If you love spaghetti and garlic bread separately, wait until you try them together—in one bite. Introducing Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls, a fun, family-friendly, and flavor-packed dish that merges two beloved comfort foods into a single, irresistible creation.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or cozy weekends, this recipe offers a new way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors—with a twist.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make spaghetti garlic bread bowls from scratch, get tips to perfect them, learn how to store leftovers, and find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this viral-worthy dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creative and fun presentation
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Combines two classic favorites: spaghetti + garlic bread
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Kid-friendly and customizable
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Perfect for parties or meal prepping
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Easy to make with store-bought or homemade ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Bread Bowls:
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4 medium-sized round bread rolls (sourdough or crusty buns work best)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
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2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Optional: Grated parmesan for added flavor
For the Spaghetti:
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200g (7 oz) spaghetti
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1/2 onion (chopped)
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1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan (for topping)
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Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Slice off the top of each bread roll and hollow out the inside to create space for the spaghetti.
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Brush the garlic butter mixture generously inside and on the edges of each bread bowl.
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Place the bowls on a baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
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Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onions until translucent.
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Add marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
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Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix until well-coated in the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
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Carefully spoon the saucy spaghetti into each garlic bread bowl.
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Top with shredded cheese and place back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan, if desired.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately while hot. These bowls are meant to be picked up and eaten like a sandwich—or enjoyed with a fork if you prefer a neater approach.
Tips for Success
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Use firm bread rolls: Softer rolls may get soggy; crusty buns or mini sourdough loaves hold up better.
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Toast lightly first: For extra crunch, pre-toast the bread slightly before filling.
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Add protein: Include cooked ground beef, chicken, or meatballs to bulk up the dish.
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Go veggie: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great vegetarian additions.
Variations to Try
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Cheesy Alfredo Bread Bowls: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce and top with mozzarella and parsley.
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Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Add extra chili flakes or spicy sausage.
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Mini Party Versions: Use dinner rolls to create bite-sized versions for gatherings.
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Baked Mac & Cheese Bowls: Swap spaghetti for macaroni and use a cheese sauce instead.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Place leftover spaghetti garlic bread bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may soften over time, but the flavors remain delicious.
To Reheat:
Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes if you’re short on time (though the bread might soften more in the microwave).
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving Estimate)
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Calories: 480–550 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 55g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutrition values vary based on ingredients and portion size.
FAQs About Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
1. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Yes, but it’s best to hollow it out first and toast the inside to make room for the spaghetti.
2. What kind of bread works best?
Crusty rolls like sourdough, ciabatta buns, or kaiser rolls—they’re sturdy and flavorful.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread rolls.
4. How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip any meat and ensure your sauce is meat-free. Add veggies or plant-based protein instead.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Not recommended. Bread tends to get soggy when thawed. It’s best made fresh.
6. Can I use leftover spaghetti?
Yes! This is a perfect way to repurpose leftover spaghetti into something new.
7. What sauce works best besides marinara?
Alfredo, pesto, bolognese, or even creamy vodka sauce all work beautifully.
8. How do I prevent soggy bread bowls?
Toast the bread slightly before filling and avoid over-saucing the spaghetti.
9. Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Kids can help mix the garlic butter, fill the bowls, and top with cheese.
10. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or extra garlic knots for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe is more than a meal—it’s an experience. The crispy, buttery bread paired with saucy spaghetti and gooey cheese is a comfort food dream come true. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, sharing it on social media, or making it as a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Pin it, share it, or save it for later—because once you try it, it’ll become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
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