Are you ready for a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl? Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: This cheesy baked spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile dish.
- Leftovers Delight: This dish tastes even better the next day, making for delicious leftovers that are easy to reheat.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 300g spaghetti
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Measurement Details
– Use 300 grams of spaghetti. This amount serves six people.
– For sauce, measure 2 cups of marinara. This adds rich flavor.
– Ricotta cheese needs to be 1 cup. It makes the dish creamy.
– Two cups of shredded mozzarella give that gooey texture we all love.
– Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for a nice salty kick.
– One large egg helps bind the mixture.
– One teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning adds depth to the flavor.
– Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Start small, you can add more later.
– Fresh basil is optional, but it brightens up the dish visually and in flavor.
Substitutions for Ingredients
– You can swap spaghetti for any pasta shape you prefer.
– If you don’t have marinara, any tomato-based sauce works well.
– Cottage cheese can replace ricotta if you need a lighter option.
– For a dairy-free twist, try vegan mozzarella cheese.
– Instead of Parmesan, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor for vegan diets.
– Use a flax egg to replace the large egg for a vegan version.
– If you want more herbs, try adding dried oregano or thyme instead of Italian seasoning.
– You can also add cooked veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
To make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need spaghetti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, a large egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family.
Detailed Cooking Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it ready for baking.
2. Cook the spaghetti: Fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and let it cool a bit.
3. Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend it well until smooth.
4. Layer the marinara sauce: In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. This adds flavor to the dish.
5. Add the spaghetti: Place the drained spaghetti over the marinara sauce. Spread it out evenly.
6. Spoon on the cheese mixture: Take dollops of the ricotta mixture and spread it over the spaghetti. Make sure it’s as even as possible.
7. Top with more sauce: Pour the rest of the marinara sauce gently over the spaghetti and cheese. This keeps the spaghetti moist while baking.
8. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will give you that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Baking Process
9. Cover the dish: Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish tightly. This helps keep the moisture in.
10. Bake covered: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to come together.
11. Remove the foil: After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbling and lightly golden.
12. Cool and garnish: Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to slice. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor to your dish.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cheese Mixture
To make the cheese mixture great, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan well. Adding an egg helps bind everything together. It makes the mixture creamy and rich. Use garlic powder and Italian seasoning for flavor. Taste it before using. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This step is key for a tasty dish.
Cooking Spaghetti to Al Dente
Cooking spaghetti to al dente means it stays firm when you bite it. Bring salted water to a boil before adding the pasta. Cook it according to the package time, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. When done, drain the spaghetti but do not rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce cling.
Serving Suggestions
For serving, cut the baked spaghetti into squares for easy portions. Place each piece on a warm plate. Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top for added flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese makes it look fancy. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and taste. These touches make your dish shine at the table.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures it doesn’t become too soft.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding some provolone or gouda can enhance the flavor profile and add a unique twist.
- Marinara Magic: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce before layering it in the dish.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
Variations
Vegetarian Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
You can easily make a vegetarian version of cheesy baked spaghetti. Just skip the meat and add more veggies. Some great options are spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Chop them up and mix them into the cheese layer. You get more color and nutrients this way. The taste stays rich and creamy, which is key for comfort food.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands make pasta from rice or corn. They taste great and cook well. Follow the same steps in the recipe. You won’t lose any flavor, and everyone can enjoy this dish together.
Additional Flavor Add-ins
Add extra flavors to make your dish special. Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes for a juicy bite. If you love herbs, fresh basil or oregano will lift the dish. You can even add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meaty twist. These add-ins let you personalize your cheesy baked spaghetti to your taste.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cheesy baked spaghetti, store the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, cover it tightly. The leftovers will last for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use your oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze, first, let the spaghetti cool completely. Cut it into serving sizes for easier defrosting. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bags with the date. Cheesy baked spaghetti can last in the freezer for about two to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Baked Spaghetti ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time for chilled spaghetti. This makes it easy for busy days.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese. Blend it smooth to mimic the texture. Cream cheese is another option. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Each choice will give a nice creamy flavor to the dish.
How can I make it spicier?
To heat things up, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or hot sausage into the cheese mixture. If you love spicy, try a spicy marinara sauce. These changes will make your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti delightfully fiery.
What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Spaghetti?
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti goes well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a tasty crunch. For a veggie boost, add steamed broccoli or a side of roasted vegetables. These pairings make the meal more filling and colorful.
This post covered how to make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti. We went over the best ingredients, exact measurements, and smart substitutions. You learned the step-by-step cooking process and tips for perfecting the dish.
I shared delicious variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Now, it’s time to try making it yourself! You’ll impress friends and family with this easy mea
