Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping comfort dish that combines the best parts of two beloved favorites—cheesy pasta and warm, buttery bread—Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are your ticket to dinnertime greatness. Imagine twirling luscious spaghetti tangled in garlicky marinara, then scooping it up with toasty, golden bread that doubles as your bowl. These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls not only taste heavenly, but their irresistible presentation turns any meal into an occasion, making them perfect for cozy weeknights, fun family gatherings, or that “wow” factor at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredibly easy yet packed with flavor, Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls come together using pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one shines through in the final dish, offering bursts of flavor, gooey texture, and vibrant color—there’s no skimping on deliciousness here!
- Small round bread loaves (4): Sturdy little loaves like sourdough or Italian are the secret to that crispy bowl with a pillowy inside—perfect for holding your spaghetti.
- Spaghetti pasta (8 ounces): You can’t have Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls without long strands of perfectly cooked pasta to soak up all the flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A quick sauté in olive oil brings richness and depth to the garlic base.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Don’t be shy—fresh garlic perfumes every bite and gives the bread bowls serious Italian flair.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Your favorite jarred or homemade marinara pulls everything together with a bold and zesty tomato hug.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Salty and nutty, Parmesan mingles beautifully with the hot pasta.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): That ooey-gooey cheesiness when you pull apart the bread bowls is courtesy of melty mozz.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (1/4 cup): Adds fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant pops of green to your masterpiece.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The classics—essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Blending with herbs, this is spread over the bread tops for that iconic garlic bread finish.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Just a bit brings authentic herby aroma and depth to every bite.
How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your cute little bread loaves and, using a sharp serrated knife, slice off the tops. Then, gently hollow out the centers—leave about a 1-inch thick border to support the spaghetti filling and keep things sturdy. Save those soft bread innards for breadcrumbs or snacking later!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. This is important for that perfect toothsome bite, especially since the pasta will bake inside the bread a bit more. Drain well and set aside—it’s almost party time for your noodles.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Marinara Sauce
In a roomy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about one minute—just until fragrant and golden but not too browned. Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring well, and let it bubble gently for two or three minutes to meld the flavors and warm everything through.
Step 4: Toss Pasta and Add Cheese
Add your cooked spaghetti straight into the pan of garlicky tomato sauce. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then shower on the grated Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Toss everything well so the sauce and cheese cling lovingly to every strand.
Step 5: Fill and Top the Bread Bowls
Divide your saucy, cheesy spaghetti evenly among the hollowed bread bowls. Pile it in high—don’t be shy! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of each bowl for that irresistible browned, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter
Mix the softened butter with the dried Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Grab the reserved bread tops and brush the seasoned butter generously over the cut sides—this makes them extra garlicky and ready for dunking later!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the filled bread bowls and the buttered tops on a baking sheet. Slide it all into your hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gloriously bubbly, while the bread turns crisp and toasty. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls come out of the oven, sprinkle on a generous shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley. The green flecks are not just pretty—they brighten every bite and amp up that fresh Italian flavor.
How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley transforms your bowls into something truly special. Add a dash more Parmesan or a grind of black pepper for an extra layer of yum. If you like a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes is a perfect spicy touch.
Side Dishes
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a meal in themselves, but they’re wonderful with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted veggies. If you want even more comfort, serve them alongside a simple soup like minestrone or tomato basil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, serve each person their own steaming bread bowl on a rustic wooden board with a little ramekin of extra marinara or garlic butter for dipping. Or try mini versions using dinner rolls for appetizers—everyone gets their own adorable Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the bread may soften as it absorbs the saucy goodness inside.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the bowls for another night, let them cool and wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop refrigerated or thawed bread bowls in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven (unwrapped, on a baking sheet) for about 10 to 15 minutes, until heated through and the bread crisps back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven truly brings them back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While the classic version uses spaghetti, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—just pick a pasta that holds sauce well and fits nicely in your bread bowls.
How do I make these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls vegan?
Swap out the dairy cheeses for your favorite plant-based alternatives, use vegan butter for the garlic topping, and double-check that your bread is vegan-friendly. The dish will be just as comforting and delicious!
What’s the best bread for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls?
Sourdough and Italian boule-style loaves work best because they’re sturdy enough to hold the spaghetti and sauce without getting soggy. Just make sure to leave a thick enough shell when you hollow them out.
Can I add protein or veggies to the filling?
Definitely! Try adding cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and variety. It’s a great way to personalize your bowls to your family’s liking.
Any tips for making these ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance: hollow out the bread bowls and make the spaghetti and sauce mixture a day ahead. Store them separately, then assemble and bake fresh so everything is hot and crisp when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
With every saucy, cheesy bite, you’ll see why Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are such a hit—you get comfort food magic and interactive fun all together! Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively dinner with friends, these bowls will have everyone grinning. Go ahead and treat yourself to this crowd-pleasing dish; once you try Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, you’ll want them in your regular dinner rotation.
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Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls – a delicious combination of cheesy spaghetti served in a crispy bread bowl.
Ingredients
Bread Bowls:
- 4 small round bread loaves (such as sourdough or Italian)
Spaghetti Mixture:
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hollow out bread loaves: Cut the tops off the bread loaves and hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to form bread bowls. Set aside the removed bread for another use.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and cook until warmed through. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, then mix in Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella.
- Fill bread bowls: Spoon the spaghetti mixture into the hollowed bread bowls, top with remaining mozzarella.
- Prepare topping: Mix softened butter with Italian seasoning. Brush this garlic butter mixture on the cut tops of the bread loaves.
- Bake: Place the bread bowls and tops on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and bread is toasted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the spaghetti mixture.
- Any sturdy bread that holds up well when hollowed can be used.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
