Baked Pizza Spaghetti

 Baked Pizza Spaghetti – The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion!

Are you craving pizza and spaghetti at the same time? Look no further! This Baked Pizza Spaghetti recipe combines two Italian favorites into one irresistible dish. With layers of cheesy goodness, a crispy baked spaghetti crust, rich marinara sauce, and delicious pepperoni slices, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pizza Spaghetti

✔️ Two Classics in One – The perfect fusion of spaghetti and pizza flavors.

✔️ Crispy, Cheesy Crust – Baked with mozzarella, egg, and milk for a rich, satisfying texture.

✔️ Easy and Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples for a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers!

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Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Spaghetti Base:

1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces – The foundation of the dish, creating a firm, pizza-like crust.

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds creaminess to bind the pasta together.

¼ cup milk – Enhances the texture and helps create a rich base.

1 large egg, beaten – Acts as a binder, holding the crust together.

¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.

¼ teaspoon garlic salt – Adds a hint of savory garlic flavor.

For the Toppings:

1 (16-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce – Brings in rich, tangy tomato flavor.

1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic pizza seasoning for extra Italian flair.

¼ teaspoon dried basil – Adds a subtle, herby sweetness.

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy top layer.

4 ounces pepperoni, sliced – Adds a bold, savory kick and crispy texture when baked.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti pieces and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Create the Spaghetti Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

✔️ ½ cup mozzarella cheese

✔️ ¼ cup milk

✔️ 1 beaten egg

✔️ ¼ teaspoon salt

✔️ ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

Add the drained spaghetti and toss until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down slightly to form a crust.

4. Pre-Bake the Crust

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This helps the spaghetti base firm up, ensuring it holds the toppings well.

5. Reduce the Oven Temperature

After baking, remove the dish and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

6. Assemble the Pizza Layer

✔️ Spread the spaghetti sauce evenly over the crust.

✔️ Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil for a classic Italian touch.

✔️ Top with the remaining 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese.

✔️ Arrange the pepperoni slices on top for that signature pizza look.

7. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

8. Rest & Serve

Allow the baked pizza spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ The pre-baked spaghetti crust ensures a firm base, preventing a soggy texture.

✅ Layering mozzarella twice enhances the cheesy, pizza-like experience.

✅ Baking at two different temperatures allows for both a crispy base and gooey, bubbly cheese.

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Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pizza Spaghetti

✔️ Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

✔️ Customize Your Toppings – Add cooked sausage, green peppers, black olives, or even a drizzle of garlic butter for extra flavor.

✔️ Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to cool slightly before cutting helps the layers hold their shape.

✔️ Reheating Tip – For a crispy finish, reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes instead of microwaving.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your Baked Pizza Spaghetti with these delicious sides for a complete meal:

✔️ Garlic Bread – The perfect companion for scooping up extra sauce.

✔️ Simple Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing balance to the cheesy goodness.

✔️ Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

✔️ Chilled Sweet Tea or Red Wine – Complement the flavors with a classic Southern drink or a bold Italian red.

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Final Thoughts

This Baked Pizza Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food – cheesy, saucy, and packed with pizza flavors! It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and potlucks. With a perfectly baked spaghetti crust, a rich tomato base, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a delightful fusion of pizza and pasta in one.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a dish that’s g

uaranteed to become a family favorite! If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and leave a comment below!