Looking for a fun twist on traditional spaghetti? Spaghetti garlic bread bowls are the perfect solution! These hearty, crispy bread bowls are filled with savory, saucy spaghetti and topped with melty cheese and fresh basil. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy a pasta dish, and one that will impress everyone around the table.
Ingredients
4 large bread bowls (sourdough or any round bread)
1 lb spaghetti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the top of each bread bowl and hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Set the bread tops aside.
Place the hollowed-out bread bowls on a baking sheet. Brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy.
While the bread bowls are baking, cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet along with red pepper flakes (if using), and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the marinara sauce and stir to coat. Remove from heat.
Once the bread bowls are ready, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the spaghetti mixture into each bowl, filling them generously.
Top with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Place the filled bread bowls back in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately with the reserved bread tops on the side for dipping!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Meat Lovers: Add some cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs into the marinara sauce for a heartier option.
Vegetarian: You can swap out the marinara sauce for a vegetable-based one or add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the sauce.
Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or any melty cheese you prefer. For extra richness, you can add a dollop of ricotta inside the bread bowl before spooning in the spaghetti.
Spicy Kick: For an added heat boost, toss in some diced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce over the top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: These garlic bread bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the spaghetti and bread bowls separately in airtight containers. The bread may soften slightly, but it will still taste great.
Reheating: To reheat, place the filled bread bowls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave the spaghetti filling and toast the bread bowls separately to retain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make the bread bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread bowls in advance by hollowing them out and storing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just brush with butter, season, and bake to crisp them up before adding the pasta.
Can I use any bread for the bowls?
Absolutely! While sourdough works great for its flavor and sturdiness, any round bread loaf will do. Just make sure it's thick enough to hold the spaghetti without falling apart.
Can I freeze the bread bowls?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the filled bread bowls because they may lose their crispiness. However, you can freeze the hollowed-out bread bowls before baking. When ready to use, just bake them as usual, then fill them with fresh pasta.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread bowls with gluten-free rolls, and use gluten-free spaghetti. Make sure the marinara sauce is also gluten-free (many are, but always check the label).
Can I add more garlic to the recipe?
Of course! If you're a garlic fan, feel free to add extra minced garlic to the sauce or even sprinkle some garlic powder over the spaghetti before serving. Just be sure to balance the flavors so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Spaghetti garlic bread bowls are a fun, creative, and delicious twist on a classic favorite. The combination of crispy garlic bread with savory marinara pasta and melty cheese is perfect for a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you're serving them for a family dinner or impressing guests with something new, these bread bowls will definitely be a hit.
Recipe:
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls offer a fun and delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti dish. These crispy, garlic-buttered bread bowls are filled with savory marinara spaghetti and topped with melted cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a unique twist to impress your guests, this recipe combines two favorite comfort foods in one delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 large bread bowls (sourdough or any round bread)
1 lb spaghetti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the top of each bread bowl and hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Set the bread tops aside.
-
Prepare the Bread Bowls: Place the hollowed-out bread bowls on a baking sheet. Brush the inside and outside of each bowl with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden and crispy.
-
Cook the Spaghetti: While the bread bowls are baking, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Marinara Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the marinara sauce, stirring to coat. Remove from heat.
-
Assemble the Bread Bowls: Once the bread bowls are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Spoon the spaghetti mixture into each bread bowl.
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Add Cheese & Bake Again: Top each bread bowl with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Place them back in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve: Serve immediately with the reserved bread tops on the side for dipping!
Notes
Variations:
Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to the marinara sauce for a heartier option.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable-based marinara or add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or your preferred melty cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftover pasta and bread bowls separately. To reheat, place the filled bread bowls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal
