Imagine twirling forkfuls of cheesy, saucy spaghetti, but instead of eating it from a regular plate, you’re diving into a crispy, golden garlic bread bowl that soaks up all the savory goodness. That’s the magic of Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls. This dish combines two comfort food classics—spaghetti and garlic bread—into one mouthwatering experience that’s crispy on the outside, rich and cheesy on the inside.
Perfect for a cozy dinner, party appetizer, or even a fun twist on family meal night, these bread bowls are not just delicious—they’re impressive and fun to eat. The crunchy, buttery shell contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy pasta filling. It’s everything you love about Italian food in a creative, handheld format that everyone will talk about.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
- 4 small round bread rolls (sourdough or boule-style)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cooked spaghetti
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of each bread roll and hollow out the centers, leaving about half an inch of bread along the sides and bottom to form a bowl. Save the tops and insides for another use like breadcrumbs or croutons.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Brush the inside and edges of the bread bowls thoroughly with this mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toast in the oven for about 8 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Filling
If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and cooked spaghetti to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the spaghetti mixture generously into each toasted garlic bread bowl. Make sure to pile it up so the filling rises slightly above the rim.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl. Be generous—this is where the gooey cheese magic happens.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the filled bread bowls to the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden. For an extra crispy top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy as a hearty meal or a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and store in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best type of bread to use?
Small round artisan rolls or mini sourdough loaves work best. Choose ones with a firm crust to hold the filling well.
3. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Absolutely. Just be sure the bread is dense enough to hold the spaghetti without becoming too soft.
4. What protein alternatives can I use instead of ground beef?
Try cooked chicken, plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
5. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toasting the bread bowls first and brushing with the garlic butter helps seal the interior and keeps it crispy.
6. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
You can, but be sure to hollow it out and toast it again before filling. Fresh rolls give you more control over size and texture.
7. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the combination of spaghetti and garlic bread. You can even let them help assemble their own bowls.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based butter. It still turns out delicious!
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Craving a creative twist on your usual pasta night? These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are the perfect combination of crispy garlic bread and cheesy, saucy spaghetti all baked into one irresistible dish. Ideal for a quick dinner, a fun weekend family meal, or a party-friendly option, these bowls will bring smiles all around. The buttery garlic bread forms the perfect vessel for rich marinara, melty mozzarella, and flavorful ground meat or veggie mix. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, food ideas for gatherings, or simply want a cozy, handheld pasta recipe, this dish delivers big on taste and texture.
Ingredients
4 small round bread rolls (sourdough or boule-style)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
1 cup cooked spaghetti
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice tops off the bread rolls and hollow out centers to create bowls.
- Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley; brush inside of bread bowls.
- Toast bowls in oven for 8 minutes until lightly crispy.
- In a skillet, brown meat (if using), then add marinara and cooked spaghetti. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each bread bowl with spaghetti mixture.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.