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There’s something irresistibly fun and soul-satisfying about the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Imagine twirling tender angel hair pasta coated in rich Bolognese sauce, all tucked between layers of gooey mozzarella and crisp, buttery Italian bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that feels like a warm hug with every bite. This creative twist on two beloved dishes brings Italian flavors to a whole new handheld level, perfect for cozy lunches or craving-busting dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with humble, quality ingredients that build layers of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays its role perfectly, from the fresh herbs adding brightness to the creamy mozzarella bringing melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Soft Italian bread: Ideal for grilling, it crisps beautifully while holding the filling without falling apart.
- Butter: Used softened for spreading, it browns the bread to a golden perfection and adds a rich, creamy flavor.
- Fresh basil: Finely chopped for a fragrant herbal note that brightens up every bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with savory warmth and depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, it’s sprinkled into the butter for an extra punch of umami and slight nuttiness.
- Prepared Bolognese sauce: Provides hearty, meaty richness and a luscious tomato base that perfectly coats the pasta.
- Angel hair pasta: Cooked al dente to give the sandwich delightful texture without becoming too soft or mushy.
- Fresh mozzarella slices: Melts beautifully, lending creamy taste and a luscious stretch that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
How to Make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic-Basil Butter
Start by mixing minced garlic, finely chopped fresh basil, and softened butter in a small bowl. This vibrant mixture will be spread on the bread, imparting fragrant, savory notes that elevate the sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t forget to sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top of the buttered sides, gently pressing it in for a golden, flavorful crust once grilled.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta until just tender, or al dente. This step is crucial because you want the pasta strands to maintain a delicate bite inside the sandwich rather than becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid sogginess — a dry pasta base keeps the bread crisp and the sandwich neat.
Step 3: Toss Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the hot, drained pasta with the prepared Bolognese sauce until every strand is evenly coated in the rich, meaty tomato goodness. This melding delivers all the classic Italian flavors inside a fun new handheld form. The warmth of the sauce also helps melt the cheese later on, linking each element beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble Your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Place one slice of bread on a cutting board, buttered side down. Layer it with three slices of fresh mozzarella, covering the surface. Next, spoon the pasta and sauce mixture evenly atop the cheese, then add the remaining mozzarella slices on top of the pasta. Finally, crown your creation with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up. This careful layering will ensure every mouthful has cheesy, saucy bliss encased in golden crisp bread.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place your sandwich inside. Cover the pan with a lid to trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt evenly while the bread toasts slowly into a crisp, golden crust. After about 5-6 minutes, flip the sandwich carefully, cover again, and cook until the other side is equally golden and the cheese is melted through. Patience here rewards you with the most perfect texture and flavor balance.
How to Serve Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on the side. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick and extra color contrast if you like things a bit spicy. Simple, fresh garnishes keep the focus on the sandwich while complementing its Italian essence.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty sandwich with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a cozy meal, roasted vegetables or even a small bowl of tomato basil soup make delightful companions, echoing the flavors inside the sandwich and rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe diagonally for a classic look that reveals the melty, saucy center. Serving on a wooden board with a small ramekin of extra Bolognese or marinara sauce for dipping amps up the fun factor, turning this dish into an informal, interactive feast that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — which is rare because this sandwich disappears fast — wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the bread from becoming soggy and the flavors fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze assembled but ungrilled sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then grill as usual, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything is warmed through perfectly.
Reheating
To reheat without sacrificing that crispy crust, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave. Cover loosely with a lid to help melt the cheese while allowing the bread to regain its golden crunch. This method preserves the sandwich’s signature texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works beautifully due to its delicate texture, you can use other thin pastas like vermicelli or even spaghetti. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente and drained very well to prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella? Will shredded mozzarella work?
Shredded mozzarella can be used in a pinch, but fresh mozzarella slices melt more evenly and deliver a creamier texture that’s ideal for this sandwich. If using shredded, layer it more generously to achieve the same gooey effect.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the Bolognese sauce for a hearty vegetarian tomato sauce or a mushroom-based ragu. The flavors will still be rich and comforting, making it a great meat-free option.
Is the garlic-basil butter essential?
This butter mix is a game-changer. It adds aromatic flair and enhances browning, elevating the sandwich’s taste and texture. If you skip it, the sandwich will still be tasty but won’t have that same fresh, savory snap.
How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart while eating?
Make sure the pasta is well-drained and not overly saucy. Using sturdy bread like soft Italian helps hold everything together, and the layering of cheese on both sides of the pasta acts like a glue, keeping the filling intact during grilling and eating.
Final Thoughts
The Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings pure joy with every bite. It brilliantly fuses comfort food classics into an easy-to-make treat perfect for any time you crave cheesy, saucy perfection. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how delightfully satisfying it is — it might just become your new favorite indulgence!
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Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spaghetti Grilled Cheese sandwich is a delicious and innovative twist on classic comfort foods, combining the rich flavors of Bolognese-coated angel hair pasta with fresh mozzarella, all grilled between buttery, herb-infused Italian bread. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it offers a crispy exterior with gooey, cheesy, and savory pasta filling inside.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 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
Filling
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic-Basil Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and finely chopped basil until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of Italian bread. Then sprinkle half a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese on the buttered side of each slice, gently pressing the cheese into the butter for adhesion.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook it until just tender or al dente, which typically takes around 2-3 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: While the pasta is still hot, transfer it to a bowl and stir it into the prepared Bolognese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated, ensuring the flavors meld well.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of the prepared bread butter-side down on a flat surface. Arrange 3 slices of fresh mozzarella to fully cover the bread. Spoon the Bolognese-coated pasta evenly over the mozzarella slices. Layer the remaining 3 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta. Carefully close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the assembled sandwich in the pan. Cover it with a lid to trap heat and help melt the cheese. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the bottom bread slice is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes until golden and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor in the butter spread.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- If Bolognese sauce is not prepared in advance, use a good-quality store-bought sauce or make it ahead.
- Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Covering the skillet while cooking helps the cheese melt evenly and the sandwich heat through.
- This sandwich is best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and melty cheese.
