Description
Personal Spaghetti Bread Bowls are a delightful and comforting meal featuring hollowed-out bread loaves filled with saucy spaghetti and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an inviting family dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe combines the warm flavors of marinara sauce and fresh herbs baked inside a crispy golden bread bowl.
Ingredients
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 and 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 carefully, and set the bread bowls aside. Reserve the scooped-out bread for breadcrumbs or another use.
- Toast the Bread Bowls: Brush the inside and outside of each hollowed bread bowl with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the bread bowls are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat every strand with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Bread Bowls: Spoon a generous amount of the saucy spaghetti mixture into each toasted bread bowl.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the spaghetti in each bread bowl. Return the assembled bowls to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any round bread loaf such as sourdough or Italian bread of suitable size (4-6 inches) for the bread bowls.
- Save the bread you hollow out to make homemade breadcrumbs or croutons.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce with salt, pepper, or additional herbs according to your taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during simmering.
- Make sure not to overfill the bread bowls to prevent spilling while baking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bread bowls at their crispiest and the cheese perfectly melted.
