Spaghetti Garlic Bread
A Delicious and Easy Recipe Everyone Will Love
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is a playful and incredibly satisfying dish that combines two comfort-food favorites into one irresistible meal. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in garlicky butter, wrapped or baked inside warm, crusty bread, then finished with melted cheese and herbs. The result is crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, game nights, or anytime you want something easy, hearty, and fun. It’s also very flexible—you can keep it simple or dress it up with cheese, herbs, or protein. Best of all, it requires basic ingredients and no advanced cooking skills.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Spaghetti Filling
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Garlic Bread
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp
- Fresh basil or chives for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Knife and cutting board
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Properly cooked pasta is key, as overcooked spaghetti will become mushy once baked.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water can help bind the spaghetti with the garlic butter later. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and chili flakes if using. Cook gently for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic becomes bitter, so keep the heat moderate.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss well to coat each strand in the garlic butter. Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and create a silky texture.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Slice the baguette or Italian loaf lengthwise, keeping one side intact if possible to form a “boat.” Carefully hollow out some of the bread from the center, creating space for the spaghetti filling. Reserve the removed bread for breadcrumbs or croutons.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Spread this mixture generously over the inside of the bread, ensuring every surface is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Fill the Garlic Bread with Spaghetti
Gently pile the garlic spaghetti into the hollowed bread. Use tongs to twist the spaghetti slightly as you place it inside, which helps it fit neatly and creates a beautiful presentation.
If using cheese, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the spaghetti. The cheese will melt into the pasta and create a rich, gooey filling.
Wrap the stuffed bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking tray.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the wrapped spaghetti garlic bread for 15–18 minutes, allowing the bread to warm through and the flavors to meld.
Then unwrap the foil and return the bread to the oven for an additional 5–8 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
For extra crispiness, switch to the broiler (grill) for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the spaghetti settle and makes slicing easier.
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into thick slices. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Garlic Bread
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the best aroma.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it continues cooking in the oven.
- Choose crusty bread that can hold the filling without collapsing.
- Add cheese while the spaghetti is hot for better melting.
- Customize with your favorite herbs or proteins.
Variations to Try
Cheesy Spaghetti Garlic Bread
Add extra mozzarella and a layer of cheddar for a richer, more indulgent version.
Spaghetti Garlic Bread with Chicken
Stir cooked, shredded chicken into the spaghetti for a heartier meal.
Spicy Version
Increase chili flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil before baking.
Herb Lover’s Version
Mix parsley, basil, and thyme into the spaghetti for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Vegetarian Deluxe
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes to the filling.
How to Serve
Spaghetti Garlic Bread can be served as:
- A main dish with a green salad
- A fun side dish for pasta night
- Party food cut into small portions
- A comforting snack or casual lunch
Pair it with a light tomato salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup to balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Garlic Bread is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Crispy bread, buttery garlic spaghetti, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs come together in a dish that’s comforting, creative, and incredibly easy to make. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.