Easy Baked Spaghetti Mac And Cheese
Comfort food is the perfect antidote to cold, dreary days. And what's more comforting than a gooey, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese? Well, how about a twist on that classic dish? Enter easy baked spaghetti mac and cheese. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of mac and cheese with the heartiness of spaghetti. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make easy baked spaghetti mac and cheese:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Here's how to make easy baked spaghetti mac and cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they're melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the spaghetti and cheese sauce to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Variations
While this easy baked spaghetti mac and cheese recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for your favorite cheese blend.
- Add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb topping.
- Mix in some diced ham or cooked chicken for a heartier dish.
- Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of flavor.
Conclusion
Easy baked spaghetti mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. With its gooey, cheesy goodness and hearty spaghetti, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family. And with just a few simple ingredients, it's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. So why not give it a try tonight?