “bloody” spaghetti onto individual plates.
4. Arrange 3-4 mozzarella eyeballs on top of each serving of spaghetti.

How to Serve Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Serve this dish immediately after assembling. It makes a fantastic centerpiece for any themed dinner or Halloween party. You can enhance the eerie atmosphere with spooky table decorations like cobwebs, plastic spiders, or flickering LED candles. Consider serving it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.

How to Store Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The mozzarella eyeballs are best enjoyed fresh, as they can lose some of their visual appeal and texture when stored with the hot pasta. If you have leftover eyeballs, store them separately in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Tips to Make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

• Mozzarella Ball Preparation: Make sure the mozzarella balls are well-drained. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed before adding the olive slices and food coloring. This helps the colors stick better.
• Food Coloring Application: Use a very light hand when applying food coloring. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away easily. A tiny dot on a toothpick is usually enough. For the bloodshot veins, aim for thin, wispy lines rather than thick blobs.
• Timing: While you can make the sauce ahead of time, assemble the eyeballs closer to serving. This keeps them looking fresh and firm.
• Pasta Choice: Any long pasta works, but spaghetti gives that classic “wormy” look.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little extra water or vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptations: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, ensure your spaghetti is egg-free, use a vegan mozzarella alternative for the eyeballs, or skip the eyeballs for a simple “bloody pasta.”
• Spicy vs. Mild Options: Easily adjust the red pepper flakes to make it spicier or omit them entirely for a mild version the whole family can enjoy.
• Protein Additions: Add cooked ground lean beef, turkey, or lentils to the sauce for a heartier meal.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs ahead of time? A1: Yes, absolutely! You can make the sauce a day or two in advance and gently reheat it. The mozzarella eyeballs are best assembled closer to serving for optimal freshness, but you can prepare the olive slices and food coloring dots ahead of time.

Q2: What kind of spaghetti is best for Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs? A2: Any long pasta shape works wonderfully, but traditional spaghetti holds the “blood” sauce beautifully. You can even try black bean spaghetti for an extra spooky effect!

Q3: How can I make my Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs spicier or milder? A3: To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes entirely and ensure you use a mild tomato sauce. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance any acidity.

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