When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming combination of spaghetti and garlic bread. But what if you could combine these two favorites into one delicious, innovative dish? Enter Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread – a recipe that takes the best of both worlds and fuses them into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply indulging in a satisfying treat. This dish is not only flavorful but also visually impressive, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the steps to create this unique and delectable recipe.
Ingredients
To make Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. spaghetti (cooked according to package directions)
- 1 large loaf of Italian bread
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (diced)
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp salt and pepper
- Mozzarella cheese to top
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Hollow Out the Bread:
- Start by cutting the middle out of the large loaf of Italian bread. Make sure to leave enough of a border around the edges to maintain the structure of the bread.
- Butter and Season:
- Spread the 3 tablespoons of butter evenly inside the hollowed-out bread. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for that classic garlic bread flavor.
- Toast the Bread:
- Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This will give the bread a slight crunch and enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti and Sauce
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the bread is toasting, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a cast iron pan, heat the pan on the griddle over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is slightly softened and the garlic is aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sauce:
- Stir in the small can of tomato paste and the 15 oz can of tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Prepare the Bread on the Griddle:
- Set the toasted bread on a warming rack on the griddle to keep it off direct heat. This will help to maintain the warmth of the bread without burning it.
- Fill the Bread:
- Carefully fill the hollowed-out bread with the spaghetti and sauce mixture. Be generous, ensuring the bread is well-stuffed.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti-filled bread. The amount of cheese can be adjusted according to your preference.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Cover the bread lightly with foil or a lid to allow the cheese to melt without burning. This should take about 5 minutes on the warming rack.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delightful dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve with a Salad:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the spaghetti and garlic bread.
- Offer Extra Sauce:
- Serve some additional tomato sauce on the side for those who prefer their spaghetti extra saucy.
- Complementary Sides:
- Consider serving this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread
To ensure your Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Sturdy Bread:
- Choose a sturdy Italian or French bread that can hold the weight of the spaghetti without becoming too soggy or collapsing.
- Season Well:
- Make sure to season both the bread and the spaghetti sauce well. The garlic powder on the bread and the Italian seasoning in the sauce are key to achieving rich, layered flavors.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente:
- Cook the spaghetti to al dente so it maintains its structure when mixed with the sauce and stuffed into the bread.
- Don’t Overstuff:
- While it’s tempting to pack in as much spaghetti as possible, avoid overstuffing the bread to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Melt Cheese Slowly:
- Covering the bread while melting the cheese ensures even melting without burning the cheese or drying out the bread.
Variations and Additions
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste:
- Different Proteins:
- Substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions:
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variations:
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Parmesan, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for a serving of Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread (assuming the recipe serves 6):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Sodium: Depending on the ingredients used, this could vary significantly
These values can change based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie or fat content, consider using lean sausage and reducing the amount of cheese.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delightful and innovative way to enjoy two classic comfort foods in one dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and visually impressive meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of cooking and, most importantly, savor every bite of your homemade Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread!
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Spaghetti Stuffed Garlic Bread: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Seafood Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines a variety of fresh seafood with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer meal. It showcases the natural flavors of seafood while being easy to prepare and serve.
Ingredients
1 lb. spaghetti (made according to package directions)
1 large loaf Italian bread
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lb. Italian sausage
1/2 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (diced)
1 small can tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt and pepper
mozzarella cheese to top
Instructions
- Cut the middle out of the bread loaf and butter the inside. Add garlic powder then toast bread in the oven at 350 degrees for 5 min.
- Using a cast iron pan, heat the pan on the griddle on medium high.
- Brown sausage in pan. Add diced onion and garlic and cook until onion is slightly softened and garlic is aromatic.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Mix together in pan and allow to cook until heated through.
- Add cooked spaghetti to sauce and mix to cover spaghetti.
- Set bread on griddle on a warming rack to keep it off the direct heat.
- Fill hole in bread with spaghetti and top with desired amount of mozzarella cheese. Cover to allow cheese to melt
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if seafood is not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 150mg