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Miso Maple Pasta Bake

Featured in: Comfort Baking

Enjoy a comforting fusion dish with pasta enveloped in a creamy miso and maple sauce. Sautéed onion and garlic form a flavorful base, enhanced by white miso for umami depth and pure maple syrup for subtle sweetness. Whisked with milk and broth, the sauce is thickened then blended with Gruyère or cheddar and Parmesan for richness. Pasta is coated and baked under a golden topping of panko, olive oil, and more Parmesan until bubbling and crisp. This vegetarian crowd-pleaser pairs well with fresh greens or a light white wine. Customize by adding veggies, or swap ingredients for vegan alternatives.

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Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:40:00 GMT
Baked Miso Maple Pasta Bake topped with golden cheese and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Save
Baked Miso Maple Pasta Bake topped with golden cheese and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. | butterhearth.com

A comforting, umami-rich pasta bake featuring savory miso, sweet maple syrup, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

The first time I made this pasta bake, my friends were amazed by the unexpected combination of miso and maple syrup. The dish quickly became a favorite in my home for its unique flavor and comforting texture.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or rigatoni
  • Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp) vegetable broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Cheese & Topping: 120 g (1 cup) grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese, 40 g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prepare oven and dish:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish.
Cook pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water, cooking for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make sauce base:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add miso and maple:
Stir in the miso paste and maple syrup. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk liquids and seasonings:
Gradually whisk in milk, broth, soy sauce, and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Finish sauce:
Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère (or cheddar) and half the Parmesan. Mix until melted.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
Prepare topping:
In a small bowl, toss panko with olive oil and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly on top.
Bake:
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Rest and garnish:
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
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This bake brought everyone together around the dinner table, sparking conversation about family traditions and new flavor discoveries. Even the kids enjoyed helping sprinkle the crunchy topping before it went in the oven!

Required Tools

Large pot, saucepan, baking dish, whisk, mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (pasta, panko), milk (butter, cheese, milk), and soy (miso, soy sauce). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 540, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 72 g, Protein 19 g

Comforting Miso Maple Pasta Bake with creamy sauce and rich umami flavors, perfect for dinner. Save
Comforting Miso Maple Pasta Bake with creamy sauce and rich umami flavors, perfect for dinner. | butterhearth.com

Serve hot and let everyone enjoy the sweet-savory magic. Leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow's lunch.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne and rigatoni work well, but any sturdy, short pasta shape will hold up in baking and absorb the sauce nicely.

→ How is miso used in this dish?

White miso paste is stirred into the sauce with maple syrup, creating a savory-sweet flavor that enhances the creamy base.

→ Is it possible to make this vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes to craft a vegan-friendly version with similar texture and taste.

→ What can I serve alongside?

This bake pairs deliciously with a crisp green salad or a light glass of white wine for a balanced meal.

→ Can I add vegetables to increase nutrition?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be mixed in for extra flavor, nutrients, and a heartier dish.

→ How do I achieve the best topping?

Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly for a crunchy, golden crust after baking.

Miso Maple Pasta Bake

Creamy miso maple pasta layered with golden cheese and crispy panko for a savory, comforting bake.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 tablespoons white miso paste
05 2 tablespoons maple syrup
06 2 cups whole milk
07 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
08 1 tablespoon soy sauce
09 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheese & Topping

01 1 cup grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
02 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Stage 01

Heat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a large baking dish with oil or butter.

Stage 02

Boil Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water for two minutes less than the package recommends. Drain and set aside.

Stage 03

Start Sauce Base: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.

Stage 04

Blend Miso and Maple: Add miso paste and maple syrup to the saucepan. Cook, stirring, for one minute until aromatic.

Stage 05

Finish Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly until slightly thickened, about five to seven minutes.

Stage 06

Incorporate Cheese: Remove saucepan from heat. Add Gruyère or cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Stage 07

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Stage 08

Prepare and Apply Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and the reserved Parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta.

Stage 09

Bake Until Golden: Bake for twenty minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Stage 10

Rest and Garnish: Allow pasta bake to rest for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (pasta, panko), milk (butter, cheese, milk), and soy (miso, soy sauce). Check product labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 540
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 72 g
  • Protein Content: 19 g