Short Description

Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that turns leftover pasta into a crave-worthy sandwich. Saucy spaghetti and gooey melted cheese are sandwiched between buttery, golden garlic bread slices—crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside. It’s a deliciously inventive way to give your leftovers a bold, flavorful twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creative use for leftover spaghetti
Crispy, buttery garlic bread exterior
Perfectly melty cheese with saucy pasta inside
Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Kid-approved and great for casual meals
Customizable with your favorite pasta types and cheeses
Combines two comfort foods into one delicious bite
Great for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack
Uses pantry and fridge staples
No waste—delicious and economical

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For one sandwich:

2 slices soft Italian bread
1 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp garlic powder or garlic paste
½ cup leftover spaghetti with sauce (room temperature or warmed slightly)
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prep the bread:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder or paste. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.

2. Assemble the sandwich:
On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer the shredded mozzarella, then evenly spread the leftover spaghetti on top. Add Parmesan cheese if using. Top with the second bread slice, buttered side facing out.

3. Cook the sandwich:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4. Serve:
Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Estimated Calories: ~450 kcal per sandwich

Variations

Meaty Upgrade: Use spaghetti with meat sauce or add a slice of meatball between the layers.
Cheese Variety: Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a twist on the flavor.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a thin layer of hot sauce inside the sandwich.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and cheese, and plant-based pasta leftovers.
Pesto Layer: Spread a thin layer of pesto inside for added flavor.
Tomato Addition: Add a slice of fresh tomato for moisture and tang.
Herb Butter: Mix chopped fresh herbs into the butter for extra aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
Freezing: Not recommended as the bread may become soggy and the pasta may dry out when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of pasta?

Yes, any sauced pasta works well—just avoid overly watery sauces.

Do I need to warm the spaghetti first?

Warming helps speed up the cooking process and ensures a gooey center, but room temperature works too.

What kind of bread is best?

Soft Italian bread is ideal, but sourdough or any sturdy sandwich bread also works well.

Can I make this in a panini press?

Absolutely—a panini press gives an even crisp and makes cooking even easier.

What cheese melts best for this sandwich?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, gouda, or a blend work beautifully.

Can I use leftover baked spaghetti or spaghetti pie?

Yes, just cut a slice and flatten slightly before layering into the sandwich.

Spaghetti Grilled Cheese – Leftovers, Reimagined!

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spaghetti Grilled Cheese is the ultimate way to reimagine leftovers! Crispy garlic-buttered bread sandwiches gooey cheese and saucy spaghetti for a comfort food mashup that’s crunchy, melty, and completely satisfying.

Ingredients

2 slices soft Italian bread
1 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup cooked spaghetti (in marinara sauce)
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the bread:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter and garlic powder. Spread evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble the sandwich:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the skillet.
- Layer with half the cheese, the spaghetti, Parmesan (if using), and the remaining cheese.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Grill the sandwich:
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve hot:
- Slice in half and enjoy warm for a gooey, savory sandwich experience.

Notes

Use leftover spaghetti for an easy meal makeover.
Try it with other pasta shapes or sauces (like pesto or alfredo).
Add pepperoni or veggies for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American