If you have ever dreamed of combining two irresistible comfort foods into one show-stopping dish, then this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in rich marinara sauce and Italian herbs, nestled inside golden, garlicky bread with molten mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that bakes until bubbling and crisp on top. This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures that will transform any meal into an unforgettable experience, whether for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays a vital role in making this dish truly spectacular. From the aromatic garlic butter that coats the bread to the robust marinara sauce and melty cheeses, every element contributes flavor, texture, and color to the final masterpiece.
- 1 large loaf Italian bread or French bread: Provides the perfect sturdy base with a crispy crust and soft interior for stuffing.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the garlic adhere beautifully to the bread.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances the garlic butter’s flavor and assists with browning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable, fragrant garlic punch everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and pretty green flecks.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The star pasta that absorbs all those tasty seasonings and sauce.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The comforting, tangy tomato base that coats the pasta.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that melts to gooey perfection.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other tastes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the spaghetti with classic Italian flair.
How to Make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Filling
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente; this ensures the pasta holds its texture without turning mushy inside the bread. Once drained, toss the noodles with your marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning so every strand is coated with fragrant, vibrant flavors. This layer will be the juicy heart of your stuffed bread.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Bread
Slice your Italian or French loaf lengthwise, creating two long halves. Carefully scoop out the soft inner bread, making enough room for the spaghetti filling but leaving a sturdy shell to hold everything together. This step is key to achieving the perfect bread-to-filling ratio, ensuring every bite has a delightful balance of crust and melty pasta.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a small bowl. Brush this aromatic mixture generously over the inside of both bread halves. This garlicky layer infuses the bread with flavor and helps it crisp up to a golden brown during baking, creating an irresistible crunchy base for the spaghetti.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Spread the saucy spaghetti evenly inside the bottom half of the bread, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the other half of the bread on top like a lid, wrapping the whole loaf tightly in foil to lock in moisture while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the foil-wrapped loaf into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the bread crisp perfectly and the cheese melt into bubbly, golden goodness. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool before slicing so the filling sets and won’t spill everywhere.
How to Serve Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving adds a lively burst of color and freshness that complements the rich garlic and cheesy filling beautifully. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is fantastic served alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and add nutritional variety. Simple steamed broccoli or a fresh Caesar salad are effortless companions that round out the meal without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the stuffed loaf into individual portions and serving them with mini bowls of extra marinara sauce for dipping. Another fun idea is to cut the loaf into thick rounds and serve it as a party appetizer or finger food with toothpicks – perfect for sharing at casual dinners or game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spaghetti stuffed garlic bread keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the bread cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the assembled but unbaked loaf tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen (adding extra baking time) for a homemade comfort meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the bread crisps again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread chewy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Just choose a sturdy gluten-free loaf that can handle the stuffing and baking process. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor remains delicious.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
A well-seasoned, flavorful marinara sauce is ideal. You can use store-bought or homemade; just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy bread.
Can I add meat to the spaghetti filling?
Definitely! Adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even meatballs mixes great into the spaghetti and makes the dish more substantial for meat lovers.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Brushing the bread with garlic butter before adding the filling helps create a moisture barrier. Wrapping the loaf in foil while baking traps steam inside, then finishing uncovered crisps the crust perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, as presented, this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just use a marinara sauce without any meat products for a delicious meat-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is a delightfully fun and comforting dish that brings the joy of garlic bread and pasta together in a way that feels special yet effortless. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with something uniquely delicious, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved classic on your table. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread is a deliciously comforting Italian American dish that combines garlicky buttered bread with saucy, cheesy spaghetti. Perfect for a hearty main course, this recipe features a hollowed-out loaf stuffed with seasoned spaghetti and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
For the Bread and Garlic Butter
- 1 large loaf Italian bread or French bread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Spaghetti Filling
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and toss it with marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well coated.
- Hollow Out the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Carefully hollow out some of the soft inner part of both halves to create room for the spaghetti filling, leaving a sturdy crust shell to hold the ingredients.
- Make Garlic Butter and Brush Bread: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the inside surfaces of both bread halves for a fragrant, buttery base.
- Assemble Stuffed Bread: Spoon the spaghetti mixture onto the bottom half of the bread, spreading it evenly to fill the hollowed space. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the spaghetti to provide a melty, cheesy layer.
- Wrap and Bake: Place the top half of the bread over the filled bottom half, sandwiching the filling inside. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, then continue baking for another 10 minutes more so that the bread crisps and the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stuffed garlic bread cool slightly for a few minutes to set the filling before slicing into individual servings and serving warm.
Notes
- For added protein, mix cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the spaghetti sauce before stuffing the bread.
- You can use pre-made garlic bread to save preparation time.
- Allow the bread to rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing to help keep the filling intact.
