When it comes to comfort food, there are few things as universally loved as grilled cheese sandwiches and a hearty plate of spaghetti. The gooey melt of cheese between golden-buttered bread brings nostalgia, while pasta coated in rich tomato sauce delivers hearty satisfaction. But what if you could enjoy both in one dish? Enter the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich—a creative twist that combines yesterday’s leftover spaghetti with the classic grilled cheese for a meal that is indulgent, filling, and completely unforgettable. This recipe transforms leftovers into something gourmet, making it a favorite for home cooks who love comfort food with a playful twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and flavor. The spaghetti, often even tastier the next day as the flavors meld, provides a savory, tomato-rich filling. Paired with layers of melty mozzarella or provolone cheese and crispy butter-toasted bread, you get crunch on the outside, gooey cheese in the middle, and hearty pasta with sauce all in one bite. It’s like having spaghetti night and grilled cheese night at the same time.
This recipe also solves a common dilemma: what to do with leftover pasta. Instead of reheating and serving it as-is, you give it a second life in a sandwich that feels brand-new and exciting. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a fun late-night snack.
Ingredients
To make 2 hearty sandwiches, you’ll need:
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4 slices of thick bread (Italian, sourdough, or Texas toast work best)
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1 ½ cups of cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce (leftovers are perfect)
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1 cup of shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone cheese
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2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
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3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
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½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning (optional, but recommended)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start with thick slices of bread that can hold the weight of the filling without falling apart. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice. For an extra kick, mix the butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning before spreading it—this creates a fragrant crust that tastes like garlic bread.
Step 2: Reheat the Spaghetti
If using leftovers, warm the spaghetti slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s just heated through. You don’t want it piping hot, but warming it prevents the sandwich from being cold inside once grilled. If the pasta is very saucy, drain a little excess sauce so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Lay one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board or plate. Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella or provolone on the bread—this acts as a glue to hold the spaghetti in place. Next, add about ¾ cup of spaghetti, spreading it evenly but not all the way to the edges. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta, then top with another layer of mozzarella. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out. Repeat for the second sandwich.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help everything meld together. The bread should become golden brown and crisp while the cheese inside melts into the pasta. Adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwiches from the pan. Let them rest for a minute before slicing in half—this helps prevent the filling from spilling out. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Success
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Cheese choice: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or even cheddar can add sharpness. A blend of cheeses creates more depth of flavor.
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Bread matters: A sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or Texas toast works best, as thin slices may get soggy or collapse under the filling.
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Avoid sogginess: Drain off any excess sauce from the spaghetti before adding it to the sandwich. You want flavor, not soggy bread.
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Press gently: Use a spatula to press the sandwich while grilling. This ensures even browning and helps the cheese bind everything together.
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Make it a meal: Pair the sandwich with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced pepperoni, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
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Meaty Upgrade: Incorporate leftover meatballs or Italian sausage slices along with the spaghetti.
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Veggie Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Cheesy Overload: Use a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan for maximum gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
The Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a way to use up leftovers—it’s a bold, comforting creation that takes two classic favorites and fuses them into something new. Each bite delivers the satisfying crunch of toasted bread, the rich flavor of spaghetti in marinara sauce, and the irresistible melt of cheese. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or as a creative snack, this sandwich is bound to impress.
So next time you find yourself with leftover spaghetti, resist the microwave and reach for some bread and cheese instead. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a sandwich that’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
