Spaghetti Garlic Bread Bowls (Printable)
Crispy garlic bread bowls filled with classic spaghetti and marinara—a fun, family-friendly meal ready in 50 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ For the Garlic Bread Bowls
01 - 4 small round bread loaves (about 5-inch diameter; sourdough or Italian work well)
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 (optional)
→ 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, or to taste
15 - 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
16 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# How To Make It:
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 Suggestions:
01 -
- Kids go absolutely wild for eating the bowl itself
- Everything bakes in one dish so cleanup is surprisingly manageable
02 -
- Do not hollow the bread too thin or the sauce will soak through and make the bottom soggy
- The bread bowls need that first bake alone to get properly crispy before adding the wet spaghetti
03 -
- Rub a cut garlic clove inside the bread bowls before adding the butter for an extra punch of flavor
- Place a piece of foil under each bowl on the baking sheet to catch any cheese drips