Oh my goodness, have you ever tried spaghetti stuffed garlic bread? If not, you’re in for a treat! This dish takes the classic, buttery garlic bread we all love and turns it into a hearty masterpiece stuffed with tender spaghetti and marinara sauce. I remember the first time I made it for a casual get-together with friends, and everyone was just blown away! It’s such a fun twist that combines two of my favorite comfort foods into one cheesy, garlicky delight. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. Let’s dive into how to whip up this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (fresh, crusty, and perfect for stuffing)
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti (use your favorite pasta; it can be leftover too!)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade; just make sure it’s rich and flavorful)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better—who doesn’t love melted cheese?)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for that irresistible garlic-butter flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives the best aroma and taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that classic Italian herb touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those delicious flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a pinch to add a little kick)
How to Prepare Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread
Let’s get started on making this delicious spaghetti stuffed garlic bread! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love every step of the way.
Preparing the Bread
First things first, grab your loaf of French bread. Slice it in half lengthwise, so you have two long pieces. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through; you want the halves to stay connected at the bottom. This will help hold all that tasty filling in! Once you’ve got your halves, you can gently pull out a bit of the bread from the inside if you want to make more room for that yummy stuffing.
Making the Filling
Now, onto the filling! In a large bowl, mix together your cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and half of that glorious mozzarella cheese. Stir it all up until the spaghetti is well-coated in the sauce. This is the time to get your hands in there and really combine everything! You want each noodle to be infused with that rich flavor. Trust me, it’s going to be fantastic!
Assembling the Dish
Next, it’s assembly time! Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly over each half of the bread, making sure to really pile it on there. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor! After that, melt your butter and mix in the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush this heavenly garlic butter mixture all over the exposed bread. Don’t skimp on this part; it’s what makes the edges so delicious! Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the stuffed spaghetti.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it’s nice and hot, pop your stuffed garlic bread halves onto a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Oh, the smell will be irresistible! Once done, slice it into pieces while it’s still warm, and get ready for a cheesy, garlicky experience you won’t forget!
Tips for Success
To make sure your spaghetti stuffed garlic bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way!
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pile on lots of spaghetti, remember that the bread needs to hold everything together. Aim for a generous but manageable amount to avoid a messy overflow in the oven!
- Choose the Right Bread: A fresh, crusty French bread works best. If it’s too soft, it may get soggy. If you can, let your bread sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit before stuffing.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread after about 15 minutes. You want that cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly without burning the edges!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extra spices or mix-ins to your spaghetti filling. A little crushed red pepper for heat, or some chopped fresh basil for freshness, can elevate the flavors!
- Let It Cool Slightly: After taking it out of the oven, let your stuffed garlic bread rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Serve with Extra Marinara: For dipping, serve your spaghetti stuffed garlic bread with a side of warm marinara sauce. It adds a fun touch and enhances the flavors!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the ultimate spaghetti stuffed garlic bread that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying spaghetti stuffed garlic bread, it’s always good to know what you’re working with nutritionally. Just remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a handy estimate!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Enjoy your delicious creation guilt-free, knowing that you’re indulging in something that’s not just tasty but also has a bit of nutritional value!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using French bread for its crusty texture, you can also try Italian bread, ciabatta, or even a hoagie roll. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
For any leftovers (if there are any!), let them cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just reheat in the oven to keep that crispy edge!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble your spaghetti stuffed garlic bread, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just bake it right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This spaghetti stuffed garlic bread is a vegetarian delight, packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness. You can feel good about serving it to friends who don’t eat meat!
Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can toss in some sautéed veggies, cooked sausage, or even different cheeses for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amount to make sure it all fits comfortably in the bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and gooey melted cheese brings a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Every bite is a cheesy, garlicky delight!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover spaghetti? This recipe is a fantastic way to use it up! It transforms yesterday’s dinner into a fun and new dish.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling with your favorite ingredients, whether that’s adding veggies, different meats, or even a variety of cheeses.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family, making it a great appetizer or side dish for any gathering. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Combining two beloved dishes—garlic bread and spaghetti—this recipe is pure comfort food heaven, perfect for cozy nights in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your scrumptious spaghetti stuffed garlic bread, you’ll want to know how to store any leftovers properly. First things first, let the bread cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent any condensation from making it soggy in storage!
Once cool, wrap the stuffed garlic bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just a little tip: if you think you won’t finish it in that time, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn, and it should be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat your spaghetti stuffed garlic bread is to pop it back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bread on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. This method helps keep the bread nice and crispy! If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but be warned: the texture won’t be quite the same, and it may get a bit chewy. So, I always recommend the oven for the best results!
Print
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on traditional garlic bread, stuffed with spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- In a bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bread halves.
- Melt butter and mix with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture on the exposed bread.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover spaghetti for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: spaghetti stuffed garlic bread, garlic bread, stuffed bread, Italian appetizer