What exactly is a spaghetti pie? Bobby Gannone, owner of Spaghetti Pie Cafe in Manville, is used to answering that very question. “To me, spaghetti pie is comfort food,” he says.
Growing up in Raritan, Bobby’s Italian neighbors had 11 children, which meant they needed to come up with simple and cost-effective ways to feed so many mouths. One day, Bobby was over at dinnertime and witnessed his first spaghetti pie being served. He went home and told his mother how good it was. And just like that, a new tradition was born in the Gannone household.
“To this day, you’ll find a spaghetti pie on my mother’s counter every weekend.”
Spaghetti Pie Cafe serves a lot more than their signature dish. They are a full-service deli that’s open for breakfast and lunch, Monday-Saturday. Bobby has worked in the food industry his whole life, and last November, he opened the doors to his own restaurant.
“I opened the cafe because I wanted to make people happy by feeding them.”
The business is a family affair. You’ll find his sisters and mother pitching in behind the counter on the weekends or making desserts to sell.
Bobby wanted to be more than a typical deli, so he teamed up with Chef Joe Vischetti.
“Joe’s food is incredible," Bobby says. "With Joe leading the kitchen, our menu is Italian with a cajun edge. We do a little bit of everything.”
Want to try your hand at making your own spaghetti pie? According to Bobby, “No two spaghetti pies are alike!"
Below is the simple recipe that the Gannone family has been perfecting for more than 40 years. Who knows—maybe this will become a weekend staple in your house as well?
Spaghetti Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 10 eggs
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Marinara sauce
- Sliced pepperoni
- Diced tomatoes
- Basil
Cooking Instructions:
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Cook spaghetti al dente and drain water.
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In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
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Pour in a well-oiled frying pan and cook on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
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Flip and cook approximately 10 minutes on the other side or until cooked through.
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Remove from pan and let rest for 10 minutes.
Serving Instructions:
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Add sliced pepperoni, diced tomatoes, fresh basil or your favorite pizza toppings.
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Cut into slices and serve with a side of marinara sauce.
Bon appetit! It’s a simple Italian dish for the whole family to enjoy.
“Spaghetti Pie is comfort food. I opened the cafe because I wanted to make people happy by feeding them.” —Bobby Gannone
