Imagine two of the most beloved comfort foods colliding in one magnificent creation – that’s exactly what happens with Spaghetti Grilled Cheese. This indulgent sandwich takes leftover spaghetti and transforms it into a crispy, gooey, handheld delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Born from those moments when you’re staring at leftover pasta but craving a sandwich, this fusion masterpiece delivers the perfect balance of carbs, cheese, and nostalgia. The pasta forms a surprisingly sturdy interior while the golden-brown, buttery bread provides the perfect crispy contrast to all that melty cheese.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect way to repurpose leftover spaghetti into something exciting and new
- Incredibly satisfying combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese
- Kid-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour
- Ready in just 15 minutes of active cooking time
- Easily customizable with different cheeses or pasta sauces
Ingredients
- 2 slices soft Italian bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Mix the minced garlic, chopped basil and softened butter in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this mixture on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on the buttered side of each slice, gently pressing it into the butter.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain well.
- In a bowl, stir the hot drained pasta into the Bolognese sauce until evenly coated.
- Place one slice of bread butter-side down. Arrange 3 slices of mozzarella to cover the bread. Spoon the pasta mixture evenly over the cheese. Add the remaining mozzarella on top of the pasta. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat (no need to add oil or butter). Place the sandwich in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Tips & Variations
- For extra stability, let leftover spaghetti cool completely in the refrigerator before using.
- Try different pasta sauces – marinara works great, but meat sauce or even alfredo can create delicious variations.
- Add a thin layer of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use a panini press instead of a skillet for even more compact, crispy results.
- For a lower-carb option, try using garlic bread or Texas toast instead of sourdough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these indulgent sandwiches with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. The fresh, crisp greens provide the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey sandwich.
For a complete comfort food experience, pair with a small cup of tomato soup for dipping. The tangy soup complements the rich, cheesy sandwich perfectly, creating a nostalgic meal that satisfies on every level.
Notes
- Store any leftover sandwiches (uncooked) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, separated by parchment paper.
- The sandwich is done when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and starting to ooze out the sides.
- Allow sandwiches to rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting to help keep the filling intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spaghetti instead of leftover?
Yes, but cooled leftover spaghetti works best as it’s less moist and holds together better in the sandwich.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella provides the perfect melt, while parmesan adds flavor. You can substitute provolone or fontina for variations.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches up to 4 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator, but cook them fresh for the best texture.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from falling out?
Make sure to press the spaghetti down firmly into the cheese layer, which acts as a “glue” when melted to hold everything together.
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