Cheesy Spaghetti Garlic Bread

This fully loaded cheesy spaghetti garlic bread has become the ultimate crowd-pleaser in my house It combines gooey cheese classic garlic bread and a pasta fix into one over-the-top snack or meal The recipe is perfect for game nights or when you want to impress with very little effort

I made this for a movie night with friends and it disappeared in minutes Now we make it anytime we want a cozy easy comfort meal

Ingredients

• French bread: Choose a sturdy bakery loaf so the bread does not get soggy and holds all the toppings
• Cooked spaghetti noodles: Any shape can work but classic spaghetti feels extra nostalgic Use leftovers or make fresh
• Marinara sauce: Go for a quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade recipe for the richest flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded gives perfect melt and stretch Choose whole milk mozzarella for creaminess
• Butter: Unsalted is best so you control the salt level in the recipe
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give bold flavor that complements the marinara
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs wakes up the whole thing Dried oregano or basil also works if you do not have a mix
• Fresh parsley: This is optional but brings a fresh pop of color and herby lift to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Butter Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Melt the butter in a small bowl then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to create a fragrant spread

Prepare the Bread:

Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise Place both halves cut side up on a large baking sheet Brush the entire surface of each bread half thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture so the flavors soak into each bite

Crisp the Bread:

Slide your tray into the oven and pre bake for about five minutes Watch for the edges to just begin to crisp up which helps keep the bread sturdy under all the toppings

Mix the Pasta and Sauce:

In a separate bowl blend the cooked spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce Mix well so each strand is coated and flavorful

Assemble the Bread:

Spoon the saucy spaghetti noodles onto each half of the toasted bread Spread it right to the edges for even coverage

Add Cheese:

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the spaghetti Press lightly so the cheese sticks to the pasta and does not fall off during baking

Bake Until Melted:

Return the assembled bread to the oven for about ten minutes The cheese will melt and start to brown and everything will be hot and bubbly

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the finished bread with freshly chopped parsley if using Slice into portions and serve while hot so the cheese stays gooey and stretchy

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Mozzarella is always my favorite ingredient because of how stretchy and melty it gets There is something nostalgic about the way it browns on top like pizza This recipe also brings back memories of after school snacks with my siblings when we would get creative with whatever was left in the kitchen

Storage Tips

Once cooled you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven so the bread crisps back up The microwave works too but you might lose some crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in whole wheat bread for added fiber If you like things spicy try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce You could also swap mozzarella for part skim or add some cheddar for extra flavor Gluten free bread and pasta will work just as well

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices at your next casual get together as a shareable appetizer This is a fun dinner with a big salad or some roasted veggies on the side or offer it with extra marinara for dipping Kids especially love it as a no fuss snack

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Cultural and Historical Context

Cheesy spaghetti garlic bread is the kind of playful mashup dish that gets its roots from Italian American kitchens It turns humble leftovers into something impressive perfect for making fast comfort food with everyday supermarket ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast the bread briefly before adding spaghetti and cheese for a crispier base.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread with spaghetti and cheese ahead, then bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I add other toppings or ingredients?

Feel free to include sautéed veggies, cooked sausage, or extra herbs to customize the flavors to your liking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables complement its cheesy and savory profile nicely.