Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – The Spookiest (and Tastiest!) Halloween Treat!
Looking for a fun and slightly creepy treat to serve at your Halloween party? These Bloody Eyeball Meatballs are the perfect combination of spooky and delicious! They’re so easy to make, using store-bought or homemade meatballs, and topped with a clever mozzarella and olive “eyeball” that’s sure to get a reaction. They are also a great option for Halloween themed food ! Get ready to impress your friends and family with these frightfully fun Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – they’re guaranteed to be a hit and take your Halloween dinner ideas to the next level! Perfect for kids and adults alike, these spooky snacks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – meatballs topped with mozzarella and olive slices
- Super Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute Halloween parties.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and engaging way to get kids excited about dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A unique and memorable appetizer or main course that will impress your guests.
- Customizable: Use your favorite meatball recipe or store-bought for convenience.
- Deliciously Spooky! The perfect balance of savory and… well, eyeball-y!
Ingredients for Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – meatballs topped with mozzarella and olive slices
- 1 (12-16oz) package of your favorite meatballs (homemade or store-bought).
- 1 (15-24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (small, ciliegine size preferred). – Can substitute with larger mozzarella balls, cut into smaller pieces.
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained.
- Optional: Fresh basil, for garnish.
How to Make Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – meatballs topped with mozzarella and olive slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using frozen meatballs, prepare them according to package directions. If using homemade, bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
- Simmer in Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Eyeballs: While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the mozzarella “eyeballs.” Gently press a sliced black olive into the center of each mozzarella ball. This will create the “pupil” of the eyeball.
- Add the Eyeballs: Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Place the mozzarella “eyeballs” on top of each meatball.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Bloody Eyeball Meatballs immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. The heat from the meatballs will slightly melt the mozzarella to help it stick.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegan mozzarella cheese alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and assemble the “eyeballs” just before serving.
- Meatball Size: Small meatballs work best for presentation, making them perfect Halloween finger foods.
- “Blood” Effect: For an extra gruesome effect, drizzle a tiny bit of beet juice around the eyeballs for added, edible “blood.”
Serving Suggestions
These Bloody Eyeball Meatballs make a fantastic appetizer or main course for your Halloween gathering or spooky dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, for a hearty and festive meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the delicious marinara sauce.
- Vegetable Skewers: Offer a healthier option by serving with grilled vegetable skewers.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Bloody Eyeball Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the mozzarella can melt and lose its shape. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQ about Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – meatballs topped with mozzarella and olive slices
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought meatballs is a great time-saver. Choose your favorite flavor and cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the marinara sauce. This is one of the reasons why this recipe is such a great Halloween food idea for parties, it is fast food !
Q: Can I prepare these Bloody Eyeball Meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the eyeballs when you’re ready to serve. These are very easy Halloween food !
Q: What are some other Halloween Dinner Ideas besides these?
A: Besides Bloody Eyeball Meatballs there are lots of Halloween dinner ideas. You can make mummy dogs, spiderweb pizza or ghost shaped quesadillas
Q: Can I freeze the Bloody Eyeball Meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the meatballs without the mozzarella and olive toppings. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh mozzarella and olive eyes after reheating.
Final Thoughts on Bloody Eyeball Meatballs – meatballs topped with mozzarella and olive slices
These Bloody Eyeball Meatballs are a wickedly fun and delicious addition to any Halloween celebration. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or simply looking for a creative way to spice up your dinner routine, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Remember to take photos and share your creations! Happy Halloween, and happy cooking!
Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Halloween Food Recipes board on Pinterest for easy access next year! And if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. For more spooktacular recipes and delicious content, subscribe to my newsletter!
Bloody Eyeball Meatballs
Equipment
- oven
- Saucepan
- skillet,
Ingredients
- 1 (12-16 oz) package your favorite meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 (15-24 oz) jar your favorite marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (small, ciliegine size preferred, or larger balls cut smaller)
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives drained
- fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using frozen meatballs, prepare them according to package directions. If using homemade, bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
- Simmer in Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Eyeballs: While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the mozzarella “eyeballs.” Gently press a sliced black olive into the center of each mozzarella ball to create the “pupil” of the eyeball.
- Add the Eyeballs: Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Place the mozzarella “eyeballs” on top of each meatball.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Bloody Eyeball Meatballs immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. The heat from the meatballs will slightly melt the mozzarella to help it stick.
