Easy Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls (Print version)

Crispy garlic bread bowls filled with classic spaghetti and marinara sauce for a fun, family-friendly meal.

# What you need:

→ For the Garlic Bread Bowls

01 - 4 small round bread loaves, about 5-inch diameter, sourdough or Italian
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ For the Spaghetti

07 - 8 oz spaghetti
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 cups marinara sauce
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
16 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the tops off each bread loaf and hollow out the centers, leaving about 1/2-inch thick walls and base to form bowls. Reserve the removed bread for another use.
03 - Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and Parmesan. Spread this mixture evenly inside each bread bowl and on the cut edges.
04 - Place bowls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
05 - Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
06 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
07 - Pour in marinara sauce, oregano, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
08 - Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss well to coat.
09 - Fill each garlic bread bowl with spaghetti mixture. Top with mozzarella. Return bowls to oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes, until cheese melts and filling is heated through.
10 - Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the crunchy, garlic-infused bread and tender spaghetti creates a texture experience that regular pasta just cant match
  • Kids and adults both get excited about eating their dinner out of an edible bowl, making it perfect for family meals or casual entertaining
02 -
  • Don't hollow out the bread too thin or the sauce will soak through and make the bowls soggy before they finish baking
  • The bread bowls need to be completely crisp in the first bake before you add the spaghetti, or they'll collapse under the weight of the filling
03 -
  • Use a small serrated knife to hollow out the bread bowls for maximum control and minimal tearing
  • Let the garlic bread bowls cool for about 2 minutes after the first bake so they firm up slightly before adding the hot spaghetti

Return