Spaghetti in Garlic Bread

This spaghetti garlic bread bowl recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one spectacular dish that's both fun to make and impressive to serve. The crispy, buttery garlic bread creates an edible vessel for tender spaghetti topped with rich marinara and melted cheese, creating a meal that's sure to become a new family favorite.

I first created these bread bowls when my kids were going through a picky eating phase. The novelty of eating pasta from an edible bowl completely won them over and now they request these "pasta bread boats" at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Large round bread rolls: Choose sturdy sourdough or Italian rolls that will hold their shape after hollowing. Fresh bakery rolls work best for the crispiest results.
• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the best flavor in your garlic butter mixture.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides the most aromatic flavor but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
• Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the salt level in your garlic bread. Make sure it's fully melted for easy brushing.
• Dried herbs: The oregano and basil add classic Italian flavors that complement both the bread and pasta.
• Cooked spaghetti: Cook just until al dente as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
• Marinara sauce: A good quality store bought sauce works wonderfully but homemade elevates this dish even further.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts more evenly than pre shredded varieties.
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bread bowls:

Slice the tops off your bread rolls and carefully hollow out the centers, leaving about a half inch border around the edges and bottom. Save the bread pieces for making breadcrumbs or croutons later.

Create the garlic butter:

Mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This aromatic mixture will transform ordinary bread into irresistible garlic bread.

Brush and bake:

Thoroughly coat both the inside and outside of your hollowed bread bowls with the garlic butter mixture. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the filling:

While the bread bowls bake, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and immediately toss with marinara sauce, making sure every strand is well coated.

Fill the bowls:

Once your bread bowls are golden and crispy, fill them generously with the sauced spaghetti. Pack it in somewhat tightly so each bite includes both pasta and bread. Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Melt the cheese:

Return the filled bread bowls to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts completely and begins to turn slightly golden.

Serve immediately:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching guests react when I bring these to the table. There's something undeniably fun about eating from an edible bowl that brings out the kid in everyone. My daughter once declared these "the most awesome dinner ever" which pretty much sealed their regular rotation status in our home.

Make Ahead Options

These spaghetti bread bowls work beautifully as a make ahead meal with some simple planning. You can hollow out the bread bowls and prepare the garlic butter mixture up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The bread bowls themselves can be baked empty up to 8 hours before serving, then briefly reheated before filling. You can also prepare the spaghetti and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat before assembling. This makes the recipe perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute preparation.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe provides a perfect foundation for countless variations. Try switching the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce and using fettuccine instead of spaghetti. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the pasta for extra nutrition and flavor. For meat lovers, incorporate browned Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken. You could also try a Mediterranean version with olives, feta cheese, and a touch of lemon zest. The bread bowls themselves can be flavored differently too with additions like sun dried tomato pesto or roasted garlic cloves mixed into the butter.

Serving Suggestions

While these garlic bread bowls make a satisfying meal on their own, a few simple sides can turn this into a spectacular dinner. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or arugula dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil to balance the richness. A small cup of additional warm marinara on the side provides extra dipping opportunities for the bread bowl edges. For a special occasion, start with an antipasto platter of Italian meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. These bowls are perfect for casual gatherings where everyone can customize their own toppings from a selection of cheeses, herbs, and crushed red pepper.

Pro Tips

• Slightly undercook your pasta as it will continue cooking when placed in the hot bread bowls
• Brush the exterior of the bread bowls generously with garlic butter to ensure they become golden and crispy all over
• Save the hollowed bread pieces to make breadcrumbs or croutons for other dishes
• Let the bread bowls cool for 2 minutes after the final baking to help them firm up slightly for easier eating

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the bread bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can hollow out and pre-toast the bread bowls up to 8 hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, then fill and complete the final baking just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What type of bread works best for these bowls?

Sourdough or Italian round rolls work best as they have a sturdy crust that maintains structure when hollowed and filled. Crusty artisan bread rolls between 5-6 inches in diameter offer the ideal balance of crispiness and capacity.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just ensure any pasta is cooked slightly firmer than al dente since it will continue cooking when baked in the bread bowl.

→ How do I prevent the bread bowls from getting soggy?

Thoroughly toast the bread bowls before filling, create a proper 1/2-inch thick border, and make sure your pasta isn't overly saucy. The olive oil and butter coating also creates a moisture barrier that helps maintain crispness.

→ What can I serve alongside these bread bowls?

These make a complete meal on their own, but pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or Italian antipasto. For a lighter meal, serve half portions with a cup of tomato soup.

→ Can I make these bread bowls vegetarian or vegan?

For vegetarian versions, ensure your marinara sauce is meat-free. To make vegan garlic bread bowls, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead of cheese, and fill with pasta and vegetables.