This Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Bake is the definition of cozy, cheesy comfort food. Crispy bacon, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, gooey cheese sauce come together to create a dish that’s hearty, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Unlike traditional spaghetti, this baked version takes it up a notch with smoky bacon and a rich, creamy texture that clings to every noodle. It’s simple to make, requires basic ingredients, and feeds a crowd with ease — everything you want in a comforting pasta bake.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Bake
You’ll love how this dish combines the best parts of mac and cheese, carbonara, and baked spaghetti into one comforting casserole. The crispy bacon adds smoky depth, while the cheese blend melts into a perfectly creamy sauce. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and makes fantastic leftovers.
It’s also customizable — add veggies, swap cheeses, or include extra seasonings to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this cheesy bacon bake delivers every time.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This spaghetti bake is comfort food perfection: creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite. Baking it gives the top layer a golden crust while keeping the inside rich and soft. It’s also incredibly forgiving — no fancy steps, no complicated sauces, and it reheats beautifully.
It’s the ideal recipe for busy nights when you want something homemade and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra crispy bacon bits
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Bake (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside — the pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces and reserve a few for topping.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, remove most of the bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor. Add butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings
Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti and most of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss until every strand is evenly coated in creamy cheese goodness.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the spaghetti mixture. Spread evenly and top with remaining cheese and bacon.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley or extra parmesan. Serve warm as a main course with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
10 Tips for the Best Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Bake
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue baking in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Mix cheeses for the best flavor — cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, and parmesan for saltiness.
- Stir the sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of paprika.
- Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let the bake rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days — it reheats beautifully.
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken Bacon Bake: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Four-Cheese Version: Use a blend of cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add roasted vegetables.
- Alfredo Twist: Use Alfredo sauce instead of homemade cheese sauce.
- Buffalo Bacon Bake: Stir in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce for heat.
- Italian-Style Bake: Add marinara sauce and top with extra mozzarella.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- BBQ Bacon Bake: Replace some milk with BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness.
- Lighter Option: Use 2% milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- Pesto Version: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of pesto before baking for a fresh herb flavor.
What to Serve With Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Bake (Step-by-Step)
- Start with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian or balsamic dressing.
- Add garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Serve alongside a light soup such as tomato basil or minestrone.
- Offer extra grated parmesan at the table for cheese lovers.
- Pour a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling lemonade for balance.
- Finish the meal with a simple dessert such as brownies or lemon bars.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
Allow the bake to cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days.
To Freeze
Wrap the entire casserole tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to two months.
To Reheat (From Refrigerator)
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through.
To Reheat (From Frozen)
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use other pasta types? Yes, penne, rotini, or linguine all work well.
- Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Yes, just make sure it’s crispy.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of cream? Yes, for a lighter sauce.
- What cheese works best? A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the best balance.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I add protein? Shredded chicken or ground beef work great.
- How do I keep it from drying out? Don’t overbake — 20–25 minutes is ideal.
- Can I make it spicy? Add chili flakes or spicy cheese.
- Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely, it’s creamy, cheesy, and mild.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, and reheat as needed.
- Can I skip the flour? You can thicken with cornstarch instead.
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, just use unsweetened.
- What can I add for crunch? Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, for a leaner option.
- How can I make it extra creamy? Add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Can I cook it in smaller dishes? Yes, just reduce baking time slightly.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use two pans or a large baking dish.
- Can I use leftover pasta? Yes, just warm it slightly before mixing with sauce.
- How long does it last? Up to four days refrigerated or two months frozen.
- What’s the best garnish? Fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.