When the leaves start turning and there is a chill in the air, I always think of those playful little party foods that make folks smile before they even take a bite. These 4-ingredient monster eyeball meatballs are just the sort of easy, old-fashioned gathering dish a busy home cook can count on. They come together with very little fuss, but once that red sauce, melty mozzarella, and olive “pupils” hit the table, they steal the whole show at any fall party or Halloween supper.
Serve these spooky meatballs with little appetizer picks or toothpicks so guests can help themselves. They go especially well with buttery garlic bread, a simple green salad, or a platter of raw vegetables if you want something fresh alongside all that saucy goodness. For a party table, I like to set them out next to baked pasta, chips and dip, and a pot of warm cider for a cozy autumn spread.
4-Ingredient Monster Eyeball Meatballs
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 bag (24 to 32 ounces) frozen fully cooked meatballs
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into small rounds or torn into pieces
1 small can sliced black olives
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a white casserole dish.
2. Spread a little of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish, add the frozen meatballs in a single layer, and pour the rest of the sauce over the top so the meatballs are well coated.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and top each meatball with a piece of mozzarella and one sliced black olive to make little eyeballs.
5. Return the dish to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese softens and melts slightly. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Use string cheese: If fresh mozzarella is not handy, sliced string cheese works just fine for the “eyeballs.” Cut it into little coins and tuck an olive slice right on top.
Keep them warm for parties: After baking, you can transfer the meatballs to a small slow cooker on the warm setting. That way they stay hot through the whole party and guests can come back for seconds.
Make them extra spooky: For a more dramatic look, use a spoon to drizzle a little extra sauce over the tops before serving so the bright red peeks around the white cheese and black olive.
Try a homemade touch: If you have a favorite family meatball recipe, you can certainly use homemade meatballs in place of frozen. Just make sure they are cooked through before assembling the dish with sauce and toppings.