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Irresistible Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe You Need to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian work best)
  • 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred variety)
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Substitution tips: If you prefer vegetarian, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead. For dairy-free, swap butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Whole wheat or gluten-free bread loaves can also be used, just adjust baking time accordingly.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, slice off the tops of each bread loaf—think of it like cutting a lid—and gently hollow out the insides, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Save the bread crumbs for another use, like a quick topping for baked vegetables.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. If using meat, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Remove excess fat if needed.
  4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—this step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s kitchen, where garlic was never rushed, just gently coaxed to flavor everything it touched.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together. Then, add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with sauce and meat.
  6. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. Spread this garlic butter mixture all around the inside edges of each hollowed bread bowl. This little touch brings that golden, crispy crust that’s pure comfort.
  7. Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the buttered edges turn crispy and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden, not burnt.
  8. Remove the bread bowls from the oven and fill each with a generous portion of spaghetti. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles—Mama Lu’s version would have had a cast iron skillet for this step, but an oven works just as well.
  9. Once bubbly and golden, remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
  10. Serve immediately, encouraging everyone to tear into the bread bowl and savor the mingling textures—the crunchy crust, gooey cheese, and saucy spaghetti all in one comforting bite.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/spaghetti-garlic-bread-bowls-recipe/