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Easy Bloody Eyeball Meatballs Appetizer

Bloody Eyeball Meatballs

Benjamin
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 350 kcal

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.

Notes

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick or drizzle beet juice around the eyeballs for a blood effect. Vegan options can be created using plant-based meatballs and vegan mozzarella.
Keyword Halloween, Kid-Friendly, Meatballs, Spooky