Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy mashup that’s pure comfort food bliss, Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Imagine gooey layers of mozzarella, garlicky Italian bread, and a surprise center of saucy pasta—all pressed into a sandwich that’s perfectly golden on the outside and irresistibly melty inside. It’s cheesy, saucy, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood spaghetti dinners or looking to wow your friends with a fun twist on two classics, this is the ultimate union of Italian-American favorites. Trust me, one bite and Spaghetti Grilled Cheese will earn a spot on your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need to raid specialty shops for this recipe—the magic is in just a handful of simple, staple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, balancing flavor, texture, and that utterly craveable grilled cheese crunch with classic Italian flair.
- Soft Italian Bread: Choose a fluffy, tender loaf for the perfect balance of crunch and melt once grilled.
- Butter at Room Temperature: Spreading softened butter ensures golden, crispy edges on every sandwich bite.
- Basil: Dried or fresh, basil gives that unmistakable Italian aroma and brightness.
- Garlic: Infuses each bite with savory depth—grate or mince it finely for best results.
- Finely Grated Parmesan: Pressed into the butter, Parmesan adds a cheesy edge and a salty, umami punch.
- Bolognese Sauce: Rich, tomatoey, and loaded with savory flavor, this sauce ties the sandwich together—storebought or homemade both work.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Light and delicate, this pasta nestles beautifully between cheesy layers without being too heavy.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Slices of fresh mozzarella create that irresistible melted center and a dreamy cheese pull.
How to Make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Make the Garlic Basil Butter
Start by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, and basil in a small bowl. This fragrant blend is what will take your bread from average to knockout status. Spread the butter mixture generously over one side of each bread slice, making sure to get all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Then, sprinkle and lightly press the grated Parmesan over the buttered sides—the cheese forms a crisp, golden crust that’s pure magic.
Step 2: Cook and Dress Your Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the angel hair pasta to al dente, according to package directions. This step is quick, as angel hair cooks in just a couple of minutes. Drain well, then gently stir the warm pasta into the rich bolognese sauce. The noodles should be nicely coated and ready to tuck into your sandwich.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich Layers
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto your cutting board. Add a layer of fresh mozzarella (about three slices) to cover the bread. Next, heap the saucy spaghetti evenly on top—spreading to the edges so every bite gets a taste. Add another layer of mozzarella, then cap with the second bread slice, buttered side up. It’ll look tall and stuffed, but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Slow Toast to Golden Perfection
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, and lay the assembled Spaghetti Grilled Cheese sandwich in the pan. There’s no need for extra oil—the buttered bread does all the work. Cover the skillet to trap heat and melt the cheese while the bread crisps. Let it cook without moving for 5–6 minutes; patience here is key for that dreamy golden crust. Flip gently, replace the lid, and toast the other side until both are beautifully golden and the cheese and pasta inside are hot and melty.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Immediately
Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it rest for a minute (if you can wait!), and slice it in half. You’ll see ribbons of saucy spaghetti twined through bubbling cheese, all between golden crusts. Serve right away for the ultimate Spaghetti Grilled Cheese experience.
How to Serve Spaghetti Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley wakes up the plate and adds a pop of green. For extra richness, grate a bit more Parmesan over the top just before serving. An extra drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes are wonderful if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Since this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is both hearty and comforting, it pairs perfectly with simple sides. Try a fresh green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, or serve up a cup of tomato soup for dipping. Roasted vegetables or classic Italian antipasto also work well to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwich into small triangles or thick strips for a playful twist—perfect for party platters or kid-friendly lunches. For a weekend brunch, consider adding a fried egg on top. You could even serve these mini-style, using slider buns and spaghetti to make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese bites for a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Spaghetti Grilled Cheese, wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, though the bread may lose some crispness over time. For best flavor and texture, try to enjoy it within 24 hours.
Freezing
To freeze, let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The microwave works for speed, but won’t restore that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair fits the sandwich nicely, any cooked spaghetti pasta—or even leftover linguine—can substitute. Just make sure it’s well coated in sauce so every bite is flavorful.
What type of bread is best?
Soft Italian bread is the classic choice because it gets golden and crisp without being dense, but you can also try ciabatta, sourdough, or even a rustic white loaf. The goal is tender crumb on the inside and a crunchy crust after grilling.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese uses a traditional bolognese sauce, which usually contains meat. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute your favorite meatless marinara or plant-based bolognese sauce.
Can I add extra fillings or toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers before grilling. Just don’t overstuff, or the sandwich might get tricky to handle.
How can I make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese ahead for a party?
Assemble the sandwiches without grilling, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, grill each sandwich and keep them warm on a baking sheet in a low oven. Slice into finger-friendly pieces and arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about Spaghetti Grilled Cheese that brings out the kid in everyone. Whether you want to jazz up a weeknight dinner, surprise someone with a playful lunch, or just treat yourself, this sandwich delivers comfort and creativity in one bite. Give it a try and get ready to fall for what might just be your new favorite mashup!
Print
Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this unique twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich with spaghetti and bolognese sauce stuffed inside. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that combines two favorites in one!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Basil
- 1 tablespoon Butter, at room temperature
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices Soft Italian Bread
- 1 tablespoon Finely Grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup Bolognese Sauce
- 1 cup Angel Hair Pasta
- 3 slices Fresh Mozzarella
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix garlic, basil, and room temperature butter. Spread this mixture on one side of each slice of Italian bread. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of Parmesan on the buttered side of each slice, pressing lightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta with bolognese sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer mozzarella slices on one slice of bread, top with bolognese-covered pasta, add more mozzarella, then the second bread slice.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet on medium-low, add the sandwich, cover, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top of the sandwich before grilling.
- Ensure the heat is low to prevent burning while grilling the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spaghetti grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, bolognese sandwich, pasta sandwich
