Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
Super Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Made at Home – A Cheese Lover’s Dream!
Introducing our delightful Cheesy Baked Spaghetti, perfectly golden and slightly crisp on the outside, yet wonderfully tender and saucy inside! I always found myself eyeing the oven-baked spaghetti served as a side dish with pizza, often wishing for a larger portion. So, I decided to recreate it at home, customizing it to my liking! The best part is that you can choose your favorite toppings, making every bite a new and exciting experience. On days when you crave something savory and cheesy, this oven-baked spaghetti is the perfect comfort food. (●’◡’●) The recipe is incredibly simple, almost as easy as making instant noodles, so you can whip it up quickly even when hunger strikes.
Ingredients- Spaghetti, 1 serving (approx. 80-100g)
- Store-bought Tomato Sauce, 200g
- Mozzarella Cheese, 120g
- Dried Parsley, a pinch
- Salt, 2 pinches (for boiling pasta)
Optional Toppings- Onion, 1/4, thinly sliced or chopped
- Bacon, 2 strips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Onion, 1/4, thinly sliced or chopped
- Bacon, 2 strips, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt beforehand seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its flavor. While the water heats up, let’s get the pasta ready.
Step 2
Prepare one serving of spaghetti. Typically, this is about 80g-100g, but feel free to use a bit more if you’re feeling extra hungry! (We added a generous portion in the picture for good measure!)
Step 3
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the spaghetti and cook for about 6 minutes. Since it will bake further in the oven, aim for an ‘al dente’ texture – slightly firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy after baking.
Step 4
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your chosen toppings. Slice or chop the onion, bacon, or any other ingredients you like (e.g., minced garlic, mushrooms, olives). Adding your favorite ingredients will make your baked spaghetti even more special and delicious.
Step 5
Drain the cooked spaghetti using a colander. Be sure not to drain it for too long.
Step 6
Transfer the drained spaghetti into an oven-safe dish. At this stage, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Preheating helps ensure even cooking and reduces the overall baking time.
Step 7
Arrange your prepared toppings (onions, bacon, etc.) over the spaghetti, then generously pour the store-bought tomato sauce over everything. Make sure the sauce coats the pasta and toppings well.
Step 8
To ensure a moist and saucy result, add about half a ladleful (around 50-100ml) of the pasta cooking water to the dish. This will help keep the spaghetti from drying out during baking.
Step 9
Now for the star of the show: the cheese! Prepare your mozzarella cheese. We’re using 120g per serving here, but don’t hesitate to add more if you’re a true cheese enthusiast!
Step 10
Cover the entire surface of the dish with the mozzarella cheese, making sure to fill in any gaps. The melting cheese will create a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 11
Place the dish in the preheated 200°C (400°F) oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it. Adjust the time as needed until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. (Some prefer to bake for 15-20 minutes for extra crispiness).
Step 12
Carefully remove the baked spaghetti from the oven. Behold your creation: a perfectly baked spaghetti that’s crispy on the edges, moist inside, and wonderfully cheesy! Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for a final touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheesy Baked Spaghetti! (●’◡’●)
