If you’re a fan of comfort food, this Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate dish to satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the savory flavor of bacon, making it a hit for any family dinner. The blend of mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and crispy bacon takes classic baked spaghetti to a whole new level. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk: Provides the creamy base for the sauce, ensuring the spaghetti is rich and luscious.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup: Adds a smoky, bacon-flavored richness to the dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, velvety texture in the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a mild, savory taste.
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- 1 lb dry spaghetti: The base of the dish, cooked to al dente perfection.
- 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings a smoky, crispy element that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh chives, snipped, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, perfect for finishing the dish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Balances the flavors and adds a bit of seasoning.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it is crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Combine milk and soup: In a large saucepan, pour in the milk and the condensed cream of bacon soup. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and begins to warm through.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Spaghetti
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix spaghetti with sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is fully coated in the sauce.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the grated mozzarella cheese into the spaghetti mixture, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti. Evenly distribute the crumbled bacon over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Spaghetti
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with snipped fresh chives for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for Success:
- Cook the spaghetti al dente: This ensures that the pasta doesn’t become too soft during baking, as it will continue to absorb the sauce in the oven.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella: Freshly grated mozzarella melts more evenly and has a better texture than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Customize with additional ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food, combining the classic flavors of bacon, cheese, and pasta in one delicious dish. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a hearty meal. The creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this baked spaghetti is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite