Have you ever found yourself torn between indulging in a classic Italian pasta dish or biting into a delicious, cheesy garlic bread? I know I have! That’s why this recipe for Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the best of both worlds garlicky, buttery French bread and cheesy spaghetti into one delightful meal. I remember the first time I made this for a family movie night. It was an instant hit! The kids loved pulling apart the gooey, cheesy bread, and the spaghetti inside gave it that comforting, familiar flavor we all crave. Whether you’re making this for a fun family dinner, a game day treat, or just when you want a quick, satisfying meal, these stuffed garlic bread subs are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, halved
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to toast your garlic bread subs to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined. This mixture is what makes the bread irresistibly garlicky and flavorful.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Place the halved French bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each half generously with the garlic butter mixture. Pop the bread into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Step 4: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
While the bread is toasting, heat the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Step 5: Assemble the Subs
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Evenly distribute the sauced spaghetti on top of the garlic bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the spaghetti, ensuring full coverage. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add a bit more!
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. You can also broil the subs for a couple of minutes for a golden, crispy top. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Let the subs cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into individual portions. Now you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate spaghetti-stuffed garlic bread!
Variations of Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs:
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the mozzarella with dairy-free cheese, and use a vegan marinara sauce. The garlic bread subs will be just as delicious, and no one will miss the dairy!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free French bread and gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The rich garlic butter and gooey cheese will still make this a family favorite.
- Protein Boost: Want to add some protein? Try mixing cooked meatballs, ground beef, or sausage into the spaghetti before stuffing the bread. It turns the subs into a more filling meal.
- Spicy Twist: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the spaghetti before adding the cheese. It’ll give your subs a delicious kick!
Cooking Note:
- Crispy Bread Tip: If you want your bread to stay extra crispy, avoid overloading it with too much spaghetti sauce. Make sure the spaghetti is well-drained before adding it to the bread.
- Cheese Melting Tip: If the cheese doesn’t melt as quickly as you’d like, broiling it for just a minute or two can speed up the process and give the cheese a nice golden-brown finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Ideas: Pair these subs with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh Caprese salad to complement the richness of the dish. The crisp, refreshing greens are the perfect contrast to the cheesy, garlicky subs.
- Beverage Pairing: A chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light red wine like Chianti pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the subs. For a non-alcoholic option, an iced tea with a splash of citrus would work great, too.
- Dipping Sauces: You can serve these subs with extra marinara sauce or even a side of ranch dressing for dipping. This adds a fun interactive element, especially for kids.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: If you want to save time, prepare the spaghetti and garlic butter in advance. When you’re ready to make the subs, all you need to do is assemble and bake.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the subs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them through and maintain their crispy texture.
- Reheating Tip: If you want the bread to stay crispy when reheating, avoid microwaving the subs. Instead, opt for reheating them in the oven for best results.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option?
A: Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti adds extra fiber to the dish, and the flavors blend beautifully with the garlic bread.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone, Parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Q: How do I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the spaghetti and garlic butter in advance. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the subs, bake, and enjoy.
Q: Can I freeze these subs?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the garlic bread subs before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil, freeze, and bake directly from frozen when ready to eat. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs are a fantastic way to turn a simple weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. With the garlicky, buttery bread combined with cheesy spaghetti, each bite is a comforting, flavor-packed experience. Whether you’re serving this to your family, friends, or even just treating yourself, these subs are guaranteed to satisfy. So why not give it a try? You’ll find that this fun, unique take on spaghetti and garlic bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know if you added any personal twists! For more comfort food recipes, be sure to explore the rest of our site there’s something for everyone!
PrintSpaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, halved
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to toast your garlic bread subs to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined. This mixture is what makes the bread irresistibly garlicky and flavorful.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Place the halved French bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each half generously with the garlic butter mixture. Pop the bread into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Step 4: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
While the bread is toasting, heat the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Step 5: Assemble the Subs
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Evenly distribute the sauced spaghetti on top of the garlic bread halves. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the spaghetti, ensuring full coverage. If you love extra cheese, feel free to add a bit more!
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. You can also broil the subs for a couple of minutes for a golden, crispy top. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Let the subs cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into individual portions. Now you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate spaghetti-stuffed garlic bread!
Notes
- Crispy Bread Tip: If you want your bread to stay extra crispy, avoid overloading it with too much spaghetti sauce. Make sure the spaghetti is well-drained before adding it to the bread.
- Cheese Melting Tip: If the cheese doesn’t melt as quickly as you’d like, broiling it for just a minute or two can speed up the process and give the cheese a nice golden-brown finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 470
- Sodium: 820
- Protein: 18