Spaghetti Bread Bowls Recipe

If you’re ready to take comfort food to the next level, Spaghetti Bread Bowls are the ultimate cozy dinner that combine everything you love about pasta night and fresh-baked bread. Imagine twirling perfectly sauced spaghetti inside a warm, crusty bread bowl, topped with gooey, melty cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This playful Italian-American classic is hearty, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a special meal, Spaghetti Bread Bowls are a must-try recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient serves a delicious purpose. From the sturdy bread bowls to the oozy cheese on top, you’ll love how each element layers on flavor, texture, and color to create the ultimate Spaghetti Bread Bowls experience.

• 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian rolls): These form the edible bowls—look for loaves with a firm crust to hold all that saucy goodness.
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles: Classic pasta for twirling; feel free to swap in whole wheat or gluten-free if you wish.
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Essential for flavoring the noodles from the inside out.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silkiness to the spaghetti and helps prevent sticking.
• 3 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for just the right tomatoey punch.
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional): For a meaty, savory boost—leave it out or swap for veggies to keep it vegetarian.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): A must-have for depth and aroma; don’t skip this simple flavor builder.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick; adjust to suit your heat preference.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce and on top.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that irresistible stretch and gooeyness everyone loves.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A bright, herbal finish that makes every bowl pop.

How to Make Spaghetti Bread Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Bread Bowls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the tops off each round bread loaf and gently hollow out the centers, leaving about a half-inch thick shell. This creates a sturdy “bowl” that will cradle all the sauced spaghetti without falling apart. Arrange the hollowed loaves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Toasting them gives the bread a little extra structure and a lovely, crisp edge.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the bread bowls are toasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well, then toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to keep the strands from clumping together. This step makes sure every bite of your Spaghetti Bread Bowls is perfectly textured and never sticky.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

If you’re adding meat, heat a large skillet over medium and crumble in the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as you go. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for a burst of fragrance and flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just a bit.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, add your cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until each noodle is coated in that savory, aromatic marinara. This step is where the magic happens—no dry bites here, just a perfect marriage of sauce and pasta for your Spaghetti Bread Bowls.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bowls

Remove the toasted bread bowls from the oven and generously fill each one with your saucy spaghetti mixture. Don’t be shy—pile it high! Sprinkle the tops with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then return the filled bowls to the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. Everything comes together in one glorious, edible package.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Spaghetti Bread Bowls with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley. The herbs add a splash of color and a fresh aroma that makes every bite irresistible. Serve hot, with plenty of napkins—these are meant to be enjoyed with gusto!

How to Serve Spaghetti Bread Bowls

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A scattering of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens up the hearty dish, while an extra dusting of grated Parmesan makes it feel extra special. For a little zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving your Spaghetti Bread Bowls.

Side Dishes

Spaghetti Bread Bowls are a meal all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a platter of marinated olives. If you’re feeding a crowd, round things out with a simple antipasto platter or classic garlic knots for a true Italian-American feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with presentation—after all, that’s part of the charm! Try serving Spaghetti Bread Bowls on colorful plates, or arrange them in the center of the table so everyone can dig in. For parties, consider making mini versions with smaller rolls for a playful, hand-held appetizer. Use the hollowed-out bread pieces for dipping into extra sauce or olive oil on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spaghetti Bread Bowls, simply allow them to cool completely. Wrap each bowl tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The bread may soften a bit, but the flavors only get better as they meld together.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? You can freeze assembled, unbaked Spaghetti Bread Bowls. Wrap each one securely in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the centers heat through.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover Spaghetti Bread Bowls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This crisps the bread and melts the cheese all over again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave, but the bread won’t be as crisp—try wrapping it in a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Spaghetti Bread Bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and load up your sauce with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You’ll still get all the flavor and comfort, just with a plant-based twist.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Look for small, round loaves with a thick, crusty exterior—sourdough and Italian rolls are perfect. The sturdy shell is key to holding in all that saucy pasta without getting soggy or collapsing.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The most important thing is using a pasta that holds up well to baking and saucing.

How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Toasting the hollowed-out bread bowls before filling is the secret. It creates a barrier that keeps the bread crisp, even after you add the saucy spaghetti. Also, serve immediately after baking for the best texture.

Can I prepare Spaghetti Bread Bowls in advance?

You can prepare the components ahead of time: cook the pasta, make the sauce, and hollow out the bread. Assemble and bake just before serving so everything is hot, melty, and perfectly crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting, fun, and a little bit different, Spaghetti Bread Bowls are a must-make. They’re guaranteed to impress friends and family, yet they’re simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Go ahead and give them a try—the first bite will win you over!

Spaghetti Bread Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spaghetti Bread Bowls combine the comfort of cheesy baked spaghetti with a fun edible bread bowl, perfect for a hearty Italian-American meal. This recipe features tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella in crispy hollowed-out bread loaves, making for an impressive and satisfying dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bread Bowls and Pasta:

• 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or Italian rolls)
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce and Toppings:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread bowls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the tops off each bread loaf and hollow out the centers, leaving a sturdy shell about 1/2 inch thick. Place the hollowed bread shells on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the crust while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (using 1 tablespoon salt). Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Make the sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage (if using) until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.
4. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand with the rich marinara mixture.
5. Fill the bread bowls: Spoon the spaghetti mixture generously into each toasted bread bowl shell, filling them up completely.
6. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the filled bread bowls. Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves before serving warm for a deliciously hearty meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
• Save the hollowed-out bread centers for dipping into extra marinara sauce or for making breadcrumbs.
• Use sourdough bread for a tangier flavor or Italian rolls for a traditional crusty texture.
• The recipe can be easily doubled to serve more guests.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bread bowl with spaghetti
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 83g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 65mg