Name: Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the garlic bread bowls:; 4 small round loaves of bread (sourdough or Italian); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); For the spaghetti:; 8 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

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If you love both garlic bread and spaghetti, then Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a match made in heaven. This creative dish takes the classic spaghetti and garlic bread combo to the next level by combining them into one delicious, edible bowl. The crispy, buttery garlic bread holds a heaping portion of perfectly seasoned spaghetti, creating a comforting and unique meal that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or any time I want to enjoy a twist on traditional pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this recipe is how it combines two of my favorite things—spaghetti and garlic bread—into one dish. The garlic bread bowl provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, flavorful spaghetti. It’s a fun way to serve pasta that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, making the bread bowls adds a bit of creativity to the meal, turning an ordinary pasta dish into something special. It’s easy to make, customizable, and definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the garlic bread bowls:

4 small round loaves of bread (sourdough or Italian work best)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the spaghetti:

8 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bread loaves and hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to form bowls. Be careful not to tear the bread. Set the bread bowls aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly over the inside and outside of the hollowed-out bread bowls.
Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
While the bread bowls are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes to combine the flavors.
Carefully spoon the spaghetti mixture into the prepared garlic bread bowls, filling them generously.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving being a whole bread bowl filled with spaghetti. The total time to prepare and cook is about 30-40 minutes, making it an easy meal to whip up when I’m craving something comforting and unique.

Variations

Meat Sauce: If I prefer meat with my spaghetti, I can add ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the sauce. Just cook it along with the onions before adding the tomatoes.
Vegetable Spaghetti: For a healthier version, I can add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Garlic Bread Bowls: If I enjoy a bit of heat, I can add extra red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce or sprinkle some on top of the garlic bread bowls for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Bowls: For extra cheesy goodness, I can sprinkle mozzarella or provolone cheese inside the bread bowls before baking, letting it melt as the bread becomes crispy.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I can store the garlic bread bowls and spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The bread bowls may lose some of their crispness, but I can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore some of the crunch. For the spaghetti, I can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with store-bought bread?

Yes, I can use store-bought bread loaves if I don’t want to make my own. Just choose a hearty, round loaf like sourdough or Italian bread to form the bowls.

Can I make the garlic bread bowls ahead of time?

I can prepare the garlic bread bowls a day in advance by baking them and storing them in an airtight container. When ready to use, I’ll just need to reheat them in the oven before filling them with spaghetti.

Can I use gluten-free bread for the bowls?

Absolutely! If I prefer gluten-free, I can use a gluten-free bread loaf that holds up well when hollowed out. Just be sure to choose a sturdy bread to prevent it from falling apart.

How do I keep the bread bowls from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy bread bowls, I make sure to toast them well and avoid overfilling them with sauce. The garlic butter coating also helps keep the bread from absorbing too much moisture from the spaghetti.

Can I freeze these garlic bread bowls?

It’s best to freeze the bread bowls separately from the spaghetti. To freeze the bread bowls, I’ll wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to a month. To serve, I can reheat them in the oven while preparing the fresh spaghetti.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls are a fun and delicious twist on two classic dishes. The crispy, buttery garlic bread bowls are the perfect vessel for holding the flavorful, saucy spaghetti, making every bite a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. It’s an easy, creative meal that I’ll enjoy making again and again. Whether I’m serving it to family or treating myself, these cheesy, garlicky bowls are sure to be a hit every time!