If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two all-time comfort favorites into one unforgettable bite, your wishes have come true with this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine the crispy, buttery crust of grilled Italian bread embracing melty, creamy mozzarella, tender angel hair pasta coated in a rich Bolognese sauce all melded together in perfect harmony. This is not just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that take you straight to the heart of Italian comfort food with every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, essential ingredients that bring amazing flavor, texture, and color to the dish. Each component plays its own role in transforming a humble sandwich into a gourmet treat you’ll crave again and again.
- Soft Italian bread: The perfect sturdy yet tender base that crisps up beautifully on the griddle.
- Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy spreading, it adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Fresh basil: Finely chopped to add a herbal brightness that complements the richness of the Bolognese sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a subtle punch of savory aroma into the buttery spread.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and pressed into the buttered bread for an extra layer of salty, nutty umami.
- Prepared Bolognese sauce: This hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce provides the meaty, tomatoey soul of the sandwich.
- Angel hair pasta: Cooked al dente to perfectly absorb the Bolognese and add a tender bite without overwhelming.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Thinly sliced for melty, milky gooeyness that binds the whole creation together.
How to Make Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Basil Butter
This flavorful butter is the secret magic that transforms plain bread into an aromatic, savory crust. Mix softened butter with finely minced garlic and chopped fresh basil until well combined for a fragrant spread. Don’t forget to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese onto the buttered side of each bread slice, pressing it lightly into the mixture to infuse even more savory depth.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for your angel hair pasta, and cook it just until tender but still with a little bite, also known as al dente. Drain well to ensure your pasta doesn’t add excess moisture that could soggy the sandwich.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Bolognese Sauce
In a bowl, toss the hot angel hair pasta with the Bolognese sauce to create a luscious, meaty mixture that’s perfectly coated and ready to fill your sandwich.
Step 4: Assemble the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
Start by placing one bread slice butter-side down on a clean surface. Layer three slices of fresh mozzarella over the bread, then evenly spoon the pasta and Bolognese mixture atop the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella slices, and finish by closing the sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up. This layering ensures gooey cheese melts beautifully around the hearty pasta filling.
Step 5: Cook the Sandwich to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place your assembled sandwich in the pan. Cover it with a lid to trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt evenly and the bread to achieve that irresistible golden crisp. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook until the other side is equally golden and the cheese is fully melted. Patience here is key; low and slow yields a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and luscious inside.
How to Serve Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this rich sandwich, fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add an extra layer of aroma and taste. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add delightful complexity and a little kick.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to balance the richness: a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs, provide refreshing contrasts. A light bowl of tomato soup or a small serving of marinated olives can also complement the Italian vibes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your sandwich diagonally to show off its gooey, colorful layers, and serve it stacked on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant plate for an inviting look. For an informal gathering, slice into smaller bite-size pieces to share, turning this comforting meal into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, but it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain the bread’s crispness and cheese’s melting quality.
Freezing
This sandwich is delicious fresh but can be frozen for later meals. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe in a skillet over low heat, covered, to bring back that crispy crust and melted cheese magic. Avoid the microwave if possible as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While soft Italian bread works best for its texture and flavor, you can experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or even a sturdy sandwich loaf. Just make sure it’s not too thick or too crusty, as that can overpower the filling.
What can I substitute for Bolognese sauce?
If homemade or store-bought Bolognese isn’t available, try a hearty marinara with ground meat or a thickened meat sauce alternative. The key is a rich, savory tomato-based sauce to complement the cheese and pasta.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Bolognese for a vegetarian tomato sauce with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein to keep that meaty texture without sacrificing flavor. Fresh herbs and spices boost the depth further.
How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Drain the pasta very well after cooking and avoid using excessive sauce. Buttering and toasting the bread at medium-low heat with a lid helps create a firm barrier and perfectly crisp crust to keep sogginess at bay.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. Just cook the sandwiches one at a time or in batches to maintain even cooking and that coveted melt and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe truly turns the idea of comfort food upside down in the best way imaginable. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect treat for any day you want to feel a little extra cozy and loved. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite twist on two classics that always bring a smile.
Print
Spaghetti Grilled Cheese with Bolognese and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese combines tender angel hair pasta coated in rich Bolognese sauce with fresh mozzarella cheese, all nestled between soft Italian bread infused with garlic, basil, and Parmesan butter. A comforting and indulgent meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Bread & 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
Filling
- ½ cup prepared Bolognese sauce
- 1 cup angel hair pasta, cooked
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Basil Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and softened butter until evenly combined. Spread this flavorful butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, then sprinkle half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered surfaces, gently pressing it in for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook the pasta until just tender (al dente), typically around 2-3 minutes, then drain it thoroughly to remove all excess water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: While the pasta is still hot, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the prepared Bolognese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated, ensuring that every strand is flavorful.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of the prepared bread on a clean surface, buttered side down. Arrange three slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the bread. Spoon the Bolognese-coated pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Add the remaining three mozzarella slices over the pasta. Finally, close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the assembled sandwich in the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and cook evenly. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, ensuring the sandwich is warm and crisp on the outside.
Notes
- Using fresh mozzarella is key for the perfect melt and creamy texture.
- Keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts properly.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture.
- Leftover Bolognese sauce can be substituted with any hearty meat sauce or even marinara for a vegetarian option.
