Kamil Perry
Cheese manicotti is a delicious meal that can be made ahead and frozen for a busy day or served fresh out of the oven. It's a great dish for a family dinner or to stock your freezer with comfort food. The process of cooking frozen cheese manicotti is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, prepare the manicotti by filling it with a cheese mixture. Then, place it in a freezer-safe and oven-safe pan with tomato sauce. After adding more sauce and cheese, you can freeze it or cook it right away. To cook, simply preheat the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for about 45-75 minutes, depending on the recipe. Let it rest for a perfect texture, and serve it with a side of garlic bread and a mixed green salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 375°F, 400°F, or 450°F |
| Baking time | 45-75 minutes |
| Additional baking time without foil | 10-12 minutes |
| Baking time if thawed | 25-45 minutes |
| Baking time in microwave | 7-16 minutes |
| Minimum internal temperature | 165°F for at least 15 seconds |
| Filling | Cheese mixture, ricotta, Romano, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, garlic, eggs |
| Sauce | Tomato sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the manicotti for freezing
Preparing manicotti for freezing is a straightforward process. To start, you'll need to make the ricotta cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese with other cheeses like provolone and parmesan, along with parsley, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce to taste. Mix these ingredients together in a large bowl.
Next, prepare the pasta. If using dried manicotti, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. For fresh pasta, roll it into tubes or cut it into 6-inch squares. After preparing the pasta, lay it out on a table and add a scoop of the cheese mixture to each piece, distributing it evenly. If you're using a piping bag, squeeze out a generous amount. Then, carefully roll up the manicotti, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the tubes.
Now, it's time to assemble the dish for freezing. Choose a pan that is safe for both the freezer and the oven, such as a disposable aluminum catering pan. Spread a layer of cold tomato sauce at the bottom of the pan. Place the filled manicotti snugly on top of the sauce to prevent them from moving around. Cover the manicotti with more sauce, and add mozzarella, grated parmesan, and fresh basil.
Finally, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. If you're using an aluminum catering pan, place the lid over the plastic wrap. Alternatively, if your pan doesn't have a lid, use aluminum foil to cover it securely. Now, you can place the manicotti in the freezer until you're ready to cook and enjoy it!
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Oven temperature and cooking time
The oven temperature and cooking time for frozen cheese manicotti vary depending on the recipe and the number of manicotti being cooked. Most recipes suggest preheating the oven to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At 375 degrees Fahrenheit, cook the manicotti from frozen for 65 to 75 minutes. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking time varies depending on the source; one source suggests cooking for 45 to 50 minutes, while another recommends 50 to 55 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of manicotti being cooked and the size of the dish. If cooking a single manicotti, for example, it may take less time than a full dish of manicotti. Additionally, some recipes recommend covering the manicotti with aluminum foil for part of the cooking time, which can affect the overall cooking time.
When cooking frozen cheese manicotti, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. This can be checked with a food thermometer.
Some recipes recommend removing the foil towards the end of the cooking time to allow the cheese to brown. This step typically adds an additional 10 to 12 minutes to the overall cooking time.
It is also worth noting that thawed manicotti will take less time to cook than frozen manicotti. For thawed manicotti, the cooking time is generally between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on the oven temperature and the recipe.
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Removing from the oven
When removing your cheese manicotti from the oven, it is important to exercise caution as the dish will be extremely hot. Use oven mitts or thick kitchen towels to protect your hands. If you have used plastic wrap and aluminium foil to cover your manicotti, be careful not to touch the hot steam that may escape when removing the coverings.
Once you have carefully taken the manicotti out of the oven, place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a stovetop or a trivet. If you have baked your manicotti in a disposable aluminium pan, you can simply slide it onto a cooling rack or a heat-safe mat. This will prevent further cooking and ensure that the bottom of your manicotti doesn't get too crispy or burnt.
Let the manicotti rest for at least 2 minutes before serving, as instructed by some sources. However, for the best results and to allow the cheese to set, it is recommended that you let it rest for about 20 minutes. This waiting period is crucial, as it ensures that your manicotti holds together when served and doesn't fall apart.
During this resting period, the manicotti will still be cooking slightly due to residual heat, and the internal temperature will continue to rise. This is especially important if you are aiming for a specific internal temperature, such as the recommended minimum of 165°F, held for at least 15 seconds.
Finally, once the resting period is over, you can serve your cheese manicotti. It will have the perfect texture and temperature, and you can enjoy the delicious, cheesy result of your efforts!
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Resting and setting
Once your frozen cheese manicotti is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This is an important step as it allows the cheese to set and ensures that your manicotti won't be a mess when you serve it. It will still be hot and the texture will be perfect.
During this resting period, the cheese sauce will thicken and become more creamy and indulgent. The resting time also allows the flavours to develop and intensify, enhancing the taste of your manicotti.
If you're using a microwave, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, but generally, you'll cook the manicotti for around 14-16 minutes, then let it stand for about 2 minutes before serving.
For oven-baked manicotti, the resting time is longer, around 20 minutes, as mentioned earlier. This allows the dish to cool down slightly and ensures that the manicotti holds together when served.
The resting period is crucial to achieving the right texture and consistency for your cheese manicotti, so don't skip it!
Serving suggestions
Cheese manicotti is a rich and indulgent dish, and there are several sides you can serve it with to elevate the meal and cut through the richness. A simple mixed green salad with a red wine vinaigrette is a classic option. Alternatively, a big hunk of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and melted cheese.
For a heartier side dish, roasted vegetables such as aubergine, courgette, peppers, and onions would work well. You could also serve the manicotti with a side of meatballs or Italian sausage, or even a simple, good-quality tomato sauce.
To drink, an Italian red wine like a Sangiovese or Barbera would be a great choice to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking times vary depending on the recipe, but most sources recommend cooking frozen cheese manicotti for 45-75 minutes.
Yes, cover your manicotti with aluminium foil when cooking it in the oven. If you're cooking it from frozen, remove the foil for the last 10-12 minutes to let the cheese turn golden brown.
Yes, you can. Place the manicotti in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with sauce, and microwave on high for 7-15 minutes.
