Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

This spaghetti stuffed garlic bread combines two Italian-American favorites into one show-stopping meal. The crispy garlic bread shell cradles a rich, meaty spaghetti filling that's topped with gooey melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food experience that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

I first made this recipe for my nephew's birthday party, and it was such a hit that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering. The way the crispy garlic bread contains the saucy pasta creates this magical eating experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients

• Italian bread loaf: Provides the perfect vessel with its sturdy crust and soft interior
• Ground beef: Delivers rich flavor and hearty texture to the sauce
• Ground sausage: Adds depth and complexity beyond what beef alone provides
• Tomato sauce and paste: Create the foundation for a thick sauce that won't make the bread soggy
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and aromatics when cooked with the meat
• Spaghetti: Forms the base of the filling; use standard thickness for best results
• Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty saltiness that enhances all other flavors
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull when melted on top
• Italian seasoning blend: Saves time while providing balanced herb flavor
• Garlic powder and minced garlic: Provide two layers of garlic flavor

How To Make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Prepare the pasta:

Cook the spaghetti in generously salted water until just al dente, about 7 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm prevents mushiness in the final dish. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your filling.

Create the meat sauce:

Brown both meats in a large skillet, breaking them into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion partway through cooking to soften it in the rendered fat. After draining the excess fat, return the mixture to heat and add tomato sauce, paste, and all seasonings. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Prepare the bread boats:

Using a sharp bread knife, cut the Italian loaf horizontally, then carefully hollow out each half, leaving about a half-inch shell all around. The removed bread can be saved for homemade breadcrumbs. Brush the inside generously with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, then toast until just golden. This creates a moisture barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.

Assemble and fill:

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Distribute this mixture evenly between both hollowed bread halves, packing it in firmly but not compressing it too much. The filling should be generous but not overflowing.

Cheese and bake:

Sprinkle both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the filled bread boats. The combination of these cheeses creates both flavor and that satisfying stretchy texture. Bake until the cheese is completely melted with spots of golden brown appearing on top.

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The real secret to this recipe is in the bread preparation. I discovered that toasting the hollowed bread before filling creates a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess even after baking. My family particularly loves tearing off pieces of the crispy crust and using them to scoop up any sauce that escapes during eating.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep or entertaining. Prepare the meat sauce up to two days ahead and refrigerate it separately from the cooked pasta. The bread can be hollowed out and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply toast the bread, warm the sauce, combine with freshly cooked pasta, then assemble and bake as directed. This approach maintains the ideal texture while saving significant time on the day of serving.

Clever Variations

While the classic version is delicious, there are endless ways to customize this recipe. Try a white sauce version using Alfredo instead of tomato sauce. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You might also experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or even a blue cheese crumble for more complex flavor profiles.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this indulgent creation with a simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness. The contrast between the warm, hearty stuffed bread and cool, crisp greens creates a perfect meal. For a more substantial spread, consider adding roasted vegetables or an antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats. Each stuffed bread half can be sliced into 2 to 3 portions depending on appetites, making this ideal for family-style dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought garlic bread for this dish?

Yes, you can use pre-made garlic bread as a shortcut. However, hollowing it out and toasting the insides may require extra care to achieve the same results.

→ What can I substitute for ground sausage?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a similar texture and taste. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

→ How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Toasting the hollowed bread with butter and garlic powder before filling helps create a barrier that prevents sogginess. Avoid overfilling with sauce as well.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat sauce with a tomato-based marinara and consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for texture.

→ What side dishes pair well with Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup pair perfectly to balance out the hearty flavors of this dish.