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Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with Crispy Cheese Crust

creamy baked million dollar spaghetti casserole - featured image

A rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust. This comforting dish combines cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 2 cups (about 200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or extra sharp
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water if needed.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces (225 grams) softened cream cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, and ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Fold in 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional).
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy cheese mixture and toss gently until every strand is coated. Add reserved pasta water if mixture is too thick.
  6. Pour the creamy spaghetti into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle an additional ½ cup shredded cheddar on top.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese on top is golden and bubbling with a crispy crust.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped green onions over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best crispy cheese crust. Bake uncovered for a crispy top; tent with foil if browning too fast. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, creamy casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, baked pasta, crispy cheese crust