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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy, bacon-infused pasta bake.
Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti perfectly marries the rich, creamy flavors of cheese with the smoky, savory notes of bacon, all enveloped in perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering, this hearty dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Let’s walk through the steps to create this deliciously indulgent meal, with some tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients: Building Blocks of Flavor
- 4 cups milk: The milk serves as the base for the creamy sauce, giving the dish its luscious texture.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup: Adds an extra layer of bacon flavor, enriching the overall taste.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Contributes a smooth, tangy element that balances the savory flavors.
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the dish’s aroma and taste.
- ½ tablespoon onion powder: Complements the garlic, adding another layer of savory goodness.
- 1 lb dry spaghetti: Holds the sauce well and provides a satisfying bite.
- 3 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled: The star ingredient, offering a smoky contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh chives, snipped, for garnish (optional): Adds color and a mild onion flavor, brightening up the dish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese on top achieve a perfect golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large pot, combine the milk, condensed cream of bacon soup, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. The cream cheese should fully melt into the sauce, creating a rich base that will coat the spaghetti.
Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti in half before adding it to the pot—this makes it easier to stir and ensures even cooking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the spaghetti in the sauce for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the sauce’s flavors, resulting in a dish where every bite is infused with creamy, bacon-flavored goodness.
Step 4: Combine with Cheese and Bacon
Once the spaghetti is cooked, stir in 2 cups of the grated mozzarella cheese and half of the cooked, crumbled bacon. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding richness and a gooey texture that’s characteristic of the best baked pasta dishes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that bacon and cheese already bring some saltiness.
Tip: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures that the dish bakes uniformly and prevents any overflow.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti, followed by the remaining bacon crumbles. This will create a deliciously cheesy, bacon-filled crust as it bakes.
Tip: For extra crunch, you can add a handful of breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown. This short baking time ensures the dish is heated through without drying out.
Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the baked spaghetti sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly snipped chives for a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Tip: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
This Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is sure to become a family favorite, bringing together the comforting flavors of cheese and bacon in every delicious bite. Enjoy!
