Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food mash-up, Spaghetti Grilled Cheese will make those dreams come true. Imagine two golden, buttery slices of garlic-scented Italian bread, pressed together with a gooey, cheesy middle—and just wait for it—creamy angel hair pasta tossed in savory bolognese sauce. Every bite is pure delight: melty mozzarella, a hit of basil and garlic, crispy edges, and a surprise pasta center. It’s a playful, soul-soothing sandwich that’s sure to inspire instant nostalgia, indulgence, and plenty of grins at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is that it takes simple pantry ingredients and elevates each one to deliver loads of flavor, texture, and crave-worthy appeal. Here’s why each component shines in the final result:

• Soft Italian Bread: The pillowy texture crisps up beautifully, while its subtle flavor lets the fillings really stand out.
• Butter (at room temp): Spreads smoothly for even toasting and infuses every bite with savory richness.
• Basil: Lends an herbal freshness that enlivens the filling and lifts the grilled cheese beyond the ordinary.
• Garlic: Rubbing minced cloves into the butter brings a fragrant, slightly spicy backbone that makes each bite pop.
• Finely Grated Parmesan: Pressed onto the bread’s exterior, it crisps up into a golden, cheesy crust with a nutty burst.
• Bolognese Sauce: Rich, thick, and meaty—this sauce coats the pasta for a deeply satisfying twist.
• Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate but toothsome, it nestles between the mozzarella layers and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Mozzarella (about 6 slices): Melts into dreamy, oozy layers that hold everything together and deliver that signature cheese pull.

How to Make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Basil Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and basil. Blend until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed. Spread a generous layer of this flavored butter onto one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan on the buttered side of each bread piece, gently pressing to help it adhere. The result: an aromatic, cheesy outer shell that will crisp up gloriously in the pan.

Step 2: Boil the Angel Hair Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the angel hair pasta and cook it until just al dente, which should only take a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook—the pasta cooks more as the sandwich toasts! Drain thoroughly so your sandwich doesn’t get soggy.

Step 3: Mix Pasta with Bolognese

In a mixing bowl, stir the drained angel hair pasta with the bolognese sauce. Every strand should be coated in the robust, meaty sauce. This step is crucial for packing every bite of your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with maximum flavor and for keeping the sandwich moist, but not wet.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Lay one slice of prepared bread on a cutting board, buttered (and Parmesan-ed) side down. Cover it with three slices of fresh mozzarella, ensuring a good coverage to form the molten “glue” of your sandwich. Spoon the bolognese pasta mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella slices. Cap it all with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Take a moment to admire that satisfying, layered cross-section!

Step 5: Toast to Golden Perfection

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Without adding extra oil, place your assembled Spaghetti Grilled Cheese in the skillet and cover with a lid. Resist the urge to move it around—the low, steady heat will crisp up the bread while melting the cheese and gently warming the filling. After 5 to 6 minutes, check the underside; it should be deeply golden. Flip carefully, cover again, and cook until the second side is just as glorious. Serve piping hot for the ultimate experience.

How to Serve Spaghetti Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

For a final flourish, I love scattering a little extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil over the top of the warm sandwich. A few red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick, while a drizzle of good olive oil offers a pretty sheen and a touch more flavor depth. It’s these finishing touches that truly turn your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese into a centerpiece-worthy plate.

Side Dishes

This sandwich is rich and hearty, so light, fresh companions work best. Think simple green salads, tangy Italian vinaigrette, or some quick-marinated tomatoes. If you want to channel pure comfort mode, pair it with a cup of homemade tomato soup for an extra-luxurious dip. Even a handful of kettle chips or pickled vegetables can balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cutting the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese into triangles gives it classic grilled cheese vibes, or try slicing it into thin strips for party-style “dunkers.” For extra fun, serve open-faced halves topped with more mozzarella and a quick broil for a bubbly finish. If you’re really going for the wow factor, stack sandwich halves high and spear with a cocktail skewer for a show-stopping plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spaghetti Grilled Cheese, let it cool completely before refrigerating. Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld, and the sandwich will still reheat well, even if the bread loses a little crispness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t always ideal for bread-based dishes, but you can make it work! Cool the sandwich thoroughly and wrap tightly in foil, then seal in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight for best results, so the bread and filling retain their texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Spaghetti Grilled Cheese gently in a covered nonstick skillet over low heat. If you’re in a hurry, a toaster oven or 350-degree oven (wrap the sandwich loosely in foil) also does the trick. Microwaving works in a pinch, but use 50 percent power to avoid making the bread chewy. The key is giving the cheese time to melt again while the bread crisps up.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta in Spaghetti Grilled Cheese?

Absolutely! While angel hair lays down nicely, you can try thin spaghetti, linguine, or even leftover rigatoni cut small. Just be careful to not overstuff the sandwich, as chunkier pasta may make it harder to close and toast evenly.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?

No worries! You can use shredded mozzarella or even slices of provolone or fontina for melty goodness. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Easy fix: swap the bolognese for a hearty marinara or a lentil-based sauce. Both options deliver loads of flavor without the meat, and keep your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese just as comforting and satisfying.

Can I add other fillings?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers work beautifully. Just keep add-ins modest so you can still close and crisp the sandwich without it falling apart.

Do I need to use a nonstick skillet?

A nonstick pan makes things easiest, especially since there’s cheese and Parmesan involved, but a well-seasoned cast iron skillet also works wonders. Just keep an eye on the heat so nothing burns before the cheese melts inside.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is both playful and nostalgic, perfect for cozy nights, quick lunches, or whenever you want to impress with comfort food at its most creative. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new classic in your kitchen—give it a try and get ready to fall in love with the magic combination of pasta, cheese, and crispy bread!

Print