Experience the best of both worlds with Baked Pizza Spaghetti – a delightful fusion that marries the beloved flavors of pizza with the comforting allure of spaghetti. This recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a cheesy and savory base, zesty pepperoni, and aromatic herbs, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step directions for a taste sensation that brings the essence of Italian classics to your table.
Ingredients: Prepare to create a symphony of flavors with these carefully chosen ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (16-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 4 ounces pepperoni sausage, sliced
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delightful creation.
- Boil the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until tender yet firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Create the Cheesy Base: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup mozzarella, milk, beaten egg, salt, and garlic salt. Add the drained spaghetti to this mixture and combine until well-incorporated. Spread this delightful spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Base: Bake the spaghetti mixture in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial bake sets the stage for the layers of flavors to come.
- Layer with Pizza Goodness: After the initial bake, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the spaghetti sauce over the noodle mixture, sprinkle with oregano and basil, and top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella. Finally, artfully arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown, approximately 30 minutes. The tantalizing aroma will let you know that a delectable masterpiece is in the making.
- Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the Baked Pizza Spaghetti stand for 5 minutes before cutting. This brief resting period allows the flavors to settle, ensuring each slice is a perfect blend of pizza and pasta goodness.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Baked Pizza Spaghetti is a celebration of flavors that brings together the comfort of spaghetti with the zestiness of a classic pizza. Whether served for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat your taste buds to a fusion of Italian classics. Enjoy the delightful journey through layers of mozzarella, pepperoni, and aromatic herbs in every bite!