Description
Cheesy Bread Bowl Spaghetti is a comforting and fun meal featuring creamy, cheesy spaghetti served inside a warm, crusty bread bowl. This all-in-one dish combines gooey melted cheese, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it delivers a delightful and impressive presentation with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Bread
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 4 fresh round sourdough or Italian bread bowls
Sauces and Dairy
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Garnishes
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Start by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it is just al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly with the cheesy sauce. Keep the mixture warm on low heat.
- Prepare the Bread Bowls: Cut off the top third of the bread rounds and hollow out the centers, removing the soft crumb but leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the pasta. Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet.
- Fill Bread Bowls and Bake: Spoon the cheesy spaghetti generously into each bread bowl. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and Parmesan on top for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread edges are crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness straight from the bread bowl.
Notes
- Cook spaghetti slightly under done to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Grate your own fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheese for better melting rather than using pre-shredded.
- Leave about a 1-inch thick bread shell when hollowing to prevent leaks and maintain structure.
- Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes after baking to achieve extra golden tops, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Toss spaghetti with sauce just before filling bread bowls to keep bread from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread bowl with spaghetti
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg