If you love the unbeatable duo of saucy pasta and fragrant garlic bread, Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread will blow your mind. Imagine tender spaghetti tangled with marinara, gooey cheese, and optional savory meat, all nestled inside a crusty French loaf brushed with garlicky butter. Then, just when it couldn’t get better, the whole thing is baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, party centerpiece, and family favorite all in one fantastic recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make magic happen with Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing just the right amount of creaminess, crunch, depth, or richness for that show-stopping, mouthwatering result.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the saucy, cheesy flavors and fills the bread perfectly.
- Olive oil: Tossed with the pasta for silkiness and a little richness in every bite.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a burst of tangy tomato flavor and keeps the filling luscious and moist.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional): Adds a savory, hearty bite—totally optional but highly recommended for meat lovers!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for perfect stringy, cheesy goodness throughout the loaf.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick that deepens the cheesy flavor.
- Large French bread loaf (unsliced): The ultimate vessel for stuffing—look for a sturdy loaf with a crisp crust.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the garlic butter lush and helps the exterior toast up beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic (minced): Because you can’t have garlic bread without the punch of fresh garlic!
- Chopped parsley: Lends that fresh, herby finish and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning every layer, making sure all the flavors shine.
How to Make Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook it according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Once it’s tender but still a little firm in the center, drain and drizzle with olive oil, tossing so every strand stays separate and glossy. This step ensures your pasta won’t clump and will mix smoothly with the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Marinara
If you’re going with the optional ground beef or sausage, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your meat until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Drain off the excess fat—no one wants a greasy loaf! Stir in your marinara sauce, warming everything together. This flavorful combo will get absorbed by the pasta for irresistible bites.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Now combine the cooked spaghetti, sauced meat (if using), mozzarella, and Parmesan in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to distribute the cheese and sauce. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta, binding everything together in cheesy, saucy delight—this is the filling that takes Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread to legendary status.
Step 4: Prep and Fill the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking. Lay your French loaf on a cutting board and carefully slice off the top, keeping it in one piece if possible since it makes a nice lid. Hollow out the middle gently, leaving about a 1-inch shell to hold all that glorious filling. Spoon the spaghetti mixture into the loaf, pressing gently as you go so it’s fully packed without breaking the crust.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this garlicky mixture generously over the top and sides of your stuffed loaf. You can’t overdo it here—this butter is what gives your bread its fragrant, crunchy, craveable finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed loaf on a baking sheet (I like lining mine with parchment for easy cleanup). Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bread is a deep golden brown and the cheese inside is wonderfully melted and bubbly. Let the loaf rest for 5 minutes so the filling sets just a bit—this helps ensure every slice is neat and loaded.
How to Serve Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or freshly grated Parmesan over the top right before serving. If you love a pop of color (and a fiery kick), a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few basil leaves are beautiful, too. A drizzle of olive oil brings a glossy finish and that Italian touch.
Side Dishes
Balance out your Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread feast with a light, tangy side salad—think arugula, tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette. Roasted broccolini, sautéed green beans, or a bowl of minestrone soup also make fantastic companions, cutting the richness and making it a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread into thick, hearty slabs for family-style sharing at the table, or cut smaller pieces for party appetizers. For a showy centerpiece, serve on a wooden board with a scattering of fresh herbs around the base. If you’re feeding kids, turn the loaf into “spaghetti boats” by slicing into individual boat-shaped portions—fun and spill-proof!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, making it a terrific make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread! Wrap individual slices or the whole stuffed loaf in foil and then in a freezer bag. It’ll hold its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just don’t forget to label so you can find it for a quick, cheesy dinner anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven, wrapped in foil, until warmed through—usually 15 minutes or so. This keeps the bread crusty and the filling soft and cheesy. If you’re in a hurry, microwave for a minute, though the crust may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover spaghetti for Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is a wonderful way to breathe new life into leftover spaghetti. Just warm it slightly, mix in the cheeses, and continue as directed—you’ll save time and cut back on food waste.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply skip the meat or swap it for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies. The combination of cheese and marinara still packs a punch of flavor, and you’ll have all that satisfying texture.
What’s the best bread to use?
A classic, unsliced French bread loaf is perfect for this recipe because it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling and bakes to a lovely crisp. Avoid very soft or thin baguettes, as they may get soggy or collapse under the weight of the spaghetti.
Can I make Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare and stuff the bread a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, brush with garlic butter and bake as instructed. It’s ideal for parties or weeknight prep.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure your spaghetti mixture isn’t too wet—let excess liquid simmer off as needed before stuffing the loaf. Also, leaving a sturdy 1-inch shell of bread ensures the crust stays crisp and the filling stays put.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving big flavors, cozy comfort, and a splash of fun, Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread is the recipe you need to try. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table and come back for seconds. Be ready for rave reviews—you might have just found your new signature party dish!
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 the ultimate comfort food with this Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe. A delicious blend of pasta, meats, and cheeses baked inside a crusty French loaf.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Filling:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Bread:
- 1 large French bread loaf (unsliced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions, then toss with olive oil.
- Prepare the Filling: Cook ground beef or sausage (if using), mix with marinara sauce, add cheeses, and combine with spaghetti.
- Prep the Bread: Hollow out French bread, fill with spaghetti mixture, and brush with garlic butter.
- Bake: Bake stuffed bread until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it rest, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover spaghetti works great for this recipe.
- Customize with red pepper flakes or Alfredo sauce.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
