A little while back, Joanna shared an incredible tidbit with me…
Not long ago, Anton’s elementary school organized a fundraiser known as Eat Pie Shop (!) where they showcased tables laden with all sorts of homemade pies — delicious sweet options like chocolate, apple, crumbles, etc., alongside savory choices like frittata and quiche. And among this mouthwatering array? A spaghetti pie — which, according to Joanna, everyone absolutely adored.
And it wasn’t just the kids! The grown-ups loved it as well. Have you guys come across this? It’s precisely what it sounds like — spaghetti baked in a pie dish, swimming in cheese and tomato sauce, cut into wedges for serving, featuring gloriously crispy edges.
So it made perfect sense that when I was browsing through Jessie Sheehan’s new book Salty Cheesy Herby Crispy: Snackable Bakes, I paused at her recipe for Spaghetti Pie With Cheesy Marinara. Sheehan — host of the Cherry Bombe podcast “She’s My Cherry Pie” and a vibrant presence on Instagram with her cheerful signature greeting “Peeps!” — embodies fun. Her book emphasizes fast and simple recipes (the 100 recipes utilize basic pantry items and come together in under an hour) and playfulness, featuring that Spaghetti Pie along with Everything Bagel and Cream Cheese Snacking Bread, Jalapeño Cheddar Shortbread Buttons, and a variety of popovers, hand pies, and bite-sized snacks that truly elevate a gathering to a party.
Baked Spaghetti Pie With Cheesy Marinara
From Salty Cheesy Herby Crispy: Snackable Bakes, by Jessie Sheehan
Yields one 8-inch round pie
Jessie advises: Wrap the spaghetti in a clean dish towel (to avoid scattering little broken noodles across your kitchen) and break the spaghetti into thirds prior to boiling it, as this will expedite cooking (only 5 minutes!) and make slicing and enjoying the pie much easier.
olive oil for greasing the pan
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (88 g) finely grated Parmesan, divided, and extra for serving
2 large eggs
1½ cups (382 g) store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, and extra for serving
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ to ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ to ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
1¼ cups (125 g) shredded low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella, divided, plus more for sprinkling
⅓ cup (76 g) ricotta
¾ pound (340 g) spaghetti, cooked until al dente
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with olive oil and line the base with parchment paper. Brush the parchment with more oil and coat the bottom and sides of the pan with ¼ cup (25 g) of the Parmesan.
In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Stir in the marinara, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, ½ cup (50 g) of the Parmesan, ¾ cup (75 g) of the mozzarella, and the ricotta. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the mixture with a flexible spatula and transfer it to the prepared cake pan, pressing down with your spatula to compact it. Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan.
Bake for around 15 minutes. Carefully take the cake pan out of the oven, top the “pie” with the leftover ½ cup (50 g) of mozzarella, and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted. If you prefer your cheese golden and slightly crisp, put the pie under the broiler for a short time, keeping a close watch, around 2 minutes or so.
Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the pan’s edge before inverting the “pie” onto a serving platter. (You may need to give the bottom of the cake pan a few solid taps to assist in its release.) Let it rest for another 5 to 10 minutes, then slice the “pie” and serve it in wedges, offering extra Parmesan and sauce at the table, if you wish.
Would you try making this? What other fun dinner ideas do you have?
P.S. Dinners with five ingredients, and a pasta sauce taste test.
(Photo by Nico Schinco.)
**Jessie Sheehan’s Recipe for Spaghetti Pie: A Cozy Spin on a Classic Meal**
For those who love comfort food, Jessie Sheehan is a name that may ring a bell; she is a skilled baker and recipe creator celebrated for her inventive approaches to traditional dishes. One of her notable recipes, recently highlighted on the well-known lifestyle blog *Cup of Jo*, is her scrumptious and easy-to-create Spaghetti Pie. This dish beautifully merges classic Italian flavors with a fun, family-friendly twist. Whether you wish to impress visitors or simply create a warm meal for your family, Jessie Sheehan’s Spaghetti Pie is destined to become a beloved dish in your kitchen.
### What is Spaghetti Pie?
Spaghetti Pie is a baked pasta creation that brings together the finest aspects of spaghetti and lasagna. Rather than layering sheets of pasta like lasagna, the spaghetti is combined with a creamy, cheesy filling and then baked in a pie dish until golden and crisp on the surface. The result is a sliceable, savory “pie” that retains its form, offering a fun and distinctive way to serve pasta. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal and a fantastic method for using up leftover spaghetti.
### Why You’ll Adore Jessie Sheehan’s Version
Jessie Sheehan’s Spaghetti Pie recipe is remarkable for its ease, flexibility, and comforting tastes. Known for her approachable, straightforward cooking style, Sheehan creates recipes that are easy for anyone to follow, even those with minimal cooking experience. Her Spaghetti Pie exemplifies this, featuring a simple process that produces impressive results.
One standout feature of Sheehan’s recipe is her use of a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, which cohesively binds the spaghetti while imparting a rich, cheesy flavor. The dish is customizable—you can incorporate your preferred ingredients like sautéed veggies, ground meats, or a handful of fresh herbs to make it uniquely yours.
### Ingredients You’ll Require
To whip up Jessie Sheehan’s Spaghetti Pie, you’ll need these ingredients:
– **Spaghetti**: The star component! Regular or whole-wheat spaghetti can be utilized, depending on your preference.
– **Eggs**: These bind the spaghetti and cheese mixture, providing the pie with structure.
– **Ricotta Cheese**: Contributes creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
– **Mozzarella Cheese**: Delivers that classic, melty, gooey characteristic.
– **Parmesan Cheese**: Infuses a nutty, salty flavor.
– **Marinara Sauce**: A straightforward tomato sauce that complements the cheesy filling beautifully.
– **Olive Oil**: For greasing the pie dish and adding richness.
– **Salt and Pepper**: To season the dish perfectly.
Optional add-ins include cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms, tailored to your taste preferences.
### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Cook the Spaghetti**: Begin by boiling the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture**: In a large bowl, blend ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. **Combine the Spaghetti and Cheese**: Mix the cooked spaghetti into the cheese combination, tossing until the pasta is well-coated.
4. **Assemble the Pie**: Grease a pie dish or springform pan with olive oil. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish, then layer with marinara sauce. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture and lightly press down to form an even layer.
5. **Bake**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the spaghetti pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden and crispy.
6. **Serve**: Allow the pie to cool for a few moments before slicing. Serve it with additional marinara sauce on the side and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for decoration.
### Success Tips
– **Utilize a Springform Pan**: For a more striking presentation, consider using a springform pan. This makes it easy to remove the pie and slice it into neat servings.
– **Prep Ahead**: Spaghetti Pie is a fantastic dish to prepare in advance. You can set it up the night prior and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
– **Personalize the Filling**: Explore variations with your add-ins! You can stir in ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables for added richness and texture.
### Why Spaghetti Pie is Ideal for Families
One of the reasons Jessie Sheehan’s Spaghetti Pie has gained popularity…
