A fresh loaf of Italian or French bread works best for this recipe. Look for one that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. A medium-sized loaf (about 12 inches) is ideal.
Use about 2 cups of cooked spaghetti for the filling. You can use leftover pasta or prepare fresh spaghetti according to package instructions. Be sure to drain it well before mixing with other ingredients.
You’ll need 1 cup of marinara sauce to mix with the spaghetti. This adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make your own homemade version for extra freshness.
Using 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese provides a deliciously gooey texture when baked. It melts perfectly and complements the flavors of garlic and marinara.
Prepare about ½ cup of garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and parsley. This mixture will be brushed on the top of the bread, giving it an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Fresh chopped parsley enhances both flavor and presentation. Use about 2 tablespoons as a garnish after baking the stuffed garlic bread.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that your garlic bread will bake evenly and achieve a golden brown color while cooking the inside filling perfectly.
Slice your loaf of bread in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Carefully hollow out some of the inner bread from each half using a spoon or knife, leaving about half an inch around the edges for support.
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all pasta pieces are coated evenly in sauce and cheese. Ensure every bite will have that delicious cheesy flavor.
Spoon the spaghetti mixture into each half of the hollowed-out bread loaf. Press down gently to pack it in tightly but avoid overfilling so it doesn’t spill out during baking.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley until combined well. Brush this mixture generously over both halves of the filled bread loaf, ensuring even coverage on top.
Place both halves of stuffed garlic bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy while allowing the cheese inside to melt beautifully.
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into pieces. Garnish each slice with additional fresh parsley for color and serve warm to enjoy this delightful blend of flavors!