Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, creative, and comforting. It transforms simple ingredients into a visually impressive dish that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture, perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Bold, Comforting Fusion You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creative dish that combines classic spaghetti with the rich, buttery flavors of garlic bread, baked together for a crispy top and tender, cheesy center.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce and half of the garlic butter mixture.
- Transfer the spaghetti to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the spaghetti.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti forms the heart of the dish. Its long strands hold sauce well and create a filling, satisfying base.
Italian bread loaf acts as the outer shell. It becomes crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.
Butter adds richness and moisture. It carries the garlic flavor and helps the bread toast evenly.
Garlic provides the signature aroma and taste. Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor.
Olive oil enhances richness and prevents dryness in the spaghetti.
Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth, complementing both pasta and bread.
Mozzarella cheese melts smoothly, creating a creamy, stretchy texture.
Parsley adds freshness and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness.
Salt sharpens the flavors and brings everything together.
Black pepper provides mild heat and contrast.
Directions
Begin by cooking the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Cut the Italian bread loaf lengthwise and hollow out some of the soft interior to create space. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Spread this mixture generously over the inside of the bread. Fill the loaf with the seasoned spaghetti, pressing gently to fit. Top with mozzarella cheese, then close the bread and wrap it loosely in foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Slice and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time is 30 minutes. Total time is roughly 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the bread.
Variations and Customizations
Meat-filled version
Add cooked meatballs or seasoned ground beef to the spaghetti.
Vegetarian delight
Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers.
Spicy garlic bread
Incorporate chili flakes into the butter mixture.
Creamy pasta filling
Mix the spaghetti with a light cream or Alfredo-style sauce.
Cheese lover’s option
Blend multiple cheeses such as provolone and fontina.
FAQs
Can I use leftover spaghetti?
Yes, this recipe works especially well with leftovers.
What bread works best?
A sturdy Italian loaf or baguette is ideal.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Will the bread become soggy?
Proper baking ensures a crisp exterior.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Is this suitable as a main dish?
Yes, it is filling enough to serve as a main course.
Can I add sauce to the spaghetti?
Yes, light tomato or cream sauces work well.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella provides the best melt.
Can I make individual portions?
Yes, use smaller rolls for personal servings.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is usually very popular with children.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a creative, comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into something memorable. With its crisp bread, cheesy filling, and savory garlic notes, it is a recipe that delivers both fun and flavor, making it a worthwhile addition to your cooking repertoire.
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