Baked Spaghetti With Cheese
Creamy baked spaghetti layered with cheese and butter offers a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, highlighting rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, put a layer of cooked spaghetti.
- Dot all over with butter.
- Cover with grated cheese and continue layering until the pan is full.
- Pour evaporated milk from the can over the layers until saturated.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the milk has been absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of American and Cheddar cheese. If you're looking to lighten the dish, you could substitute half of the butter with olive oil. Additionally, adding cooked ground beef or vegetables between the layers can enhance the dish, making it more filling. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking the spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Spaghetti With Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spaghetti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also add a splash of milk to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spaghetti With Cheese contains roughly 1093 calories, with 27g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (84% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use gluten-free spaghetti in this baked dish. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti With Cheese?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Assemble the spaghetti and cheese layers, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers between the layers. You can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. For a heartier dish, try incorporating cooked sausage or ground turkey into the layers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).