Are you craving a comforting and indulgent meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content? Look no further than our Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe! This dish is a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti casserole, featuring creamy and savory flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. With layers of creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, this baked spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food at its finest. So, get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Dairy
- 4 cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
Condensed Soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Protein
- 1 lb dry spaghetti
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Garnish
- Fresh chives, snipped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the milk, condensed cream of bacon soup, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti layer.
- Add half of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, mozzarella cheese, and bacon.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh snipped chives, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the dish by adding diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the creamy sauce.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the creamy sauce.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute the bacon with cooked ground sausage, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to customize the flavor of the baked spaghetti.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe? A: While spaghetti works best for this recipe, you can certainly use other types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the baked spaghetti ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to step 8, cover the baking dish with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of condensed cream of bacon soup. You can also add extra vegetables such as diced tomatoes, zucchini, or eggplant for added flavor and texture.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of this Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti, you can use low-carb pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Substitute the condensed cream of bacon soup with heavy cream or coconut cream and thicken the sauce with a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum. Use full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese, and opt for sugar-free bacon or omit it altogether.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version, follow the instructions for the keto version and reduce the amount of milk used in the sauce or use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead. You can also add extra vegetables and protein to bulk up the dish without adding extra carbs.
In conclusion, our Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for satisfying your cravings on a cozy night in. With its creamy sauce, savory bacon, and gooey cheese, this baked spaghetti is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this hearty and flavorful dish is guaranteed to please. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of indulgence with this irresistible Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe!
