Stuffed Spaghetti Bread is an enticing merger of two traditional comfort foods: spaghetti and bread. When sliced, this golden braided loaf reveals a flavorful spaghetti filling enriched with melted mozzarella and a thick, tasty tomato sauce. The first time I made Stuffed Spaghetti Bread, it was an instant hit with my family, and they were eager to learn how to make it. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can easily customize it with different fillings and seasonings. Here’s how to make this delicious Stuffed Spaghetti Bread.
Ingredients
1 loaf bread dough or 12 dinner rolls, thawed to room temperature
6 oz spaghetti, cooked
1 cup thick spaghetti sauce (your preferred variety)
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 egg white
Parmesan cheese
Parsley flakes
Garlic powder
Melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Prepare the Work Surface:
Lightly spray your counter or a piece of parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the dough from sticking during shaping.
Roll Out the Dough:
Take the bread dough or combined dinner rolls that have been thawed and roll them into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If using dinner rolls, ensure they are well combined to form a cohesive dough.
Cover the rolled-out dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the dough to relax, making it easier to handle and shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Filling
Cook the Spaghetti:
Cook 6 oz of spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and let it cool slightly. Leftover spaghetti works well for this recipe.
Mix with Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with 1 cup of thick spaghetti sauce. You can use any kind of sauce you prefer—marinara, meat sauce, or a chunky vegetable-based one.
Optionally, cook some Italian sausage and chop it up to add for extra flavor and protein.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Prepare the Dough:
Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Place the spaghetti mixture lengthwise in a 4-inch wide strip down the center of the dough.
Add Cheese:
Evenly distribute the 8 oz of mozzarella cheese cubes over the spaghetti. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey filling during baking.
Cut and Braid the Dough:
Make cuts along both long sides of the dough 1 ½ inches apart, cutting from the edge to within half an inch of the filling.
Start by folding both top and bottom pieces of dough towards the filling, then braid the side pieces by crossing them over each other (left over right, right over left) all the way down the length of the dough.
Tuck the last strip under the braid to secure it.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Transfer to Baking Sheet:
Carefully lift the braided loaf with both hands and place it on a large, sprayed baking sheet. If you used parchment paper, simply transfer the paper with the loaf onto the baking sheet.
Brush and Season:
Brush the top of the braid with egg white for a shiny golden finish.
Sprinkle parsley flakes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano (optional) over the loaf for added flavor.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the stuffed bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The bread should sound hollow when tapped, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Brush with Butter:
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and brush it with melted butter for added flavor and shine.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bread to cool slightly before cutting it into slices. This will make slicing easier and help the stuffing stay intact.
Serve:
Serve the stuffed bread warm. It’s perfect as a main dish or a party appetizer.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Replace meat with vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian filling.
Different Cheeses:
Try using cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan or Romano cheese inside the braid for an extra cheesy delight.
Whole Wheat Dough:
Opt for whole wheat dough instead of white for a healthier option with a nutty flavor and added fiber.
Spicy Twist:
Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the spaghetti mixture for a spicy kick.
Alternative Fillings:
Instead of spaghetti, try using other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. You can also experiment with Alfredo chicken, meatballs, or pesto pasta as alternative fillings.
Conclusion
Stuffed Spaghetti Bread is a delightful combination of two beloved comfort foods—bread and spaghetti. The soft, tender dough encasing a savory spaghetti filling with melted cheese makes every bite a treat. This recipe is versatile and allows for endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting from scratch, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the process of making this delicious stuffed bread and share the joy with others. Happy cooking!
