Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs Recipe
There’s something irresistibly comforting about spaghetti, but when you combine it with the warmth and garlicky goodness of French bread, magic happens. These Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs take everything you love about Italian cuisine and turn it into a handheld delight. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests at a casual gathering, this recipe brings the heartiness of pasta and the buttery crunch of garlic bread together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend indulgences.
Let’s dive into the wonderful ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will help you bring this dish to life with confidence and ease.
Ingredients Overview
- French bread: A fresh loaf of French bread serves as the perfect vehicle for your spaghetti. Hollow it out to create a crispy bread boat that holds all the savory flavors.
- Cooked spaghetti: Comforting, chewy pasta that absorbs the delicious marinara sauce and garlic flavors. Make sure it’s not overcooked, so it holds up inside the bread.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a quality marinara for rich, tomatoey goodness. You can make your own or use a store-bought variety for convenience.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is essential for that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that balances out the richness of the mozzarella.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter infuses the bread and spaghetti with fragrant, savory notes that make every bite mouthwatering.
- Butter: The base for your garlic butter—essential for coating the bread and providing that signature garlic bread taste.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian touch to the dish, enhancing the marinara sauce and pasta.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that round out the flavors and bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your bread boats to crispy, golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the French bread Take your loaf of French bread and cut it in half lengthwise. Using your hands or a spoon, carefully hollow out the center of each half, creating two bread boats. Be gentle so you don’t tear the bread, leaving a sturdy crust to hold the filling.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial to infuse the butter with that bold garlic flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the spaghetti filling Add the cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated with sauce and evenly seasoned. You’ll want the pasta to be flavorful with every forkful.
Step 5: Fill the bread boats Carefully spoon the spaghetti mixture into the hollowed-out halves of the bread. Pile it high! The pasta should be the star of this dish, overflowing with marinara goodness.
Step 6: Add the cheese Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the spaghetti. The cheeses will melt together to form a delicious, golden crust.
Step 7: Assemble the bread Place the other half of the French bread on top to create a sandwich-like sub. Wrap the entire loaf in foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed to keep the bread soft during the first part of baking.
Step 8: Bake Bake the wrapped bread for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with a dish this delicious!), wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the subs in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent the bread from getting too hard. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the bread may lose its crispiness.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe? Yes, but French bread is ideal because of its size and crusty exterior. Baguettes or Italian loaves also work well.
2. What’s the best way to keep the bread from getting soggy? Be sure not to over-sauce the spaghetti, and allow the bread to crisp up by baking without foil at the end.
3. Can I use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version? Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will work just as well.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free bread option.
5. Can I add meat to the spaghetti filling? Yes! Ground beef or sausage would be a great addition.
6. Can I substitute the cheeses? Feel free to use provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy experience.
7. Can I prepare the bread ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the spaghetti and bread a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.
8. What’s the best marinara sauce to use? A rich, thick marinara is best to avoid making the bread too soggy.
9. Can I make mini subs for a party? Absolutely! Use smaller baguettes for individual servings.
10. Can I add vegetables to the spaghetti mixture? You can! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
11. Is there a way to make the bread more garlicky? Brush the inside of the bread with garlic butter before filling for an extra punch of flavor.
12. Can I freeze these subs? Yes, freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
13. How can I avoid burning the bread in the oven? Keep the loaf wrapped in foil until the last few minutes to prevent it from burning.
14. Can I add extra cheese? Of course! More cheese means more deliciousness.
15. What should I serve with these subs? A fresh green salad or garlic butter roasted vegetables would pair nicely.
16. Can I make this with leftover spaghetti? Definitely! This is a great way to use up leftover pasta.
17. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? Make your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
18. Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes, kids love the combination of spaghetti and cheesy bread.
19. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Fresh garlic is best, but in a pinch, garlic powder works too.
20. What’s the best way to hollow out the bread without tearing it? Use a spoon to carefully scrape out the inside of the bread, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
20 Secrets for Culinary Perfection
- Toast the hollowed-out bread pieces for a few minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Brush the inside of the bread with garlic butter before adding the spaghetti to infuse more flavor.
- Add a layer of cheese under the spaghetti for an extra cheesy surprise.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—slightly underdone spaghetti will absorb the sauce better.
- Season the bread crust with a sprinkle of sea salt or Italian herbs before baking for added flavor.
- Use homemade marinara if you have the time—it’ll take the dish to the next level.
- Grate the mozzarella yourself—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Layer some pepperoni or cooked sausage inside for a meatier twist.
- Let the garlic sauté slowly to avoid burning and ensure deep flavor.
- Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the spaghetti for a slight kick of heat.
- Mix in some ricotta cheese with the spaghetti for extra creaminess.
- Allow the bread to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the flavors meld.
- Don’t skip the foil step—it helps melt the cheese evenly.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread neatly after baking.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Pair with a garlic aioli for dipping if you love extra garlic flavor.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly by adding mushrooms or spinach instead of meat.
- Slice the bread thinly to make smaller, appetizer-sized servings for parties.
- Use a pizza stone to bake the bread for an extra crispy crust.
This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and fun, offering a delightful twist on classic spaghetti and garlic bread. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite
