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Crispy Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Crispy Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls - featured image

Crispy Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls combine classic spaghetti flavors with the irresistible crunch of garlic bread, all served in a handheld bowl. This easy, fun dinner is perfect for bread lovers and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large crusty bread rolls (sourdough or Italian, about 45 inches wide)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)
  • 8 ounces dried spaghetti
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
  • Optional: sautéed mushrooms or spinach
  • Optional: dairy-free cheese
  • Optional: gluten-free rolls and spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a sharp bread knife, slice the tops off each roll. Hollow out the insides, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread around the edges. Set aside tops and insides for breadcrumbs or snacking.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Spread garlic butter generously inside and on the edges of each bread bowl using a pastry brush or spoon. Sprinkle a little parmesan inside each bowl.
  5. Place bowls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, until edges are golden and crispy.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
  7. Toss drained spaghetti with marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) until evenly coated.
  8. Spoon saucy spaghetti evenly into each garlic bread bowl. Mound it up; the filling settles as it bakes.
  9. Sprinkle more mozzarella and parmesan over the top.
  10. Return filled bowls to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  11. Let bowls cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use sturdy, crusty rolls for best results. Pre-bake bread bowls to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute ingredients as needed. Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or spinach for variations. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven. Freeze assembled, unbaked bowls for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti bread bowls, garlic bread, comfort food, easy dinner, family recipe, Italian, crispy, cheese, pasta, weeknight meal