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If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in pure comfort and delivers a delightful combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a bacon lover or a cheese fanatic, this baked spaghetti masterpiece will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and satisfying textures. The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward pantry staples, each bringing something special to your table.
- Milk: Creates the silky base for the creamy sauce, making the pasta moist and luscious.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds a rich and savory depth with a velvety consistency.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Boosts the sauce with tangy creaminess and subtle onion notes.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors and balance the richness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic sharpness.
- Garlic powder: Lends warmth and a hint of savory complexity.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic and cream cheese with sweet undertones.
- Uncooked spaghetti: Broken in half to fit perfectly into the baking dish and cook through evenly.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled to bring salty crunch and smoky flavor in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Divided for gooey, melty layers inside and a golden cheesy crust on top.
- Green onion: Finely chopped to offer a fresh pop of color and a mild onion bite as garnish.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees. This temperature is just right for melting the cheese to golden perfection without drying out the pasta. While the oven warms up, you can get your sauce and pasta ready so everything bakes nicely together.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce and Cook Spaghetti
In a large pot, combine the milk, cream of chicken soup, chive and onion cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until it boils and the cream cheese melts fully into a smooth, rich sauce. This step is where the magic starts as the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Add the uncooked broken spaghetti to the pot, lower the heat to medium, and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles soak up the creamy goodness.
Step 3: Stir in Bacon and Mozzarella
Next, fold in 3/4 of the crispy crumbled bacon and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mixing these ingredients now lets the cheese begin to melt and the bacon infuses the pasta with smoky, savory flavor throughout.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the cheesy spaghetti mix into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top for that irresistibly melty, golden layer. Then, scatter the reserved bacon pieces on top and add the chopped green onion, which adds vibrant color and a touch of freshness against the richness of the dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake the assembled dish for 14 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese on top has melted and starts to bubble and turn a nice golden shade. This final bake locks in all the flavors and crisps up the bacon wonderfully.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the baked cheesy bacon spaghetti rest for a few minutes. This cooling lets the sauce thicken just enough to hold the pasta together when you scoop out servings, making every plate perfectly creamy and satisfying.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates this hearty dish and adds brightness. Finely chopped green onions bring a mild onion crunch that’s fresh and vibrant, while a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan can provide an extra punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
Because this recipe is rich and filling, pairing it with something light balances the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts offers refreshing contrast and a pop of color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve straight from the baking dish family-style. If you want to impress, portion the spaghetti into oven-safe individual ramekins before baking for cute personal servings that look as charming as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole keeps its flavor and texture well, making weeknight lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through for the best texture and melty cheese. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quicker option but watch that the pasta doesn’t dry out—covering it loosely helps retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in penne, rotini, or any shape you love. Just keep in mind the cooking time might require slight adjustments based on pasta size and shape.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon beforehand?
Yes, cooking the bacon prior ensures it’s crisp and fully cooked, preventing any unwanted texture in the final dish. Plus, pre-cooked bacon crisps up nicely when baked on top.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or substitute with crispy vegetarian bacon alternatives or smoky roasted mushrooms for a similar savory flavor burst.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?
Mozzarella is perfect for its meltiness, but you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend for a different flavor profile while still achieving great melt and stretch.
Is this dish very spicy?
No, the Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe is mild and creamy, focusing on savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors rather than heat, making it suitable for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe is a total winner when it comes to comfort food that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and downright addictive. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste that gooey cheese mingling with smoky bacon and tender spaghetti, you’ll understand why I can’t stop making it and sharing it with friends and family. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and get baking; you’re in for a deliciously unforgettable dinner experience!
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Print
Baked Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting baked cheesy bacon spaghetti casserole combining creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, baked to perfection with a golden melted mozzarella topping.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 pound bacon (cooked and crumbled, divided)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Sauce and Pasta: In a large pot, combine milk, cream of chicken soup, chive and onion cream cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over medium-high heat while stirring frequently until the mixture boils and the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add the broken uncooked spaghetti, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in about three-quarters of the cooked and crumbled bacon along with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined into the spaghetti mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the reserved bacon and chopped green onion for garnish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the top cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and baking dish.
- Cooking the spaghetti partially in the sauce saves time and integrates flavor.
- Reserve some bacon for topping to add crunch and visual appeal.
- Let the casserole cool briefly to avoid burns and to allow the cheese to firm up slightly.
- This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
