Cheesy Leftover Spaghetti Bake
Transform last night's spaghetti into a delicious and satisfying meal with this Cheesy Leftover Spaghetti Bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines leftover spaghetti into a creamy, cheesy pie that the whole family will love. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying a hearty meal. Ideal for serving a crowd or preparing ahead for lunches, this baked spaghetti pie is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leftover cooked spaghetti
1 lb (Cut into 3-4 inch pieces)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (N/A)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Spaghetti sauce
3/4 quart (Heated for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Cut the leftover cooked spaghetti into 3 to 4-inch pieces and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the chopped spaghetti and mix until well combined.
4
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even blend with the spaghetti mixture.
5
Grease an 8" x 11" glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
6
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
7
Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti mixture.
8
Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, spreading it out evenly.
9
Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
11
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
12
Serve warm, topped with reheated spaghetti sauce and a sprinkle of green herbs or extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Leftover Spaghetti Bake?
It is a hearty dish that transforms yesterday's cooked spaghetti into a baked pie using eggs and cheese.
What type of pasta works best?
This recipe is designed specifically for cooked spaghetti noodles, but other long pasta like linguine can work.
Why do I need to cut the spaghetti into 3 to 4-inch pieces?
Cutting the pasta makes it easier to mix with the eggs and ensures the bake can be sliced cleanly into squares.
What is the purpose of adding eggs?
The eggs act as a binder, holding the spaghetti together so it forms a firm, sliceable pie texture.
Can I use fresh spaghetti instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked and cooled spaghetti if you do not have leftovers on hand.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How long does the spaghetti bake take to cook?
It typically takes about 40 minutes in the oven until it is golden and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella and parmesan are recommended, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, provolone, or a pizza blend.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 quart of spaghetti sauce, which is served heated over the baked slices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is only gluten-free if you use gluten-free spaghetti noodles; the rest of the ingredients are generally gluten-free.
Can I add meat to the layers?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or pepperoni between the layers for extra protein.
Should I bake it covered or uncovered?
This recipe specifies baking it uncovered to help the cheese get bubbly and golden.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch by 11-inch glass baking dish is ideal for this amount of ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, refrigerate it, and bake it when you are ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the baked spaghetti?
Yes, once cooled, you can wrap individual squares or the whole dish and freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat the spaghetti bake?
Reheat in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, then top with hot sauce.
What if I don't have parmesan cheese?
You can substitute parmesan with Pecorino Romano or extra mozzarella, though the flavor will change slightly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild, cheesy flavor and familiar ingredients make it a favorite for children.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Absolutely; sauteed peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be mixed into the spaghetti or layered with the cheese.
Does the sauce go inside the bake?
In this specific version, the sauce is heated separately and served over the baked portions.
What if my leftover spaghetti already has sauce on it?
You can still use it! Just reduce the amount of extra sauce you serve on top to avoid it being too soggy.
How many servings does this provide?
Depending on the slice size, this typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use an egg substitute?
A commercial egg replacer or a flax egg could work, but the texture may be slightly less firm.
How do I prevent the bake from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease the glass baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter before adding the mixture.
Why let it cool for a few minutes after baking?
Allowing it to rest helps the eggs and cheese set, making it much easier to slice into clean squares.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a 9x13 inch baking dish, though you may need to increase the bake time.
Is it necessary to beat the eggs first?
Yes, beating the eggs ensures they distribute evenly throughout the spaghetti mixture for a consistent bake.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this cheesy bake perfectly.
Can I make this spicy?
To add heat, mix red pepper flakes into the spaghetti mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce for serving.