Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 sub rolls, Italian rolls, or small round bread loaves; 3 cups cooked spaghetti; 2 cups marinara or meat sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning; Optional: olive oil for brushing; Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped basil for garnish

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Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, buttery garlic bread baked into a bowl and filled with saucy spaghetti and melty cheese. It’s a fun and indulgent way to serve pasta, and I love how every bite gives me both rich spaghetti flavor and that satisfying crunch of garlic bread. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner at home, these bowls always feel like something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s creative, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying. The garlic bread bowls are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for holding a hearty portion of spaghetti. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to serve pasta, and it makes the whole meal feel more fun and interactive. Plus, I don’t need extra sides—everything’s built right in.

Ingredients

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

Cooked spaghetti
Marinara or meat sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sub rolls, Italian rolls, or small round bread loaves
Butter, softened
Garlic, minced
Dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped basil for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I cut the tops off the rolls or bread loaves and hollow out the inside, leaving enough to keep the structure of the bowl intact.
I mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs, then spread it all over the inside and edges of each bread bowl.
I place the bowls on the baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
While the bowls toast, I toss the cooked spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce and warm it through.
I fill each garlic bread bowl with spaghetti, then top generously with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
I return the bowls to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I garnish with more herbs or red pepper flakes and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 spaghetti bread bowls. It takes 15 minutes to prep, and another 15–20 minutes to bake everything. Total time is about 35 minutes, making it great for weeknights or fun weekend meals.

Variations

Sometimes I swap spaghetti for fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni. When I want a protein boost, I stir in meatballs, sausage, or cooked ground beef. For a creamy version, I use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara. I’ve also made mini versions using dinner rolls for party appetizers.

storage/reheating

These are best enjoyed fresh, but I store leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake them in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp. The microwave works too, but the bread won’t stay as crisp. If I want to prep ahead, I bake the bowls and keep them separate from the pasta, then fill and reheat when ready to serve. Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for the bowls?

I usually use large sub rolls or small round loaves with a sturdy crust. They hold their shape well and don’t get soggy.

Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

Yes, I’ve hollowed out frozen garlic bread loaves before and it works in a pinch—just toast them a bit less at first.

How do I keep the bowls from getting soggy?

I make sure to toast the garlic bread before adding the spaghetti, and I don’t overload them with sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use marinara and skip the meat—or add roasted veggies for extra flavor and texture.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great hands-on recipe. I let kids spread the garlic butter and help fill the bowls with spaghetti and cheese.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are everything I love about pasta night—warm, cheesy, garlicky, and fun to eat. I enjoy how easy they are to make, how customizable they are, and how much they impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just treating myself, this is one dish I always look forward to making.