Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti: A Savory Twist on a Classic Dish
Indulge in a flavorful and comforting meal with our Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe. This delightful twist on a classic dish combines creamy bacon-infused sauce, tender spaghetti noodles, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of bacon soup
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups of full-fat milk
- 1/2 tablespoon each of onion powder and garlic powder
- 1 pound of dry spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, grated and separated
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tip: For a low-carb version of this recipe, substitute the spaghetti noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, combine the condensed cream of bacon soup, softened cream cheese, full-fat milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- Combine Sauce and Noodles:
- Pour the prepared bacon cream cheese sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles. Add 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese and half of the cooked bacon crumbles to the pot. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining grated mozzarella cheese and cooked bacon crumbles over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy on top. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach into the sauce before combining with the noodles.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the spaghetti noodles with cooked spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese to increase the fat content and keep the dish ketogenic.
Low-Carb Version:
- Replace the condensed cream of bacon soup with a homemade low-carb cream sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
- Omit the spaghetti noodles altogether and serve the bacon cream cheese sauce over cooked cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
In conclusion, our Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy bacon-infused sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender spaghetti noodles, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. Simply chop or crumble the bacon before adding it to the sauce. Alternatively, you can cook bacon strips until crispy and crumble them yourself.