If the comforting flavors of spaghetti and the irresistible aroma of garlic bread ever had a love child, it would be this Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread. Imagine gooey cheese and saucy pasta stuffed inside a golden, buttery loaf, ready to be sliced into hearty, hand-held wedges. This crowd-pleasing twist on classic favorites is perfect for parties, game days, or an indulgent weeknight dinner that brings all your cravings together in one bite. Trust me, Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread is the kind of dish your family and friends will talk about long after the last crumb has disappeared.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread lies in its honestly simple but essential ingredients. Each one is chosen for how it enhances the taste, texture, and irresistible color of the finished loaf—no bells and whistles, just pure comfort food greatness.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Choose a classic spaghetti noodle here, cooked just to al dente for that perfect bite.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for a luscious, tomato-rich base.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1/2 pound, optional): Adds heartiness and savory depth—totally skip for a vegetarian take!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): This gives that gooey, melty goodness that holds everything together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): A little sharp Parm ramps up the flavor of the filling.
- Large French Bread Loaf: The vessel for your spaghetti; look for one fresh and sturdy.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Ensures the bread bakes up golden and buttery in every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Key for aroma and that classic garlic bread punch.
- Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon): Adds a splash of color and fresh herby flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: A seasoning finish to round everything out just right.
How to Make Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain them while they’re still a little firm, since they’ll finish off nestled inside the bread. Rinse with a splash of cool water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
If you’re going for a meaty version, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it into small pieces. Once cooked, drain off the excess fat, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Time to build the heart of your Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread! In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, the warm meat sauce, the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix it all up so the cheese melts into the noodles and the sauce hugs every strand.
Step 4: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take your French bread loaf and slice off the very top—just enough to hollow out the center. Gently pull out the soft insides, leaving about a half-inch border so your bread stays sturdy when stuffed.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This aromatic mix gets brushed inside the hollowed loaf, coating the entire cavity and infusing the Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread with classic garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Stuff and Bake
Spoon the spaghetti mixture into the prepared bread shell, really packing it in so every slice is loaded. Place your stuffed loaf on a baking sheet, and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is beautifully golden. Let it cool just a bit, then slice and watch those cheesy strands pull apart!
How to Serve Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Top each slice with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a flurry of chopped parsley, or even a few red pepper flakes if you love a kick of heat. A drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of balsamic glaze takes it to a gourmet level while keeping it approachable for everyone.
Side Dishes
While Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread is a meal in itself, a fresh side salad or roasted veggies make it a balanced dinner. Think a Caesar salad, simple mixed greens, or roasted broccoli to round things out. For gatherings, offer a bowl of extra marinara for dipping—there’s never too much sauce with this dish!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, cut the bread into party-sized pieces and serve on a cutting board for guests to grab. Or, cut smaller loaves for individual servings. For a casual pizza night twist, top each slice with pepperoni before the final bake. Get playful and make Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread boats as appetizer bites—the options are endless and always fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in foil and refrigerate. The bread holds up nicely for up to three days, and the flavors just get cozier as they sit together overnight.
Freezing
Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread can be a true freezer hero. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in a layer of foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months—just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven, wrapped loosely in foil, until warmed through. This keeps the bread crusty and the cheese as melty as when it first came out of the oven. You can microwave in a pinch, but the crust will soften.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground meat and use your favorite meatless marinara. The cheeses, sauce, and pasta create plenty of flavor on their own, so it will still be hearty and satisfying.
What’s the best bread to use for Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread?
Look for a large, sturdy French bread loaf with a crisp crust and soft center. You want something that can hold all the filling without getting soggy or falling apart while slicing.
Can I prepare Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the loaf ahead and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
How can I add more flavor to the garlic butter?
Try mixing in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or a little grated lemon zest for brightness. You can also use roasted garlic for an even deeper flavor.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Provolone, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar all melt beautifully and bring their own character to Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both fun and soul-satisfying, Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread is pure happiness baked right into a loaf. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or wowing friends at your next get-together, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself craving that first cheesy, garlicky, saucy bite again and again!
Print
Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a unique twist on classic garlic bread with this Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe. Crispy French bread is hollowed out and filled with a savory mix of spaghetti, marinara sauce, and cheese, then baked to gooey perfection. A comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Spaghetti Filling:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Bread:
- 1 large French bread loaf
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown and cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Add marinara sauce and simmer.
- Mix Spaghetti Filling: Combine spaghetti, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Prep the Bread: Cut and hollow out French bread.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley.
- Fill the Bread: Stuff bread with spaghetti mixture.
- Bake: Bake filled loaf until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can use jarred or homemade marinara.
- Skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
- Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
