As a baker and lover of delicious, comfort foods, I’m always looking for new ways to make meals exciting and enjoyable. Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are the perfect combination of two favorites: savory garlic bread and rich, hearty pasta. Imagine the crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread, but in the form of a bowl, ready to hold your favorite pasta. It’s a unique twist on the classic spaghetti dinner and a fun way to elevate your regular pasta night. This recipe brings together bold flavors, texture, and the ultimate indulgence in one dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special, these spaghetti garlic bread bowls will surely become a new favorite.
The best part? They are incredibly simple to make! With just a few ingredients, you can create something that’s both visually impressive and mouthwateringly delicious. These bowls are perfect for holding a hearty serving of spaghetti, topped with your favorite marinara sauce, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for that extra bit of flavor. The crispy garlic bread bowl provides the ideal contrast to the soft, savory pasta inside.
Let’s get started on making these irresistible Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls! Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never look at spaghetti the same way again!
Ingredients
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4 large round bread rolls (preferably sourdough or Italian)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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Salt, to taste
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 cups cooked spaghetti (preferably al dente)
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1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Bake Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
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Prepare the Bread Bowls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the bread rolls and carefully slice off the top of each one to create a lid. Use your fingers or a spoon to hollow out the center, leaving about 1/2-inch of bread on the sides to form a sturdy bowl. Save the removed bread for other uses, like croutons or breadcrumbs.
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Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
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Brush the Bread: Generously brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly so they crisp up beautifully when baked. Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake the Bread Bowls: Bake the bread bowls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. While the bread is baking, move on to the next steps.
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Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, making sure to leave it slightly al dente so it holds up well in the bread bowls. Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the marinara sauce until evenly coated.
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Assemble the Dish: Once the bread bowls are ready, remove them from the oven and spoon the prepared spaghetti into each bowl. Make sure to pack the spaghetti in tightly so it doesn’t fall out. Top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Final Touch: Place the filled bread bowls back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese and allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Remove the bread bowls from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
How Long to Bake…
The baking time for the bread bowls can vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of bread you’re using. Generally, you should bake the bread bowls for about 10-12 minutes until the outside becomes golden and crispy. Once you’ve brushed them with the garlic butter and placed them in the oven, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The goal is to achieve a beautifully toasted texture that will hold the spaghetti securely inside.
After filling the bread bowls with spaghetti and cheese, return them to the oven for 5-7 minutes. This short baking time allows the cheese to melt and combine with the marinara sauce, giving the dish an extra layer of warmth and flavor. The bread will remain crispy on the outside, while the inside will be soft and flavorful, creating a perfect contrast.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dish!), here’s how you can store them:
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Refrigeration: Place any leftover spaghetti garlic bread bowls in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can be stored for up to 2 days. While the bread will lose some of its crispiness, it will still taste great.
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Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help bring back some of the crispiness while warming the spaghetti inside. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the bread won’t be as crispy.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
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Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough and Italian bread work best for this recipe. They hold up well when baked and give the dish a nice flavor that complements the garlic butter. Avoid using soft, airy bread, as it may not form a strong enough bowl.
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Don’t Overfill the Bowls: While you want to fill each bowl with plenty of spaghetti, be careful not to overstuff them. Leave a little room at the top so that the cheese can melt properly, and the bread doesn’t get soggy.
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Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates the best flavor for the garlic butter. Don’t substitute with garlic powder, as it lacks the same depth and richness that fresh garlic brings.
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Add Some Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the marinara sauce before baking. This will add a nice kick to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
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Top with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. It also enhances the flavor, balancing the richness of the garlic butter and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well inside the bread bowls. The key is to have a pasta that can be easily scooped and doesn’t get too soggy when baked.
2. Can I make the garlic bread bowls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic bread bowls ahead of time. You can hollow out the bread rolls and brush them with the garlic butter mixture, then store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the same instructions. However, it’s best to assemble the spaghetti and cheese just before baking to ensure everything stays fresh.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet! The garlic bread bowls and marinara sauce are already vegetarian, so simply omit any meat toppings, or use a vegetarian meat alternative if desired. You can also add extra vegetables like roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
4. Can I freeze the spaghetti garlic bread bowls?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire dish with the spaghetti inside, you can freeze the bread bowls on their own. Once baked and cooled, wrap the bread bowls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and bake for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up. Prepare the spaghetti fresh and assemble the dish just before serving.
Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes.
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a perfect blend of two favorite dishes: crispy, buttery garlic bread and a hearty, savory pasta. The golden-brown bread bowl holds a generous portion of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce and melted Parmesan, making it a deliciously unique dish. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
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4 large round bread rolls (sourdough or Italian)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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Salt, to taste
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 cups cooked spaghetti (al dente)
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1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bread rolls and hollow out the center, leaving a 1/2-inch thick border around the edges.
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Brush the garlic butter over the inside and outside of the bread bowls.
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Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with marinara sauce until well coated.
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Spoon the cooked spaghetti into the bread bowls, packing it in tightly. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Return the filled bread bowls to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
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You can add chopped walnuts or almonds to the garlic bread for a bit of crunch before baking.
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Leftover spaghetti garlic bread bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
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For a stronger flavor, try substituting feta cheese or blue cheese for the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes