Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe

If you’re ready to take pasta night to completely new heights, look no further than these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls. This soul-satisfying recipe pairs the cozy comfort of classic spaghetti with deeply savory garlic bread, served together in an irresistibly edible package. Every bite is the ultimate mashup: toasty bread, cheesy pasta, and rich, herb-infused sauce. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to share with every friend and neighbor (but maybe keep a few bowls for yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised to see how basic, familiar ingredients become something so show-stopping! Each one plays a part in making these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls as flavorful and delightful as they look—so don’t skimp, and try to choose the freshest options you can.

• Olive oil for cooking: Classic option for sautéing and building rich flavors from the start.
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced: Essential for both the sauce and for that signature garlic flavor.
• 500g ground beef (12% fat): A little fat adds tons of juiciness and savory flavor to the meat sauce.
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree: Deepens the tomato base and gives the sauce a concentrated tomato punch.
• 80ml red wine: Reduces into the sauce for a rich, layered complexity (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!).
• 500g tomato passata: Smooth, pure tomato makes for a silky, vibrant sauce.
• 240ml beef stock: Brings richness and an extra boost of flavor to the sauce.
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a signature umami note that really makes the sauce pop.
• ½ bunch fresh basil, chopped: Lends irresistible freshness and color to finish the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic spice for Italian-inspired sauces; balances out the other herbs.
• ½ teaspoon sugar: Just a pinch to take the edge off the acidity and round out the flavors.
• 20g freshly grated parmesan: Melts right into the sauce for salty, cheesy goodness.
• 200g spaghetti: The star of the show, a must for authentic texture and bite.
• 6 crusty white rolls: Choose the sturdiest, crustiest rolls you can find—they’re your edible bowls!
• 100g butter, melted: For brushing inside and out, creating the ultimate golden, garlicky crunch.
• 30g parmesan for butter: Combines with butter to flavor and enrich the bread bowl lining.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds color and a burst of herby freshness.
• 3 garlic cloves, made into paste: Smear this all over the bread for maximum garlicky impact.
• 200g mozzarella, shredded: The final gooey, melty layer—no Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are complete without it!

How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Step 1: Build Your Savory Sauce

Start by gently heating a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the diced onion until deeply golden and sweet—this step sets the savory foundation. Add your finely diced garlic and stir just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Now, crumble in the ground beef, browning it thoroughly and breaking it up with your spoon for even cooking. This is when your kitchen starts to smell seriously amazing! Mix in the tomato puree and stir to combine.

Step 2: Simmer and Perfect the Sauce

Pour in the red wine, letting it sizzle and reduce, infusing the sauce with depth. Next, add the tomato passata, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, chopped basil, and just a pinch of sugar. Stir to combine, then bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble away for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glorious. Finish by stirring in the freshly grated parmesan—this makes the sauce ultra luscious.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Bowls

With the sauce simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off the crusty white rolls and hollow out their centers, leaving a sturdy “bowl” behind (save those fluffy middles for breadcrumbs later!). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parmesan, parsley, and garlic paste. Brush this generously onto every surface of the rolls, inside and out. This is what transforms ordinary bread into a crunchy, cheesy, garlicky dream.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente—the pasta will soak up some sauce later. Before draining, scoop out a mug of pasta water (just in case you want to loosen things up). Then, transfer the drained spaghetti directly into your simmering sauce, tossing to coat every strand in that rich, meaty tomato goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Now for the fun part! Fill each garlic bread bowl with a generous mound of spaghetti, making sure to spoon extra sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each bowl so it melts into all the nooks and crannies. Arrange the bowls on a baking tray and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden and crisp, and the cheese is melty. If you’re after extra ooey-gooey, blistered cheese, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two—but watch carefully!

How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls

Garnishes

Before serving, give your Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls a final flourish with extra parmesan, a scatter of fresh basil or parsley, and a dash of black pepper. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely finishing touch that really wakes up the flavors. Presentation is everything, so pile them high and let the cheese tempt everyone at the table!

Side Dishes

These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are hearty enough to shine alone, but they’re also fantastic with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, or maybe a plate of roasted vegetables. If you love dipping, serve extra marinara or garlic butter on the side for dunking any leftover bread. A chilled glass of red wine is the perfect finishing stroke!

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the wow factor by nestling the bowls on a rustic wooden board, garnished with bunches of fresh herbs. For parties, miniaturize them by using dinner rolls and serving as appetizers—spaghetti sliders, if you will! Or create a Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls bar and let everyone build their own with their favorite toppings, from chilies to crispy prosciutto.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If your crowd doesn’t polish off every last bite, you can store leftover Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the bread may soften a little as it soaks up the sauce, but the flavors somehow get even better.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap any assembled (but unbaked) bread bowls tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer at 325°F until heated through and golden, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, freeze the spaghetti filling and bread bowls separately and assemble just before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 325°F until thoroughly warmed—this helps resurrect the crispy bread crust and gooey cheese. For a speedy single serving, a microwave works in a pinch, though you’ll lose some crispness.

FAQs

How do I keep the bread bowls from getting soggy?

The key is to brush the inside thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture, creating a barrier that protects the bread from the sauce. Baking them until the crust is firm and crisp helps too—avoid letting the spaghetti sit too long in the bread before serving.

Can I make these Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The result is still hearty, rich, and utterly satisfying.

Which rolls work best for these bowls?

Look for sturdy, crusty white rolls that can hold up to the sauce without collapsing. Sourdough or ciabatta rolls also work well, just ensure there’s enough crust to provide structure and enough center to hollow out.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitutes and vegan butter—just make sure they melt well and have a similar flavor profile. The main goal is to preserve that gooey, garlicky, and cheesy experience!

Can I use other types of pasta?

Of course! While spaghetti is traditional for Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, you can substitute with linguine, bucatini, or even penne if you like. Just avoid extra-large or tiny shapes to keep the stuffing manageable.

Final Thoughts

These Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into a festive, memory-making meal. Trust me—you’ll want to make these again and again for family, friends, or just because. Fire up your oven and let your kitchen become the coziest pizzeria in town!

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