Description
Transform your leftover spaghetti into a melty, cheesy, and delightfully crispy sandwich with this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese recipe. Italian bread, a trio of cheeses, and savory spaghetti unite in a portable, indulgent comfort dish that comes together in minutes—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a creative snack.
Ingredients
Bread & Butter
- 4 large slices Italian bread (or 6 smaller slices)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sandwich Fillings
- 1 1/2 cups leftover spaghetti with meat sauce (warmed through)
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, stir together the room-temperature butter and garlic powder until well combined. This mixture will add flavor and help create that crispy, golden crust.
- Butter and Parmesan the Bread: Spread the garlic butter evenly on the outside of each slice of bread, making sure to reach all the edges. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the buttered sides and gently press it in with your fingers or the back of a knife.
- Layer the Sandwiches: For each sandwich, place a slice of bread (butter and Parmesan side out) on your work surface. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella, a generous scoop of warm leftover spaghetti with meat sauce, then top with provolone cheese slices and another slice of bread (butter side out).
- Toast the Sandwich: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, until the downside is golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each sandwich. Cover the pan—if you don’t have a lid, use a sheet pan or large plate. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from heat, cut as desired, and serve immediately for maximum melty goodness.
Notes
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Covering the pan helps the cheese melt thoroughly before the bread over-browns.
- If your pan doesn’t have a lid, improvise with a sheet tray—trapping the heat is key!
- This recipe is a great way to use up not only spaghetti, but any leftover pasta with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large sandwich
- Calories: 948 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 64 g
- Saturated Fat: 38 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 142 mg