Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls (Printable)
Crispy bread bowls filled with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a fun, family-friendly meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Garlic Bread Bowls
01 - 4 small round bread loaves (about 5-inch diameter; sourdough or Italian work well)
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
→ For the Spaghetti
07 - 8 oz spaghetti
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 cups marinara sauce
12 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp salt (as needed)
15 - 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
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 (if using). 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 (if using). 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 Tips:
01 -
- The crispy bread bowl makes every bite feel like a special restaurant dinner at home
- It transforms an ordinary pasta night into something kids actually get excited about
02 -
- The bread bowls get soggy if filled too far in advance, so time everything carefully
- Hollowing the bread takes practice, so go slowly and do not worry about perfect shapes
03 -
- Warm your marinara slightly before tossing with pasta for better coating
- Let the bowls cool for 2 minutes before serving so they hold their shape