There’s comfort food, and then there’s comfort food royalty. When you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and soul-hugging dinner, this cheesy spaghetti-stuffed garlic bread is the kind of recipe that steps in like a culinary superhero. Imagine a crispy hoagie roll, hollowed and brushed with garlicky butter, packed with saucy spaghetti, then topped with melty mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. It’s rich, satisfying, and undeniably fun—pure carb bliss that the whole family will rave about.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread

This dish is exactly what it sounds like: the ultimate pasta-night-meets-pizza-night fusion. It’s everything we love about spaghetti dinners and cheesy garlic bread—rolled into one hand-held, flavor-packed creation. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Whether you’re planning a casual Friday dinner, looking to impress guests with a quirky appetizer, or need a creative way to use leftover pasta, this recipe delivers. It’s hearty, savory, and packed with personality. Plus, it invites customization like no other.

The taste? Out of this world. The bread is crispy and buttery, the spaghetti is coated in rich marinara and balanced with just the right amount of seasoning, and the cheese…well, let’s just say there’s no such thing as too much cheese here. It’s one of those meals that makes your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes—and tastes even better.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

Perfect for pasta lovers and cheese fans alike
Customizable with different meats, sauces, or meatless versions
Ideal for entertaining or weeknight dinners
Uses common pantry ingredients
Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready
Kid-friendly and fun to eat
Makes great use of leftover pasta

This cheesy spaghetti-stuffed garlic bread isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread

For the Bread Boats:

2 large hoagie rolls or sub rolls
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Optional: pinch of salt

For the Spaghetti Filling:

6 ounces spaghetti noodles (about half a box)
1½ cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for browning meat and preparing sauce
Baking sheet
Foil or parchment paper
Spoon or tongs
Pastry brush for garlic butter
Serrated knife for slicing bread

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super adaptable, and you can tweak it to suit your pantry or preferences:

Meat options: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Meatless version: Omit the meat entirely and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Cheese swaps: Use provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and hoagie rolls to keep the dish GF-friendly.
Add a spicy kick: Stir some red pepper flakes into the sauce or top with jalapeños.
More herbs: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce for an herbal boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente—firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

If you’re using meat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once ready, toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and mix until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Boats

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, slice the tops off the hoagie rolls and gently hollow out the inside, creating boat-like cavities. You can set aside the scooped-out bread to make breadcrumbs later!

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of each bread boat generously with the garlic butter mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Boats

Spoon the sauced spaghetti mixture into each garlic bread boat. Be generous here—you want it stuffed and brimming! Then, layer on the shredded mozzarella, making sure the top is fully covered. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the stuffed bread boats onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you like an extra crispy top, broil for the last minute or two—just keep a close eye on it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing (this helps everything set). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Slice in half or serve whole, depending on how hungry you are!

What to Serve with Cheesy Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread

This dish is indulgent, so lighter sides can help balance the meal. Try serving it with:

A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
Extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping
A simple cucumber and tomato salad with vinegar dressing

Or, turn it into a full comfort food feast by pairing it with other crowd-pleasing dishes like loaded bacon cheese fries or a stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. Trust me, your guests will not leave hungry.

Pro Tips for Success

Undercook pasta slightly: Since it will bake again, you want to avoid mushy noodles.
Use sturdy bread: Flimsy rolls won’t hold up to the filling. Go for bakery-quality hoagies or sub rolls.
Don’t skimp on the garlic butter: It’s what transforms this from “bread” to “garlic bread.”
Add cheese last: Layering the cheese on top ensures the perfect golden finish.
Let it rest: Give it a minute or two out of the oven so it slices cleanly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers do reheat well.

To store: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

To freeze: Assemble the garlic bread boats (unbaked), wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the garlic bread boats and stuff them with spaghetti up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best type of bread to use?
Look for sturdy rolls like hoagie, sub, or French bread. Avoid very soft sandwich rolls—they’ll fall apart when filled.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the meat from the sauce or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat.

What marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade one. A thicker sauce works best to prevent sogginess.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, see the storage section above for freezing instructions. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy spaghetti-stuffed garlic bread is the kind of recipe that reminds us why we fell in love with comfort food in the first place. It’s rich, gooey, full of texture, and built from ingredients we all know and love. It doesn’t take fancy techniques or obscure ingredients—just a little time and a lot of flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to a carby delight, this dish never disappoints. And the best part? You can totally make it your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the cheese, spice it up, or keep it simple—it’s always a win.

Looking for more cozy dinner ideas? Check out these other satisfying, cheesy creations:

These recipes are perfect companions for a casual gathering or a comfort food feast night at home.

Share Your Kitchen Creations

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to see your version! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—and don’t forget to tag me. Leave a review below to let others know how it turned out and what twist you put on it. Your feedback helps others and inspires more recipes just like this.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 540
Protein: 24g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg

Cheesy Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Spaghetti-Stuffed Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, buttery bread boats filled with saucy spaghetti and loaded with melted mozzarella. It’s a crave-worthy dinner idea that’s fun to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Try this easy, cheesy recipe tonight and bring everyone to the table smiling!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Bread Boats:

2 large hoagie rolls or sub rolls
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Pinch of salt (optional)

For the Spaghetti Filling:

6 ounces spaghetti noodles (about half a box)
1½ cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
If using meat, brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in cooked spaghetti and mix until well-coated.
Make the Bread Boats:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the hoagie rolls and hollow out the insides, creating shallow boats.
Brush with Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brush generously inside each bread boat.
Assemble the Boats:
Fill each garlic bread boat with the sauced spaghetti. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Bake:
Place boats on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Garnish & Serve:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use thick, sturdy rolls like hoagies or French bread to prevent sogginess.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
Want extra crispy tops? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!
This recipe is a great way to use leftover spaghetti—just reheat it before stuffing.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.