Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Introduction
Craving pasta and grilled cheese? Why not both? This Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines two of the most beloved comfort foods into one indulgent, cheesy, crispy masterpiece.
Imagine this: garlicky butter-toasted bread, oozing with melted mozzarella and stuffed with saucy spaghetti. It’s warm, nostalgic, gooey, and surprisingly satisfying — like a late-night leftover miracle or a lunchtime showstopper that no one saw coming.
Perfect for using up leftover pasta or making from scratch, this sandwich is easy, quick, and utterly irresistible.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 2 sandwiches
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Difficulty: Easy
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Best For: Lunch, comfort food craving, creative leftovers
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
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4 slices of thick white bread, sourdough, or Italian bread
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1 cup leftover cooked spaghetti in marinara sauce (or freshly made)
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4 slices mozzarella cheese (or use shredded mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar)
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
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1 clove garlic, finely minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
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Fresh basil leaves or parsley (optional garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
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2 tablespoons ricotta cheese or cream cheese
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A sprinkle of chili flakes or Italian seasoning
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Extra marinara sauce for dipping
Equipment Needed
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Nonstick skillet or griddle
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Spatula
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Butter knife
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Mixing bowl (for garlic butter)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix:
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2 tablespoons softened butter
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1 finely minced garlic clove
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Optional: 1 tablespoon Parmesan for extra flavor
Set aside.
Step 2: Warm the Spaghetti
If using leftover spaghetti, warm it slightly in the microwave or a skillet just until it’s room temp — not too hot. This helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy while making sure the filling heats through evenly.
Tip: Cut long noodles into shorter strands with kitchen scissors for easier layering.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
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Lay out your bread slices.
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On two slices, layer:
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1 slice of mozzarella
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½ cup spaghetti
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(Optional) 1 tbsp ricotta or cream cheese on top
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1 more slice of mozzarella
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Top with the remaining bread slices.
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Spread the garlic butter mixture on the outsides of each sandwich (both top and bottom).
Step 4: Grill It Up
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Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
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Place the sandwiches in the pan, butter side down.
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Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Pro Tip: Covering the pan with a lid for the first minute helps melt the cheese faster without burning the bread.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
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Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute.
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Slice diagonally and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
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Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Dip in marinara, pesto, or ranch dressing.
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Serve alongside a green salad, roasted veggies, or tomato soup.
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Turn it into a brunch special with a fried egg on top.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Best served fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the bread.
Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480–550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Nutrition will vary depending on bread type, cheese, and spaghetti sauce used.