Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

If you are a fan of both garlic bread and spaghetti, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. It takes the comforting, cheesy delight of garlic bread and elevates it by stuffing it with savory spaghetti simmered in a flavorful Italian sausage and marinara sauce. This dish is a fun and hearty way to enjoy two beloved favorites in one, making it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or any time you want to impress with a unique twist. The combination of melty mozzarella, fragrant garlic butter, and the savory spaghetti filling baked right into crusty French bread creates a mouthwatering experience you will want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating this Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the fresh French bread providing a crispy, golden shell to the robust Italian sausage bringing meaty goodness to the spaghetti sauce. The butter and garlic form a luscious spread that infuses the bread with irresistible flavor, while mozzarella cheese melts to gooey perfection on top.

• French bread (2 loaves, 16 ounces each): Choose fresh and sturdy loaves that will hold the spaghetti stuffing without falling apart.
• Spaghetti (8 ounces): Cook according to package directions until al dente, providing the hearty pasta base for the filling.
• Italian sausage (1 pound, casing removed): Adds a savory, slightly spiced depth to the sauce that makes the filling irresistibly rich.
• Olive oil: Used as needed to sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking.
• Onion (1 cup, chopped): Softens and sweetens the sauce component for a perfect balance against the savory sausage.
• Garlic (4 cloves minced + 2-3 cloves minced for butter): A double dose of garlic that brings fragrant, mouthwatering aroma and taste throughout.
• Italian seasoning (4 teaspoons in total): A blend of herbs that harmonizes the sausage, sauce, and butter for authentic Italian flavor.
• Marinara sauce (24 ounces): The red, tomatoey heart of the spaghetti that coats the noodles beautifully.
• Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Whipped with garlic and herbs to create the garlicky spread that toasts the bread perfectly.
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts onto the spaghetti topping with that classic cheesy stretch everyone loves.
• Fresh parsley or basil (3 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish after baking, elevating every slice.

How to Make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect temperature to toast the bread and bake the cheesy spaghetti topping to bubbly, golden perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the oven heats, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain it well and set it aside, as it will soon mingle with a rich sausage and marinara sauce to become the filling.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula until it is browned and no longer pink. Then transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan for cooking the aromatics, adding olive oil if necessary.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium-low and add onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses the oil with flavor.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and pour in the marinara sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked spaghetti and browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated in that thick, delicious sauce.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Spread

While the sauce simmers, mix the softened butter with 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This creamy spread will be the flavorful base layer for the hollowed-out bread.

Step 8: Hollow Out and Toast the Bread

Cut each French bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out most of the interior crumb, leaving about a 1/2-inch border so the bread holds its shape. Spread half of your garlic butter mixture evenly on each bread half. Place the halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven until they begin to crisp and brown.

Step 9: Stuff and Bake

Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly over the two bread halves. Top each with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and just starting to brown.

Step 10: Garnish and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and bright flavor. Using a serrated knife, cut into individual slices ready to share.

How to Serve Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Garnishes

The magic final touch comes from fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the hot, cheesy bread. It adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that perfectly balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a lighter complement. A glass of red wine or sparkling water would round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party idea, cut the Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread into bite-sized squares, perfect for sharing as an appetizer. You could also customize the recipe by mixing different cheeses or adding veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the spaghetti filling for unique flavor twists.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover stuffed garlic bread wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the prepared but unbaked Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to your baking process.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through and the cheese melts again. This helps preserve the crispy bread texture better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the filling?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic in this recipe, other long pastas like fettuccine or linguine work well, and even smaller shapes like penne or rigatoni can be delicious – just be sure the bite-sized pasta packs nicely into the hollowed bread.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or a medley of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Just adjust the seasoning and sauce accordingly to maintain bold flavors.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

A sturdy loaf like French bread or Italian bread holds up best during stuffing and baking. Soft sandwich bread won’t maintain the shape or texture needed for the delicious final results.

Can I prepare the spaghetti filling in advance?

Definitely. Make the spaghetti filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to assemble, hollow out the bread, toast it lightly, then stuff and bake as directed. This cuts down active cooking time on serving day.

How do I ensure the garlic bread doesn’t get soggy?

To prevent sogginess, hollowing out the bread and toasting it with garlic butter before adding the filling is crucial. Also, avoid adding too much sauce – the spaghetti should be coated but not swimming in liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for when you want to impress friends or treat your family to something out of the ordinary without a fuss. The harmony of flavors and textures is truly unbeatable. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

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