Spaghetti Pizza is a delightful fusion that brings together the hearty satisfaction of classic spaghetti and the cheesy, crispy allure of pizza. This innovative recipe transforms ordinary spaghetti into a versatile base, layered with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, then baked to perfection for a unique and flavorful meal experience.

Baked spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese in a white dish on a textured surface.

Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe invites you to experiment, customize, and savor every bite of this extraordinary fusion dish.

Ingredients

For Pasta: 1 (8-ounce) package of spaghetti, broken into 2-inch segments

For Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For Mixture:

  • ¼ cup of milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of garlic salt

For Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried basil

For Toppings: 4 ounces of pepperoni sausage, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:

A fork lifts spaghetti from a boiling pot.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the broken spaghetti pieces and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender yet firm (al dente). Once cooked, drain the spaghetti using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture: 

In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of milk, 1 beaten egg, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Combine Spaghetti with Cheese Mixture:

Add the drained and cooled spaghetti to the cheese mixture in the bowl. Gently stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Spaghetti Base:

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step helps to set the spaghetti mixture. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Add Sauce, Seasonings, and Cheese:

Evenly spread the spaghetti sauce over the baked spaghetti base. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon of dried basil over the sauce for added flavor. Top the sauced spaghetti with the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Final Baking:

A pizza with cheese and toppings is placed next to a bottle and glass of red wine on a table.

Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes.

Bake until the cheese on top is bubbly and begins to turn golden brown, indicating that it's fully melted and flavorful.

Once baked, remove the spaghetti pizza from the oven.

Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Slice into portions and enjoy your homemade spaghetti pizza!

Tips for Success

  1. Pasta Texture: Ensure that the spaghetti is cooked al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking.
  1. Cheese Quality: Using high-quality shredded mozzarella will enhance the flavor and texture of your spaghetti pizza.
  1. Customization: Feel free to add other toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to suit your taste preferences.
  1. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance. Refrigerate it after the initial 15-minute bake and finish baking when ready to serve.

 

Enjoy your delicious and unique spaghetti pizza!