If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying comfort dish, look no further than this Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe. It’s a heartwarming classic that brings together tender, perfectly cooked spaghetti with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for maximum flavor and texture, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners or anytime you want a dish that hugs your soul from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role, from the smooth, melty Monterey Jack cheese adding richness and gooeyness to the lightly seasoned cheese sauce that binds everything beautifully. Gathering these essentials is the first step to a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
- 16 oz spaghetti: Cooked and drained perfectly to hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, creamy melt that’s the star of the dish.
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce for that luscious texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors while keeping the dish balanced.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: Adds a subtle tangy depth to the cheese sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A gentle kick of spice to round out the taste.
- 3¾ cups milk: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth, binding everything together.
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten: Adds richness and helps the casserole set beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Dotting the top to add a golden, buttery finish.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on top for that inviting color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving a 9×13-inch baking pan a light spray with cooking spray to ensure your cheesy masterpiece doesn’t stick. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the pan, then sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese right on top to begin the cheesy layering magic.
Step 2: Layer Again
Repeat the layering by adding the remaining cooked spaghetti and topping it with the remaining cheese. This layering ensures that every forkful has a gorgeous balance of pasta and melty cheese.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper for a seasoned base. To avoid lumps, whisk in a tablespoon of milk before adding the rest of the milk and the lightly beaten eggs. This mixture forms a rich and velvety sauce that’s the secret to binding the casserole together deliciously.
Step 4: Combine and Prepare for Baking
Pour the cheese sauce mixture over the layered spaghetti and cheese in the baking pan, making sure it seeps through all the crevices. Dot the surface with small pats of butter to provide an irresistible buttery crust. Finish the pre-bake prep by sprinkling paprika evenly on top, lending a beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dish for 45 minutes until the casserole is set, bubbly around the edges, and the top is a gorgeous golden color. This slow baking time allows the cheese sauce to thicken and meld with the spaghetti, resulting in a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the rich flavors and add a pop of color. A light dusting of extra paprika or a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper on top can also add a little extra visual appeal and depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Because this Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe is rich and filling, it pairs beautifully with fresh greens like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli. A tangy cucumber salad or roasted vegetables also work wonders to balance the creamy, cheesy intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in individual ramekins to wow guests or family members with personal cheesy casseroles. You could also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crunchy topping that adds delightful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to keep the texture optimal when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its cheesy goodness and comforting texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, but covering with a microwave-safe lid helps maintain moisture and prevents dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack gives a mild, creamy flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar for sharpness or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to cook the spaghetti before baking?
Yes, pre-cooking the spaghetti is essential because it ensures the noodles are tender and ready to absorb the cheese sauce. Uncooked pasta would not bake evenly in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your mustard powder is gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets perfectly.
What can I add to make this Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe more filling?
Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even cooked ground sausage to the layers for extra protein and flavor. Fresh veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers can also be stirred in to boost nutrition.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is ready when the cheese sauce is set and no longer jiggly in the center, the top is golden, and it’s bubbling around the edges. It should take about 45 minutes at 350ºF as per the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, warmth, and simple joy to the table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for families or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to dive in and give this recipe a go — your taste buds will thank you for the cozy, cheesy love in every bite.
Print
Baked Spaghetti and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Spaghetti and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender cooked spaghetti and Monterey Jack cheese are combined with a creamy, seasoned custard base and baked until golden and set. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this dish is ideal for those craving a hearty pasta bake with a mild, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
Cheese Layer
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Custard Mixture
- 1½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 3¾ cups milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
Finishing Touches
- 2 Tbsp butter
- paprika, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the spaghetti and cheese. Place half of the cooked and drained spaghetti evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the spaghetti. Repeat this step by layering the remaining spaghetti followed by the remaining cheese.
- Make the seasoned custard mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and then the lightly beaten eggs until fully blended.
- Pour custard over spaghetti layers. Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered spaghetti and cheese in the baking dish. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter. Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika across the top for color and mild flavor.
- Bake until set. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente and drained well to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Use freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese for better melting and flavor.
- The dry mustard adds a subtle tang to the custard—do not omit for best flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it firm up for easier serving.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
