Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread combines two comforting favorites into one dish. Golden, crispy garlic bread is hollowed out, brushed with butter, and toasted to perfection. It's then filled with al dente spaghetti, a rich meat sauce made from ground beef, sausage, and aromatic Italian seasonings, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Baked until perfectly golden, each slice is bursting with bold flavors and textures, delivering a satisfying, hearty meal. Suitable for family dinners or festive gatherings, this Italian-American fusion is sure to impress.

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:18:59 GMT
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese on a wooden table. | zestplate.com

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.
A slice of pizza with cheese and spaghetti on a wooden table. Pin it
A slice of pizza with cheese and spaghetti on a wooden table. | zestplate.com

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.

A sandwich with meat and cheese. Pin it
A sandwich with meat and cheese. | zestplate.com

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.

Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread

Crispy bread stuffed with spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for hearty meals.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (2 stuffed bread loaves)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 16 ounce Italian bread loaf
02 Butter for bread
03 Garlic powder for bread

→ Meat Sauce

04 1 pound ground beef
05 1 pound ground sausage
06 16 ounce tomato sauce
07 6 ounce tomato paste
08 1 medium onion, diced

→ Pasta & Cheese

09 7 ounce uncooked spaghetti
10 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided in half
11 ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, divided in half

→ Seasonings

12 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
13 1 teaspoon salt
14 A pinch of salt
15 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
16 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large saucepan, boil spaghetti until al dente. Remove from heat and drain.

Step 02

While pasta is cooking, brown beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion while browning meat. When brown, drain excess fat and return to skillet. Add tomato sauce, paste, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add cooked pasta, mix well, and remove from heat.

Step 03

While meat sauce is simmering, cut the Italian bread loaf in half using a bread knife. Carve out the middle of each half to create large hollows. Brush insides with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in oven until lightly golden.

Step 04

When bread is toasted, spoon the prepared spaghetti and meat sauce into the hollow of each half, filling completely. Top with cheeses - half of each cheese for each loaf. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 05

Remove from oven and gently cut with a bread knife to serve.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Bread knife
  • Brush for butter
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g