Description
This Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe combines two beloved Italian favorites into one indulgent and flavorful dish. Tender Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti are stuffed into toasted French bread, then topped with garlic butter and melted mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, savory treat perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Garlic Spread
- 2 (16-ounce) loaves French bread
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- olive oil (if necessary, to make up 2 tablespoons of fat)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the bread and baking the assembled dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water for the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, crumble it as it cooks until there is no pink remaining. Remove the cooked sausage and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, remove all but 2 tablespoons of the sausage fat. If there is less than that, add olive oil to make up the difference. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and marinara sauce, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat every strand with flavorful marinara and sausage mixture.
- Make Garlic Butter Spread: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, hollow out the insides of both loaves of French bread, leaving approximately a 1/2 inch thick border to maintain structure. Split the garlic butter mixture in half and spread evenly inside each hollowed bread half.
- Toast the Bread: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven until the buttered bread edges are golden and toasted, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Assemble the Stuffed Bread: Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly and spoon it into each toasted bread half. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spaghetti on each half.
- Bake: Return the stuffed bread halves to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through and the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a bright, fresh finish. Cut into individual slices using a serrated knife and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a leaner version.
- Fresh herbs like basil can be used instead of parsley for garnish to change the flavor profile slightly.
- For extra garlic flavor, add more minced garlic into the butter spread as preferred.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- The dish can be prepared ahead to the assembly stage and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
