These Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs are a fun and spooky treat that’ll bring giggles and grins to your family dinner table. With only 30 minutes of prep, you can whip up a batch of 16 delightfully creepy meatballs that are sure to impress little goblins and grown-ups alike. Perfect for Halloween parties or a cozy night in, these easy meatballs are both delicious and family-friendly!
Let’s dive into the magic of transforming standard meatballs into a frightfully fun dish. Picture this: a chilly evening, the Halloween decorations are up, and the kids are bouncing with excitement. The smell of seasoned beef wafts through the air, and the anticipation builds as these “zombie eyes” make their grand entrance. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about creating memories filled with joy and laughter.
Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These fun and spooky Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs are perfect for bringing giggles and grins to your family dinner table this Halloween.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 black olives, halved (for “eyes”)
- 1 (1 ounce) stick string cheese, cut into 16 slices
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, and oregano. Fold in the ground beef, mixing with your hands until well combined. Form 16 equal-sized meatballs using a cookie scoop.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet using tongs.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 8 minutes.
- While the meatballs bake, use a plastic straw to poke a hole through each olive half to create a circular “pupil.” Use the same straw to poke a hole through the center of each slice of string cheese. Insert the olive piece into the string cheese slice to create “eyes.”
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool until they are easy to handle.
- Assemble the zombie eyes by twirling a few strands of cooked spaghetti around the tines of 16 forks. Spear a meatball onto each fork and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon a dot of spaghetti sauce onto each meatball and place the olive-cheese “eye” on top. Finally, ladle more spaghetti sauce over the twirled spaghetti.
Notes
For a spooky yet delightful presentation, place the meatballs on forks, and encourage everyone to take a fork and enjoy these creepy treats. They can be paired nicely with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Why You’ll Love Making These Zombie Eyes Meatballs
Creating these Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs is an engaging experience that brings the family together. They’re simple enough for the kids to help with, whether rolling the meatballs or adding the finishing touches to the “eyes.” These meatballs not only taste great but also add a spooky flair to your Halloween feast. Plus, you’ll be the hit of the party when you serve up these delightful creatures!
How to Make Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.33 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 black olives, halved (for “eyes”)
- 1 (1 ounce) stick string cheese, cut into 16 slices
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, and oregano. Fold in the ground beef, mixing with your hands until well combined. Form 16 equal-sized meatballs using a cookie scoop.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet using tongs.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for 8 minutes.
- While the meatballs bake, use a plastic straw to poke a hole through each olive half to create a circular “pupil.” Use the same straw to poke a hole through the center of each slice of string cheese. Insert the olive piece into the string cheese slice to create “eyes.”
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool until they are easy to handle.
- Assemble the zombie eyes by twirling a few strands of cooked spaghetti around the tines of 16 forks. Spear a meatball onto each fork and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon a dot of spaghetti sauce onto each meatball and place the olive-cheese “eye” on top. Finally, ladle more spaghetti sauce over the twirled spaghetti.
How to Present Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs
For a spooky yet delightful presentation, place the meatballs on forks, make sure the “eyes” are prominently displayed, and arrange them on a festive platter. You can add some fake spiderwebs or other Halloween decorations around them for extra fun. Encourage everyone to take a fork and enjoy these creepy treats while you share tales of Halloween past. They won’t just fill bellies; they’ll fill hearts with joy!
Storing Your Leftover Zombie Eyes Meatballs
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they are so enjoyable), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, but remember, the “eyes” are best added fresh!
Tips for Making Perfect Zombie Eyes
- Get the Kids Involved: Let them help shape the meatballs or create the “eyes.” It’s a fun way to bond and enjoy the cooking experience together.
- Customize the Sauce: Experiment with different sauces, like a spicy marinara or a creamy Alfredo, to switch things up.
- Make it Spookier: For a little extra creepy fun, you could use different colored olives or even carve little faces into your cheese slices!
Variations You Can Try
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while maintaining the same great flavor.
- Add Some Veggies: Finely chop and add bell peppers or shredded carrots to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make Them Mini: Create smaller versions for bite-sized treats perfect for a party.
FAQs
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! These Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before heating and serving.
What kind of spaghetti sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce, whichever you prefer! A marinara sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to get creative.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair nicely with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even veggies for a complete meal!
Enjoy your scary yet scrumptious Halloween dinner with these Zombie Eyes Halloween Meatballs. They are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
