Name: creamy southern spaghetti bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 300g spaghetti; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 500ml whole milk; 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 100g cream cheese, softened; 150g frozen sweet corn, thawed; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 50g panko breadcrumbs; 2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping); 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping); 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 Tbsp scallions or chives, sliced

Description

This Creamy Southern Spaghetti Bake offers a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining sweet corn and a hint of jalapeño for a delightful Southern experience. It’s perfect for weeknights or potlucks, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

300g spaghetti
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
500ml whole milk
200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
100g cream cheese, softened
150g frozen sweet corn, thawed
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
50g panko breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp scallions or chives, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti *al dente* (about 9 minutes), drain, and set aside.
Craft Roux: Melt 1 Tbsp butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Build Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk, simmer until thickened (5 minutes).
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar, cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Swirl in Corn: Fold in corn and jalapeño (if using).
Combine & Transfer: Toss spaghetti with sauce and transfer to baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan (if using) with parsley.
Top & Bake: Sprinkle topping over bake and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and scallions.

Notes

Assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for a convenient meal. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg