Hot Dog Worms Halloween Twist (Print Version)
Sliced hot dogs transform into 'worms' atop spaghetti for a spooky, fun party meal in just 20 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Hot Dogs
01 - 8 standard hot dogs
→ Pasta
02 - 9 ounces spaghetti
→ Sauce
03 - 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce (optional)
→ Garnishes
04 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
05 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Slice each hot dog lengthwise into 4 to 6 thin strips to shape as worms.
02 - Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
03 - Place hot dog strips into boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until curled. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
04 - Add spaghetti to the same boiling water and cook following package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
05 - If using sauce, heat marinara or tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium-low until warmed through.
06 - Arrange the spaghetti on serving plates and top with curled hot dog worms, intertwining them for a spooky appearance.
07 - Drizzle with warmed marinara sauce if desired and garnish with parsley or Parmesan cheese as preferred.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick and easy for busy nights or last minute party prep
- Makes a huge impact yet uses familiar ingredients
- Ideal for getting kids involved in the kitchen since slicing and arranging is fun for little hands
- Looks spooky but is basically classic comfort food with a twist
02 -
- Perfect kid-friendly dish that feels creative and fun
- A great way to stretch just a few hot dogs into many servings
- Adapts easily to vegetarian or gluten free versions
03 -
- Cut your hot dogs as evenly as possible (uneven strips will not curl as well and can overcook)
- Always salt your water and use enough (it flavors every component)
- For more dramatic color, brown the hot dog strips in a skillet after boiling
- Let kids help with assembling so the final plate feels special
- A little olive oil or butter tossed in the hot pasta keeps it from sticking and makes serving easier