Name: Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 6 round (5-6 inches) rolls, like white kaiser rolls; 4 ounces (¼ of a 16-ounce box) spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions; 24 ounces spaghetti sauce; 1 pound ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided; 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g) butter, melted; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon parsley, minced

If you’re dreaming of ultimate comfort food, these Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls are a carb-lover’s fantasy come true! Imagine soft, golden rolls brushed inside and out with garlicky butter, stuffed to the brim with saucy spaghetti and gooey mozzarella—then baked until everything fuses into bubbly, toasty perfection. Every bite is pure joy, and the best part? They’re easier to make than you’d think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Outrageous Comfort: Every bite of a buttery, garlicky bread bowl packed with saucy spaghetti and cheese is total soul food.
Perfect Party Showstopper: These individually portioned bowls turn a simple dinner into a seriously fun centerpiece—ideal for family nights or casual gatherings.
Totally Customizable: You can easily swap the fillings or toppings to suit picky eaters, different sauces, or meatless variations—everyone wins.
Minimal Fuss, Maximum Flavor: With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like a million bucks in under an hour.

Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls is how these humble, everyday ingredients come together to deliver a craveable, gourmet-worthy meal. Each component brings something special—whether it’s richness, stretch, or that irresistible golden crust.

6 round rolls (about 5–6 inches): Kaiser or Italian-style rolls with a sturdy crust work best—they hold all those saucy fillings without getting soggy!
4 ounces spaghetti noodles: Regular spaghetti gives the perfect bite—cook just until al dente so they don’t get mushy after baking.
24 ounces spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce; go meatless or chunky—it’s up to you!
1 pound ground beef: Adds heartiness and loads of flavor, but you can substitute with turkey or plant-based “beef” for a lighter touch.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to spotlight the sauce and beef.
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided: Pre-shredded is fine, but grating your own melts like a dream and makes the filling ultra-gooey.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: The base for the irresistible garlic butter that soaks into every nook of the bread.
2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Fresh is best—nothing beats that punchy, aromatic kick!
1 teaspoon kosher salt: It sharpens every savory note in the garlic butter.
1 tablespoon parsley, minced: Brightens up the butter mixture and adds a pop of color for garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your family’s tastes and what you’ve got in the pantry! Don’t be afraid to riff on traditional Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls—there are so many ways to make them your own.

Meatless Marvel: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted veggies for a hearty vegetarian twist.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Amp it up with extra gooey cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or swap in spicy Italian sausage if you like things with a little bite.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls and pasta for a celiac-friendly take the whole crowd can enjoy.

How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Simmer the Sauce

Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up so you get tasty, even bites. Once fully cooked, stir in your spaghetti sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it all bubble away gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors can cozy up together—meanwhile, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 2: Cook and Toss the Noodles

While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti noodles just until al dente. Drain and toss the noodles right into the beefy sauce, stirring well so every strand is coated. Keep the mixture covered off-heat to stay warm and saucy—no dry noodles allowed here!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Magic

In a bowl, blend together the melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and fresh parsley. This fragrant mixture will transform those bread bowls from ordinary to absolutely legendary.

Step 4: Prep the Rolls

Using a small serrated knife, carefully cut a circle out of the top of each roll, making sure not to slice all the way through—you want a cozy little bread “nest.” Arrange the hollowed rolls on your parchment-lined sheet pan, ready for their garlic butter soak.

Step 5: Build and Bake

Generously brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with the garlicky butter (don’t hold back!). Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella in the bottom, pack in a hearty scoop of the spaghetti mixture, and finish with another sprinkle of cheese. Pop the pan in a 350°F oven and bake for 7–10 minutes, until the rolls are beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like an Italian bakery.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls are sizzling and melty, pull them from the oven and add a shower of fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately—just watch jaws drop at the table!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls

Bread Selection is Key: Pick rolls with a nice sturdy crust (Kaiser or hard Italian)—they’ll hold up to the saucy spaghetti without becoming mushy.
Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Really slather that garlic butter inside and out—the more you use, the richer and crispier your bread bowls will bake up.
Layer for Meltiness: Adding a little mozzarella both under and over the spaghetti ensures every bite is stringy, cheesy bliss.
Bake Just Before Serving: For the crunchiest crust and meltiest center, fill and bake your Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls right before dinnertime—leftover bread bowls will soften as they sit.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls

Garnishes

Finish your bread bowls with a flutter of fresh chopped parsley or basil—the green looks beautiful against the golden crust. For restaurant flair, add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give each one a little sparkle and zing.

Side Dishes

Keep things light with a zingy arugula salad or classic Caesar, or serve with roasted vegetables for a bit of balance. If you’re entertaining, a tray of olives or marinated artichokes makes a perfect Italian-inspired nibble alongside your Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bread bowls on a big board, stack them high for a bread “tower,” or nestle each into individual soup bowls for a cozy touch. For parties, let guests decorate their own Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls at a DIY station—kids absolutely love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Tuck the cooled bread bowls into an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bread softens slightly but soaks up even more flavor from the garlicky butter and spaghetti sauce.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each baked (and cooled) bread bowl tightly in plastic wrap and foil; store them in a resealable freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Pop your refrigerated or thawed Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls into a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, until piping hot and melty again. A quick trip in the air fryer works wonders to restore that crispy crust!

FAQs

Can I make the bread bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the rolls and even fill them a few hours in advance—just cover with foil and refrigerate. Bake them right before serving so the crust stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
What’s the best type of roll for garlic butter spaghetti bread bowls?

Look for round rolls (about 5–6 inches across) with a sturdy, not-too-soft crust. Kaiser, Italian boule, or even sourdough rolls are all excellent choices because they hold up beautifully to the saucy filling.
Can I use a different pasta or sauce?

Definitely! While spaghetti noodles are traditional, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape. Any red, creamy, or even pesto sauce works, so use what you love or have on hand.
How do I keep the bread bowls from getting soggy?

The secret is choosing a firm roll and brushing the inside with a generous layer of garlic butter before filling. The butter forms a delicious “seal” that keeps the bread from soaking up too much sauce while baking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd of hungry teens or just craving something special for dinner, these Garlic Butter Spaghetti Bread Bowls always hit the spot. I hope you’ll give them a try—they’re fun to make, outrageously delicious, and guaranteed to draw smiles with every gooey, garlicky bite!