Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs Recipe

Posted on October 21, 2024

Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and creepy Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs dish! Perfect for a Halloween party or a themed family dinner, this recipe features flavorful meatball “eyeballs” staring up at you from a plate of spaghetti, with spooky mozzarella and olive eyeball decorations. It’s a fun, festive, and delicious meal that will delight kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs

Perfect for Halloween: A spooky, creative twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs.
Fun for Kids: Kids will love the eyeball meatballs and the fun presentation.
Hearty and Delicious: Packed with flavor and comfort, making it a perfect fall meal.

Ingredients for Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs

For the Meatball “Eyeballs”:

1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 small mozzarella balls (or sliced mozzarella rounds)
6 black olives, sliced into rounds

For the Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 12-15 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the “Eyeballs”

Once the meatballs are done, place a small mozzarella ball (or slice) on top of each meatball while they are still warm, allowing the cheese to soften slightly.
Press a black olive slice into the center of the mozzarella to create the “eyeball.”
Set the spooky eyeballs aside until ready to serve.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, allowing the flavors to blend for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Spooky Spaghetti

Place a portion of spaghetti on each plate and spoon the marinara sauce over the top.
Carefully arrange the “eyeball” meatballs on the spaghetti so the eyeballs are facing up.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this spooky spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Serve with a Halloween-themed drink like apple cider or a spooky punch for extra fun.

Tips for the Best Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs

Use Mini Mozzarella Balls: If you can’t find mini mozzarella balls, you can slice regular mozzarella into small rounds to create the eyeballs.
Get Creative with the Eyeballs: You can also use green olives or small pieces of red bell pepper for extra color and creepiness.
Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Simply reheat before assembling the spooky eyeballs.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs and just decorate them with mozzarella and olives for the eyeballs.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can use vegetarian meatballs or even roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant as the base for your eyeballs.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion: A Spooky, Fun, and Delicious Meal! This Spooky Spaghetti & Eyeballs recipe is a hit for any Halloween celebration! With its eerie meatball eyeballs and a bed of tasty spaghetti, it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Get creative with your Halloween dinner this year and enjoy this creepy but delicious dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)