Name: Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. Italia Spaghetti, broken into thirds; 24 oz. jar Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce; 1/3 cup Basil Pesto; 2 packages Savory Garlic Knots (about 12 knots used); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you are looking to wow your family or friends with something totally irresistible and comforting, this Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the cozy goodness of spaghetti layered with rich roasted garlic pasta sauce, all tucked into soft, buttery garlic knots that bake to golden perfection. These sliders are a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing together the heartiness of a pasta dinner and the finger-friendly fun of sliders in one easy, flavor-packed meal. Whether for a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe is wonderfully simple, and each component plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.

8 oz. Italia Spaghetti: Broken into thirds to easily layer and mingle with the savory sauce inside the sliders.
2 packages Savory Garlic Knots: Found in the bakery section, these form the perfect soft and flavorful bun-like base and top.
1/3 cup Basil Pesto: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
24 oz. jar Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce: Brings a rich, garlicky depth that makes every bite comforting and delicious.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bind all the ingredients with gooey goodness.
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that elevates the flavors.
1 tbsp butter, melted: Used to brush the tops for a golden, buttery crust.
1/4 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky notes without overpowering.
1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, pop of color and a subtle herbaceous kick.

How to Make Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the spaghetti

Start by heating up a pot of water and boiling the spaghetti according to the package directions. Breaking the noodles into thirds before cooking helps the pasta settle perfectly within the sliders, making sure you get a balanced bite of noodle and sauce. Once cooked, drain and set the spaghetti aside while you begin assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic knot base

Slice each savory garlic knot in half horizontally to create a sandwich base. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, using about 12 knots for this recipe. These garlic knots function just like slider buns but bring their own irresistible garlicky twist, setting the stage for all the layers to come.

Step 3: Add the pesto layer

Spoon a generous spread of basil pesto onto the bottom halves of the garlic knots. This step infuses fresh, herby bursts of flavor that cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce, making every bite well-rounded and exciting.

Step 4: Layer the spaghetti and sauce

Next, spread the cooked spaghetti over the pesto-covered garlic knots. Then ladle the roasted garlic pasta sauce evenly over the top, ensuring your sliders are moist and packed with savory depth. This combination creates that classic spaghetti dinner vibe inside a fun and handheld format.

Step 5: Add cheese layers

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the sauce, then add the parmesan cheese for a sharp, tangy contrast. The cheeses melt together in the oven, binding the layers and forming a luscious gooey texture that’s straight-up addictive.

Step 6: Top and bake

Place the top halves of the garlic knots evenly over the cheese layer, gently pressing down so everything settles nicely. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the garlic knots develop a gorgeous golden brown color and the cheese is melted and bubbly underneath.

Step 7: Finish with garlic butter

While the sliders bake, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and freshly chopped parsley in a small dish. When the sliders come out of the oven, brush this flavorful mixture over the tops for an irresistible shine, added garlicky kick, and herbaceous fragrance.

How to Serve Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe

A white baking dish filled with baked spaghetti covered by a layer of golden-brown knotted bread rolls. The bread rolls sit evenly across the top, each roll soft with some green herbs sprinkled over them and small bits of red tomato peeking through. Below the bread rolls, strands of spaghetti mixed with a red tomato sauce and melted cheese are visible from a portion already removed. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background, giving a fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These sliders are fantastic on their own but feel free to sprinkle some extra freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of parmesan cheese on top to brighten and enrich the presentation. A few crushed red pepper flakes can also add a welcome hint of heat if you love a little spice.

Side Dishes

Since these sliders are hearty and rich, pairing them with crisp, refreshing sides works wonderfully. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic roasted vegetables or a light tomato basil soup also complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving these sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, rustic look. You could also offer small bowls of extra pesto or marinara for dipping, turning this dish into a fun interactive experience. Plus, cutting the sliders into smaller bites makes them perfect finger foods for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their fresh flavor and gooey texture, making them perfect for a quick reheat during the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the sliders tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these sliders is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore the bread’s crunch and melts the cheese perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure your pasta sauce and garlic knots don’t contain any non-vegetarian ingredients.

Can I use homemade garlic knots instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade garlic knots would be fantastic and add a personal touch. Just make sure they are soft and buttery to achieve the same delightful slider texture.

Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta or garlic knots?

Yes, gluten-free pasta and garlic knots can work well for this recipe. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the brand and type.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover them tightly, and bake just before serving. This way, everything is fresh and warm when your guests dig in.

What can I serve instead of basil pesto?

If you don’t have basil pesto on hand, a spread of garlic butter or even a thin layer of marinara sauce can work as a tasty alternative to add moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try this Spaghetti Garlic Knot Sliders Recipe because it brings together so many of the comfort food vibes we crave in a unique, fun format. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these sliders offer simple ingredients with maximum flavor and a beautiful presentation. Once you make them, I guarantee they’ll be requested again and again!