Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a fun, comforting, and over-the-top delicious way to enjoy two classic favorites—spaghetti and garlic bread—all in one bite. I love serving them when I want something creative, filling, and perfect for sharing. The crispy, buttery bread bowl holds a warm serving of saucy pasta, topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy meal with a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I enjoy about Italian-inspired comfort food into one dish. The bread bowls are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and soaked in garlic butter, while the spaghetti inside is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, game day, or anytime I want to impress with something fun but easy to make. Plus, cleanup is simple since everything’s in one edible bowl.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Small round bread rolls or crusty buns (sourdough or kaiser rolls work well)

• Cooked spaghetti

• Marinara or spaghetti sauce

• Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

• Shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend

• Parmesan cheese

• Butter, melted

• Garlic, minced

• Chopped parsley or Italian seasoning

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. I cut the tops off the bread rolls and hollow out the centers to create bowls, leaving about a ½-inch edge all around.

3. In a small bowl, I mix melted butter with garlic and parsley or Italian seasoning.

4. I brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with the garlic butter and place them on a baking sheet.

5. I bake the bread bowls for 8–10 minutes until they’re slightly crisp.

6. While the bowls bake, I heat the marinara sauce in a pan and stir in the cooked spaghetti. If I’m adding meat, I brown it first, then combine it with the sauce and pasta.

7. I fill each bread bowl with the spaghetti mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

8. I return the bowls to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I serve them hot, garnished with extra parsley or cheese if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 bread bowls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the spaghetti for fettuccine or penne for a different texture. I also like using alfredo sauce instead of marinara, or mixing in sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for a meatless version. If I want more spice, I add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sauce.

storage/reheating

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through. I avoid microwaving since it softens the bread and makes it soggy.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best?

I use small round rolls with a firm crust, like sourdough or bakery-style buns. They hold up well without getting too soggy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the garlic bread bowls and cook the spaghetti ahead, then assemble and bake them right before serving.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

I toast the bowls first with garlic butter before filling them. That helps create a barrier and keeps the bread crispy.

Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

I prefer making my own with fresh garlic butter for better flavor and texture, but pre-made can work in a pinch.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled bowls, but I freeze the spaghetti separately and use fresh bread when I’m ready to make them.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are one of those over-the-top recipes I love to make when I want comfort food with a twist. They’re fun to eat, packed with flavor, and easy to customize for any craving. Whether I’m serving them for a casual dinner or a fun get-together, they always bring smiles—and empty plates.

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