Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti dish that’s elevated with the rich flavor of bacon. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon onion powder
• 1 lb dry spaghetti
• 3 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
• 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Fresh chives, snipped, for garnish (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare Sauce:
   • In a large pot, stir together the milk, bacon soup, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook Spaghetti:
   • Once bubbling, break the spaghetti in half and stir into the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the spaghetti cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Stir in 2 cups of the mozzarella and half of the bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Bake:
   • Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and bacon. Bake until the cheese has melted and is starting to turn golden brown, about 15 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives, if using. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly snipped chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complement the richness of the dish.
• Portion Control: This recipe serves 6, but you can easily adjust the portion sizes based on your family’s needs.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara sauce or a simple garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before storing.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked spaghetti. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the leftover spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the spaghetti on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop Method: Reheat the spaghetti in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir frequently until heated through.

These serving and storage tips ensure your Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti remains delicious and satisfying, whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers. Follow these guidelines to keep the dish flavorful and creamy every time you serve it.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Medley:
   • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the spaghetti mixture before baking. This adds extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
2. Spicy Kick:
   • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for a spicy version of the baked spaghetti.
3. Chicken and Bacon:
   • Add cooked, shredded chicken to the spaghetti mixture along with the bacon for a protein-packed variation.
4. Four Cheese Delight:
   • Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan along with the mozzarella for a richer, cheesier dish.
5. Italian Style:
   • Add Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil to the sauce mixture. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of marinara sauce.
6. Mexican Twist:
   • Replace the mozzarella with a Mexican cheese blend and add a packet of taco seasoning to the sauce. Top with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
7. Seafood Special:
   • Incorporate cooked shrimp or crabmeat into the spaghetti mixture for a seafood twist.
8. Pesto Flavor:
   • Add a few tablespoons of pesto sauce to the spaghetti mixture for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
9. Bacon and Broccoli:
   • Add steamed broccoli florets to the mixture before baking for added texture and nutrients.
10. BBQ Bacon:
    • Mix in a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce with the milk and cream cheese mixture for a smoky, tangy variation. Top with extra crispy fried onions for crunch.
11. Spinach and Artichoke:
    • Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the spaghetti mixture for a creamy, vegetable-packed twist. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
12. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil:
    • Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors. Sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

These variations offer endless possibilities for customizing your Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, added vegetables, or extra protein, these ideas will help you create a unique and delicious dish every time.

FAQs:

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
   • While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. Is there a substitute for cream of bacon soup?
   • If you can’t find cream of bacon soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
4. How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
   • Stir the spaghetti occasionally while it cooks in the sauce to prevent it from clumping together. Adding a splash of olive oil to the water before cooking can also help.
5. Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon and crumble it into the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference for bacon flavor.
6. What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
   • You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • Omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for the milk. Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
8. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
   • Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
9. What should I serve with Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti?
   • Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
10. How do I reheat leftovers of this dish?
    • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

These FAQs provide valuable information to help you navigate the preparation, serving, and storage of Bacon Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti. Whether you’re looking for ingredient substitutes or tips on reheating leftovers, these answers ensure you can enjoy this comforting dish with confidence.