Description
A fun and delicious way to enjoy spaghetti by serving it inside crispy, toasted bread bowls topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family meal or casual dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Bowls
- 4 small round bread loaves (like sourdough or Italian bread, about 4-6 inches in diameter)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 lb (16 oz) spaghetti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Bowls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bread loaves, hollow out the insides, and set the bread bowls aside. Save the scooped-out bread for breadcrumbs or other uses.
- Toast the Bread Bowls: Brush the insides and outsides of the hollowed bread bowls with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the bread bowls toast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marinara sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bread Bowls: Spoon a generous amount of saucy spaghetti into each bread bowl.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. Return bread bowls to the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian to prevent sogginess.
- Save the hollowed bread for making breadcrumbs or croutons.
- For extra flavor, add cooked ground meat or vegetables to the marinara sauce.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for best texture inside bread bowls.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bread bowls crispy texture.
