Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls combine two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. Imagine a golden, buttery garlic bread bowl filled with saucy spaghetti, topped with cheese, and baked until everything melts together in harmony. This recipe is fun, indulgent, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or when you just want to try something a little different. The best part? You get both the pasta and the bread in one dish—no need for sides. I tried this once with a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara, and it gave the meal a fiery twist that was unforgettable. The garlic butter soaks into the bread, the spaghetti fills the center, and the melted cheese on top makes it extra comforting. It’s a playful dish that delivers on both flavor and presentation, sure to impress anyone at the table.
Print
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls – The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls combine two comfort food favorites by serving saucy spaghetti inside a warm, buttery garlic bread bowl for a fun and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian rolls)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a hole in the top of each bread loaf and hollow out the centers to create bowls. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush the inside of each bread bowl generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Place bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan, then mix with cooked spaghetti. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.
- Fill each garlic bread bowl with spaghetti mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, brush the tops of the bread bowls with garlic butter as well.
- Use meat sauce or add Italian sausage for a heartier version.
- These can be made with mini bread rolls for party-sized portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti – The star of the dish, perfectly cooked spaghetti holds the sauce well and fits neatly inside the bread bowls.
French bread rolls or round bread loaves – Hollowed out and baked with garlic butter, these form the edible bowls that hold the pasta.
Olive oil – Used to sauté aromatics and enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Garlic cloves – Minced garlic is essential for both the bread butter mixture and the pasta sauce.
Unsalted butter – Blended with garlic and herbs, it transforms plain bread into delicious garlic bread bowls.
Marinara sauce – A rich, tomato-based sauce that coats the spaghetti. You can use homemade or store-bought.
Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) – For a heartier filling, adding meat to the marinara makes the dish extra satisfying.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts over the top of the spaghetti, creating that gooey, stretchy layer everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Fresh parsley – A garnish that adds brightness and color before serving.
Directions
Start by preparing the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss it with marinara sauce, adding cooked ground beef or sausage if using. Set aside.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven and prepare the bread bowls. Slice off the tops of the rolls or loaves and hollow out the insides, leaving enough bread around the edges to form sturdy bowls. Melt butter with minced garlic and brush it generously inside the hollowed bowls. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, then bake for a few minutes until lightly toasted.
Fill each bread bowl with spaghetti, packing it in so it sits nicely. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Return the filled bowls to the oven and bake until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Guests can eat the spaghetti first, then enjoy the garlic bread bowl as a built-in side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking/baking requires another 25 minutes. Altogether, you can have this dish on the table in about 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the bread crisp. Microwaving is not ideal since the bread can become soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Alfredo Version – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add broccoli for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Vegetarian Option – Leave out the meat and bulk up the filling with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use arrabbiata sauce for a fiery flavor.
Mini Party Bowls – Use small dinner rolls instead of large loaves for bite-sized, party-friendly versions.
Stuffed with Extras – Mix ricotta into the spaghetti for a cheesy, baked-pasta feel.
FAQs
Can I make the bread bowls ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and hollow them in advance, then fill and bake again when ready to serve.
What bread works best?
Round bread loaves or sturdy rolls work best—they hold their shape after hollowing.
Can I use another pasta besides spaghetti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni also work well in the bread bowls.
Do I need to toast the bread bowls before filling?
Yes, toasting prevents them from becoming soggy when filled with sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a creative way to enjoy two comfort foods in one. The garlic butter bread adds flavor and texture, while the spaghetti filling makes the dish hearty and satisfying. It’s an excellent recipe for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even as a fun family cooking project. With endless ways to customize the filling and bread, you can make it your own while still enjoying the irresistible combination of pasta and garlic bread.