Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

why make this recipe

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky dish perfect for Halloween or any creepy dinner party. It combines delicious spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce, and the mozzarella eyeballs give it a creative twist. This dish is not only tasty but also visually striking, making it an exciting option for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy the fun without too much stress in the kitchen!

how to make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 12 mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
• 6 black olives, halved

Directions:

1. Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and onions until soft.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Take the halved black olives and insert them into the mozzarella balls to create eyeballs. If you like, you can dot them with balsamic glaze or food coloring for added effect.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated, then top with the mozzarella eyeballs before serving.

how to serve Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Serve Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs on a wide plate or in a bowl. You can sprinkle some extra herbs on top for garnish. For added fun, serve it with a side of spooky decor, like plastic spiders or creepy napkins. This will really set the mood for your guests.

how to store Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Store any leftover Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

tips to make Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

• Make sure to cook the spaghetti just right, so it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy.
• If you want more flavor, try adding some cooked sausage or ground beef to the sauce.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese balls and avoid adding any meat.

variation

You can add other ingredients to the sauce, like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and add more nutrition. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and chop them, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is it spicy?
The dish can be spicy depending on the amount of red chili flakes you add. You can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.