Bread bowl pasta is the kind of comfort food that instantly makes you feel hugged from the inside out. I first fell in love with this dish on a chilly evening on the ranch, when I was craving something both hearty and familiar something that reminded me of my mama’s spaghetti but with a twist that felt fresh and fun. That’s when the idea of bread bowl pasta hit me. What if I took one of my homemade garlic butter rolls, hollowed it out, and stuffed it with creamy, cheesy spaghetti? The result was nothing short of magic.
Out here in Texas, we don’t always measure love by words we serve it up in bowls, with warm bread, saucy noodles, and the scent of roasted garlic filling the air. This recipe is inspired by that kind of love. It’s rooted in simplicity, just like the recipes my mother used to make, but with a playful spin that makes it perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even solo nights when you just need a little extra comfort.
What I love most about bread bowl pasta is how easy it is to customize. While I use a classic meat sauce and mozzarella combo, you can experiment with Alfredo, pesto, or even a veggie medley. You can use store-bought kaiser rolls or bake your own, just like the ones I serve in my creamy comfort bowl for busy nights Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Bowl.
So if you’re ready to try a recipe that combines the best of spaghetti night and bakery-fresh bread, let me walk you through the step-by-step magic of bread bowl pasta. Because here at RecipesMouny.com, food isn’t just about eating it’s about remembering, savoring, and sharing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Bread Bowl Pasta Recipe: A Cozy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This easy bread bowl pasta recipe features garlic-buttered kaiser rolls filled with spaghetti, savory ground beef, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy comfort food.
Ingredients
6 round (5–6 inch) kaiser rolls
4 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions
1 pound ground beef
24 ounces spaghetti sauce
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink.
Add spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper; reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add cooked noodles and toss to fully coat with sauce.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, kosher salt, and parsley to make garlic butter.
Cut centers out of the tops of the rolls, leaving the bottoms intact to create bread bowls.
Brush garlic butter inside and outside of each roll using 2–3 tablespoons per roll.
Place 1 tablespoon mozzarella into the bottom of each bread bowl.
Fill with about ½ cup spaghetti mixture.
Top with another tablespoon of mozzarella.
Bake for 7–10 minutes or until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage or plant-based meat. Use sourdough or dinner rolls as alternatives to kaiser rolls. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food Bowls & One-Pot Meals
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
The Ingredients That Make Bread Bowl Pasta Unforgettable
When it comes to making bread bowl pasta, the beauty lies in the balance of bold, cozy flavors with a few humble ingredients. Think crispy golden bread, garlicky butter, rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and stretchy mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that doesn’t need fancy tools just a little love and a good baking sheet.
Let’s talk bread first. I use soft, round kaiser rolls about 5 to 6 inches wide. They’re sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to soak up all that garlicky butter without falling apart. You can swap them for sourdough rolls or even homemade ones like the kind featured in my root vegetable bowl that’s as nourishing as it is hearty Beef and Roasted Root Veggie Power Bowl.
Next comes the pasta. You’ll need about four ounces of spaghetti cooked al dente to hold its shape when baked. Pair that with a hearty meat sauce made from ground beef and a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer just long enough to bring all those flavors together.
For the garlic butter, don’t skimp this is where the flavor magic happens. I mix melted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and fresh parsley. Brush it generously inside and out of each roll before filling.
Then comes assembly: mozzarella, spaghetti, more cheese. It’s a triple-layered experience in every bite. Bake it for just under 10 minutes, and you’ve got golden brown perfection with melted cheese bubbling at the edges.
How to Make Bread Bowl Pasta Step-by-Step
Making bread bowl pasta at home is easier than you think. It’s a one-pan, flavor-packed dinner that brings together everything you love garlic bread, saucy pasta, and gooey cheese all baked into one cozy, handheld bowl. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and tastes like something from your favorite comfort food diner.
Step 1: Prep Your Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Take each kaiser roll and carefully cut out the center from the top, making sure not to slice all the way through. You want a “bowl” that holds your pasta without leaking.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then pour in 24 ounces of your favorite spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add 4 ounces of cooked spaghetti and toss until every strand is coated.
Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter
Melt 1 cup of butter and mix it with 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley. Brush each roll inside and out with the garlic butter using 2 to 3 tablespoons per roll.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread Bowl Pasta
Layer 1 tablespoon of mozzarella into each roll, followed by a heaping ½ cup of spaghetti mixture, and top it off with another tablespoon of cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Pop them into the oven for 7 to 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the bread golden brown. They’re done when the tops are bubbling and fragrant just like the aroma of our slow-cooked favorite that’s already warming hearts Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Bowl.
Serving, Storing & Spinning Off Your Bread Bowl Pasta
The magic of bread bowl pasta doesn’t end when it comes out of the oven it begins there. Straight from the baking sheet, these little edible bowls are ready to serve as a complete meal. No extra sides needed, though a crisp garden salad or a chilled sparkling lemonade wouldn’t hurt.
For a cozy family-style dinner, I like to place them all in a warm dish towel-lined basket and let everyone grab their favorite. The combination of melted cheese, buttery garlic, and saucy spaghetti wrapped in crusty bread is always a conversation starter and a guaranteed way to quiet hungry kids fast.
What I love most about bread bowl pasta is how easy it is to turn leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch. Just wrap them up, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven to bring back that satisfying crunch. They’re even freezer-friendly if you want to make a double batch.
Looking to switch it up? Try these flavor twists:
- Alfredo Chicken Bowl: Swap beef and red sauce for shredded rotisserie chicken and Alfredo, topped with Parmesan.
- Vegetarian Spinach & Ricotta: Add sautéed spinach and ricotta with marinara for a meatless option.
- Southwest Kick: Use taco-seasoned beef and pepper jack for a Tex-Mex twist.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or prepping for a party, bread bowl pasta adapts beautifully to any flavor profile. And if you’re looking for another comfort recipe with the same cozy energy, you’ll love our pumpkin alfredo pasta bowl.
Final Thoughts: Bread Bowl Pasta Worth Sharing
At RecipesMouny.com, we believe that food isn’t just about feeding the body it’s about feeding the soul. And this bread bowl pasta does exactly that. With buttery rolls, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese baked into every bite, it’s more than a dinner it’s a memory waiting to be made.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, surprising guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings together comfort, ease, and flavor in one satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to gather around the table, share stories, and maybe even pass down your own version someday.
I hope this dish becomes one of those “repeat forever” meals in your home just like it has in mine.
And if you’re inspired to keep cooking comforting classics, don’t miss our slow-cooked favorite that’s already warming hearts: the Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Bowl. It’s another dish where simplicity and comfort meet in the best way.
From my Texas ranch kitchen to yours happy cooking, and may every bowl be full of flavor and heart.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Bowl Pasta
Does Domino’s do bread bowl pasta?
Domino’s no longer offers its iconic bread bowl pasta in most locations, but it used to be a fan favorite. Their version featured pasta baked inside a seasoned bread bowl, similar in concept to this homemade recipe. Fortunately, with just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that cheesy, saucy goodness at home minus the takeout prices.
What is pasta with bread called?
When pasta is served inside bread, it’s often called bread bowl pasta, though it doesn’t have an official culinary term. It’s a hybrid comfort dish that combines two favorites: baked bread and warm, saucy noodles. It’s part of a growing trend of edible vessels like bread bowls for soup or salad, offering both flavor and function in one creative dish.
What happened to Panera bread bowl?
Panera Bread still serves their iconic soup-in-a-bread-bowl, but they’ve never officially introduced a bread bowl pasta. Some locations have experimented with mac and cheese in bread bowls, which is a similar concept. If you’re craving something more filling or savory, making your own bread bowl pasta is the perfect alternative customizable, hearty, and even better when made fresh at home.
What can go in a bread bowl?
Nearly anything! While soups are most common, bread bowl pasta is becoming a comfort food favorite. Other delicious fillings include creamy mac and cheese, chili, spinach artichoke dip, or scrambled eggs for brunch. The trick is to choose thick, hearty fillings that won’t soak through the bread before serving.