Pin it
Spaghetti Filled Garlic Bread Boats hit the spot when you want pasta and garlic bread together. This fun dish wraps tangy pasta inside a buttery garlic bread shell and gets baked till golden. It's hands-on comfort food that's great for family gatherings or casual movie nights with friends.
I first brought these to a block party and they vanished faster than anything else on the table. The smiles on my family's faces when they bite into these tell me they're always gonna be a success.
- Spaghetti: The star of the show. Pick a quality brand, and if possible, get rough-textured pasta that grabs onto sauce better
- Sub rolls: Go for ones that aren't too soft but have a tender inside. Bakery-fresh Italian or submarine rolls do the trick
- Marinara sauce: Gives that basic flavor punch. Try to find one without too much added sugar or whip up your own batch
- Parmesan cheese: Brings that nutty kick. Freshly grated beats pre-packaged any day
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that awesome stretchy pull. Full-fat works best for melting
- Butter: The foundation of your garlic spread. Splurge on good unsalted butter for better taste
- Garlic: Adds that zingy kick everyone loves. Chop it tiny for the best flavor spread
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness. Go with Italian flat-leaf for better flavor
- Salt and pepper: Ties all flavors together. Fresh ground pepper and good salt make a difference
Tasty Step-By-Step Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Fill a big pot with water, add salt, and boil the pasta until it's slightly firm, about 2 minutes under what the box says. Drain it well then mix right away with marinara so all noodles get sauce on them
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Take a bread knife and cut each roll down the middle but don't go all the way through. You want it to open like a book so it'll hold your pasta nicely
- Make Garlic Butter:
- Put your butter in a small pot or microwave bowl and melt it down. Mix in your chopped garlic and parsley until you can smell that amazing aroma and the green bits are mixed throughout
- Brush Rolls with Garlic Butter:
- Take your time spreading that buttery mix inside each roll. Make sure you don't miss any spots so the garlic flavor hits in every bite
- Assemble the Subs:
- Pack that saucy pasta into each roll, making sure it gets into all the nooks. Top with a good amount of Parmesan first, then load on the mozzarella for that melty top layer
- Bake the Subs:
- Put some parchment on a baking sheet. Set your filled rolls open-side up and stick them in your hot oven for 10-12 minutes until the bread turns golden and the cheese melts completely without burning
- Finish and Serve:
- Get them out of the oven. Grab some tongs to move them to plates and throw on some extra parsley. Serve them right away while they're hot and the cheese pulls apart in long strings
Pin it
The way the garlic butter sinks into the bread takes me back to watching my dad make weekend garlic bread. He never skimped on butter, and I keep that tradition going. The smell that fills the kitchen is absolutely mouthwatering.
Storage Tips
Wrap any extras in aluminum foil and keep them in your fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat them, heat your oven to 350 degrees. Keep them wrapped in foil while heating so they don't dry out. This works way better than microwaving, which can make the bread soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use gluten free or whole grain pasta if you'd like. Any firm sandwich roll does the job. Switch mozzarella for provolone or try a blend of Italian cheeses. Your favorite pasta sauce works instead of marinara, whether it's store-bought or homemade.
Serving Suggestions
These go great with a fresh green salad and Italian dressing on the side. They also pair nicely with a cup of veggie soup. They're perfect for watching sports, and you can put extra sauce in a bowl for dipping. If you like things spicy, mix some crushed red pepper into your sauce before adding the pasta.
Pin it
Cultural and Historical Context
This fun dish combines two American takes on Italian favorites. It merges American-style spaghetti with cheesy garlic bread in a creative way. You'll often find garlic bread subs at local pizza shops across America, but adding spaghetti inside takes it to another level. It feels like something you'd find at a trendy food festival or the highlight dish at a family gathering.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best for garlic spaghetti subs?
Go for soft hoagie rolls or sub buns—they hold everything together nicely and crisp up in the oven.
- → Can I switch up the cheese toppings?
Sure! Mozzarella and Parmesan are great, but you could try cheddar, provolone, or a mix of your favorites.
- → How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast it slightly with garlic butter before stuffing. Also, use pasta that's not too wet.
- → Can these sandwiches be prepped in advance?
Yep, you can build them ahead and chill in the fridge. Just bake fresh for the best results.
- → What pairs well as a side for these subs?
Simple salads, roasted veggies, or a cup of tomato soup make great additions.
- → Is it possible to add some protein inside?
Totally! Toss in cooked meatballs, crumbled sausage, or ground beef for extra heartiness.