Spaghetti-Filled Garlic Bread
Introducing Spaghetti-Filled Garlic Bread: A tantalizing fusion of two beloved classics, this recipe takes the humble garlic bread to new heights by filling it with hearty spaghetti and gooey mozzarella cheese. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of crunchy bread, savory spaghetti, and melty cheese, all enveloped in a fragrant blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a unique main course, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike. Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure that marries comfort food with creativity, resulting in a dish that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Creative Twist: It offers a unique twist on traditional garlic bread by incorporating spaghetti into the filling, making it a fun and unexpected dish.
Comfort Food: Combining two beloved comfort foods – garlic bread and spaghetti – into one delicious dish creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is great for family dinners or gatherings, as it’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences by adding ingredients like Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, or extra herbs and spices, making it versatile and adaptable to different flavor profiles.
Visual Appeal: The braided presentation of the garlic bread adds an impressive visual appeal to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or when entertaining guests.
Cheesy Goodness: With generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a gooey, cheesy goodness that is irresistible to cheese lovers.
Aromatic Flavor: The combination of garlic powder, parsley flakes, and melted butter creates a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes, enhancing the anticipation of enjoying a flavorful meal.
Easy Preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is relatively easy to prepare, with clear instructions that guide you through the assembly and baking process.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a main dish or a side, this spaghetti-filled garlic bread is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Bread Dough or Dinner Rolls: Forms the base of the garlic bread, providing a soft and chewy texture to complement the filling.
Spaghetti: Adds a hearty and satisfying component to the dish, creating a flavorful contrast to the bread.
Spaghetti Sauce: Provides richness and depth of flavor, enhancing the taste of the spaghetti filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, binding the spaghetti and adding a creamy texture to each bite.
Egg White: Helps to seal and bind the bread braid, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing final product.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty kick, elevating the overall flavor profile of the garlic bread.
Parsley Flakes: Contribute freshness and visual appeal, enhancing the presentation of the finished dish.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the bread with aromatic garlic flavor, a classic complement to Italian-inspired dishes.
Melted Butter: Creates a golden-brown crust and adds richness to the finished garlic bread.
Optional – Italian Sausage: If desired, adds an additional layer of savory flavor and protein to the spaghetti filling, enhancing its heartiness.
How to make Spaghetti-Filled Garlic Bread
Ingredients
1 loaf bread dough or 12 dinner rolls, thawed to room temperature
6 oz spaghetti, cooked
1 cup thick spaghetti sauce (any kind you like)
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 egg white
Parmesan cheese
Parsley flakes
Garlic powder
Melted butter
Instructions
Lightly spray the counter with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper.
Roll the loaf or combined dinner rolls into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.
Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Place the spaghetti lengthwise in a 4-inch strip down the center of the dough. Top with sauce and cheese cubes. (You can mix the spaghetti and sauce together and add 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage if desired.)
Make cuts 1 1/2 inches apart on the long sides of the dough, cutting to within 1/2 inch of the filling.
Begin braiding by folding the top and bottom strips towards the filling. Then braid the strips left over right, right over left. Finish by pulling the last strip over and tucking it under the braid.
Lift the braid with both hands and place it on a large sprayed baking sheet, or transfer the parchment paper with the braid to the baking sheet.
Brush with egg white and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, garlic powder, and a bit of oregano if desired.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush with melted butter. Cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes:
Preparation: Thaw the bread dough or dinner rolls to room temperature before beginning. This ensures that the dough is pliable and easy to work with during the assembly process.
Spaghetti Cooking: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and allow it to cool slightly. This prevents the spaghetti from being too hot when added to the bread dough.
Assembly: When assembling the garlic bread, spread the spaghetti lengthwise down the center of the dough, leaving space around the edges for folding. Evenly distribute the spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese cubes over the spaghetti for consistent flavor in each bite.
Braiding Technique: Carefully make cuts along the long sides of the dough, ensuring they are spaced evenly and do not cut all the way through. This allows for easy braiding without compromising the structure of the bread.
Baking: Place the assembled braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Brush the braid with egg white for a shiny, golden finish, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, garlic powder, and any additional herbs desired for added flavor and visual appeal.
Temperature and Timing: Bake the spaghetti-filled garlic bread at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, brush the garlic bread with melted butter to add richness and enhance its flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving to prevent burning and to ensure clean cuts.
Presentation: Serve the spaghetti-filled garlic bread warm for the best taste and texture. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes for a decorative touch before serving.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 355 kcal | Total Fat: 12.5 g | Saturated Fat: 6.5 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 750 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 45 g | Dietary Fiber: 2.5 g | Sugars: 3 g | Protein: 14 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-made bread dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either pre-made bread dough or dinner rolls for this recipe.
Just ensure they are thawed to room temperature before rolling out.
Can I add additional ingredients to the spaghetti filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling to your liking.
Consider adding cooked Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, or extra herbs and spices for added flavor.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the spaghetti sauce?
To prevent sogginess, ensure the spaghetti is drained well before assembling the bread.
You can also mix the spaghetti and sauce together before placing them on the dough to distribute the sauce more evenly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti-filled garlic bread ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the baked garlic bread for later use?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover baked garlic bread.
Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use different types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well in this recipe.
How long does it take to braid the dough?
The braiding process typically takes a few minutes.
Take your time and make sure to follow the instructions for folding and braiding the dough properly to achieve a beautiful finished product.
Can I omit the egg white wash?
While the egg white wash adds a shiny finish to the bread, you can omit it if desired.
The bread will still bake up golden brown and delicious without it.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use dried parsley flakes instead of fresh parsley.
Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so you may want to use less.
How do I know when the garlic bread is done baking?
The garlic bread is done baking when it’s golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread – it should sound hollow.