If you’re craving a fun and utterly comforting twist on classic grilled cheese, you have to try the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine twirling tender angel hair pasta coated in rich, savory Bolognese sauce hugged by melty mozzarella and golden, buttery Italian bread. This fusion creation is more than just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of Italian flavors and childhood nostalgia all in one gooey, crispy bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an indulgent lunch, this dish delivers smiles and satisfaction with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe. Each item plays a key role—from the softness of the bread to the bubbling cheese and hearty pasta filling.
- 2 slices soft Italian bread: The ideal base, providing a tender yet sturdy canvas that crisps beautifully when grilled.
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened: This helps create that irresistible golden crust and infuses the bread with rich flavor.
- ½ teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped: Adds a fragrant pop of herbal brightness to the butter mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the savory filling.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Sprinkled to add a subtle nutty sharpness and help seal in flavor.
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce: The star of the filling, packed with meaty tomato goodness that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked: So delicate and tender, it blends effortlessly with the sauce inside the sandwich.
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create those luscious, stringy layers that make grilled cheese magical.
How to Make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavored butter
Start by combining the softened butter with the minced garlic and finely chopped basil in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients infuses the butter with an aromatic punch that will toast the bread with irresistible flavor. Then spread this garlicky-basil butter evenly over one side of each slice of Italian bread. Sprinkle half a tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the buttered sides and gently press it in—this small step adds a wonderful savory crust once grilled.
Step 2: Cook the angel hair pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your angel hair pasta. Cook it just until al dente, so it has a slight bite to provide texture inside the sandwich without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid any sogginess later on.
Step 3: Mix pasta with Bolognese sauce
Toss the hot, drained angel hair pasta into the bowl with your prepared Bolognese sauce. Stir until every strand is generously coated with the rich, meaty tomato sauce—this ensures that bold flavor is woven through every bite of the grilled cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the sandwich
Place one slice of your buttered bread butter-side down on a clean surface or plate. Layer 3 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread, creating a gooey base. Spoon the saucy pasta mixture over the mozzarella, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining 3 slices of mozzarella on top of the pasta, then close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing up for perfect grilling.
Step 5: Grill to melty, golden perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and carefully place your assembled sandwich in the pan. Cover with a lid to trap heat and melt the cheese thoroughly. Cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and toasty. Then, gently flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side until equally golden and the mozzarella is fully melted. The result is a crunchy crust encasing a warm, cheesy pasta delight.
How to Serve Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of chopped fresh basil over the cut sandwich for an added burst of flavor and color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light scattering of red pepper flakes can also enhance the overall taste while giving it a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brightest on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or a simple bowl of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A small side of marinara dipping sauce also works wonders if you love an extra tomatoey punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the sandwich diagonally to showcase the tantalizing layers of spaghetti and melted mozzarella inside. For a party, cut the sandwich into smaller sliders to allow guests to enjoy bite-sized portions. Serving it on a rustic wooden board alongside a small ramekin of Bolognese sauce for dipping can turn a casual meal into a charming experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the flavors while preventing the bread from becoming stale.
Freezing
You can freeze ungrilled sandwiches by wrapping each one in parchment paper and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling as usual.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftover or thawed Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe in a skillet over low heat with a lid on. This keeps the bread crisp while gently melting the cheese again. Avoid using a microwave as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta types in this recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works beautifully due to its delicate size, you can swap in thin spaghetti, linguine, or even small pasta shapes. Just make sure the pasta is well-drained and coated with Bolognese sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use a vegetarian Bolognese sauce made with lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. The rich tomato base combined with mozzarella will still create a flavorful, satisfying sandwich.
What kind of bread works best?
Soft Italian bread is preferred for its slight chew and ability to crisp nicely without becoming too hard. However, sturdy sandwich bread or sourdough can also work well—just avoid overly thick or crusty bread to maintain balance with the filling.
How can I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Spreading flavored butter on the bread and sprinkling Parmesan helps create a moisture barrier. Also, ensure pasta is well-drained and not excessively saucy before assembling. Using medium-low heat while grilling allows the sandwich to crisp up steadily without burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free bread and pasta to suit dietary needs. Just be sure to check all packaged ingredients for gluten content to keep it safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe, it’s time to bring this deliciously inventive dish into your kitchen. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s an experience filled with heartwarming flavors and gooey textures that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is a deliciously unique twist on comfort food, combining cheesy grilled bread with flavorful angel hair pasta tossed in a rich Bolognese sauce. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal in just 22 minutes, it delivers the classic gooeyness of grilled cheese with an Italian-inspired filling that is both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Filling
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the flavored butter: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and softened butter together until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of Italian bread. Sprinkle half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese onto the buttered side of each slice, gently pressing it into the butter to adhere.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until just tender, or al dente, which should take a few minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Mix pasta with Bolognese sauce: In a bowl, combine the hot, drained pasta with the prepared Bolognese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the sandwich: Place one slice of bread on a flat surface with the buttered side down. Arrange 3 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread. Spoon the pasta and sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer. Add the remaining 3 slices of mozzarella over the pasta. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up, to complete the sandwich.
- Cook the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap heat and help melt the cheese. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the second side is golden and the mozzarella is fully melted.
Notes
- Use soft Italian bread for best texture and ease of grilling.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- If you don’t have Bolognese sauce, a rich marinara or meat sauce can be a substitute.
- Cooking on medium-low heat and covering the pan helps melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Serve immediately for warm, gooey deliciousness.
