Spaghetti Garlic Bread
A Delicious and Easy Comfort Recipe
Few foods are as universally loved as spaghetti and garlic bread. One is warm, twirlable, and endlessly comforting; the other is crispy, buttery, and bursting with garlicky flavor. Spaghetti Garlic Bread brings these two classics together into one unforgettable dish. Imagine a crusty loaf of bread filled with tender spaghetti coated in garlic butter, herbs, and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s indulgent, playful, and surprisingly simple to make.
This recipe is perfect when you want something cozy and satisfying without complicated techniques. It’s also ideal for sharing, serving as a main dish with a salad, or presenting as a show-stopping side at a casual gathering.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the spaghetti filling
- 250 g (9 oz) spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
For the garlic bread shell
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 80 g (¾ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional additions
- Cooked bacon or pancetta bits
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach or basil leaves
- Extra cheese (fontina or provolone)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm, as it will bake later.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Making the garlic spaghetti
2. Prepare the garlic butter sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Once melted and warm, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Toss the spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat every strand. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. The spaghetti should be glossy, buttery, and deeply aromatic.
Preparing the garlic bread
4. Hollow out the bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Using a serrated knife, cut the loaf lengthwise, creating two long halves. Gently hollow out some of the soft interior bread from each half, creating a shallow cavity to hold the spaghetti. Save the removed bread for breadcrumbs or croutons.
5. Make the garlic butter spread
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, grated garlic, olive oil, and chopped parsley until smooth. Spread this mixture generously over the inside of both bread halves. This step ensures the bread becomes crispy, golden, and packed with garlic flavor.
Assembling the Spaghetti Garlic Bread
6. Fill the bread
Divide the garlic spaghetti evenly between the two bread halves, pressing it gently into the hollowed centers. Make sure the spaghetti is distributed evenly from end to end.
7. Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the spaghetti, followed by a little extra Parmesan if desired. The cheese will melt and bind everything together, creating that irresistible pull when sliced.
Baking
8. Bake until golden
Place the filled bread halves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the bread edges are crisp and golden.
For extra browning, switch the oven to broil/grill mode for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Resting and slicing
Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This short rest helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread into thick pieces. Each slice should reveal a beautiful cross-section of spaghetti nestled inside crisp garlic bread.
Serving suggestions
Spaghetti Garlic Bread can be served as:
- A fun main dish with a simple green salad
- A shareable appetizer for parties
- A hearty side alongside soups or roasted vegetables
For an extra touch, drizzle lightly with olive oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs just before serving.
Tips for perfect results
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti: it should stay al dente before baking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Balance butter and oil: this keeps the garlic from burning and adds richness.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
Variations to try
- Creamy version: add a splash of cream or mascarpone to the spaghetti
- Spicy version: increase chili flakes or add chili oil
- Protein boost: add grilled chicken or shrimp
- Vegetarian deluxe: include roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
Why this recipe works
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort-food mash-up. It’s crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and packed with garlic and cheese in every bite. It transforms simple pantry staples into something playful, indulgent, and memorable.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Spaghetti Garlic Bread: A Delicious and Easy Recipe proves that sometimes the best dishes come from combining two favorites into one unforgettable creation 🍝🧄🥖