Why is it that eyeballs are so scary? I guess it’s because most of us prefer to see eyes in people’s heads and not sitting around. I always offer several kinds of eyeballs at my annual Halloween BOO-ffet, and the following Eyeballs Arrabiata is a scrumptious Italian take on eyeballs; they are not only easy, but can be made ahead. The sauce is spicy like the classic Italian Arrabiata sauce, but it is made easily with canned spaghetti sauce.

It’s a good idea to use a shallow slow cooker to showcase these eyeballs. I like the small Crockpot Casserole Crock®. If one isn’t available, use a slow cooker with a large footprint rather than round and tall. However, they taste good no matter what slow cooker you use.

8 Servings

Arrabiata Sauce:
2 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
2 large jalapeno pepper
1/2 large onion
1/2 teaspoon crushed red hot pepper

Eyeballs:
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ground turkey breast

Whole black olives, cut in half crosswise

1. Arrabiata Sauce: Pour the spaghetti sauce into a shallow slow cooker.
2. Grind or finely chop the jalapeno pepper and onion; stir into the mixture.
3. Stir in the crushed red hot pepper.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker to high.
5. Eyeballs: mix the breadcrumbs, pesto, Parmesan cheese, egg, and salt, and pepper until well-combined.
6. Stir in the turkey and mix well.
7. Scoop tablespoon-size balls from the mixture and press half of an olive into each meatball to resemble an eyeball.
8. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce in the slow cooker, olive side up.
9. Cover the slow cooker, set to high, and let cook 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through. Note: If you aren't in a hurry, you can cook these eyeballs on the low setting for 4-6 hours.
Serve with Black Spaghetti

Amount Per Serving
Calories 263 Calories from Fat 86
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 33% Protein 30% Carb. 38%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 61 mg
Sodium 1577 mg
Total Carbohydrate 25 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 20 g

Vitamin A 76% Vitamin C 112% Calcium 0% Iron 15%