Bushra Griffith
Baked ziti is a decadent Italian dish that combines ziti pasta with meat sauce and a blend of cheeses. While there are many variations of the recipe, ricotta cheese is considered a defining ingredient. In this recipe, ricotta is mixed with eggs, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, and other cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and pecorino. This mixture is then folded into the pasta and sauce, creating a creamy layer that prevents the dish from drying out. To prepare, the pasta is cooked al dente, and the ricotta mixture is added in layers, along with the meat sauce. The dish is baked until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Baked ziti with ricotta is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Pecorino, Smoked Mozzarella, Provolone, Sour Cream |
| Other ingredients | Ziti, Egg, Nutmeg, Italian seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Spinach, Basil, Parsley, Lemon zest, Oregano, Red pepper flakes, Garlic |
| Oven temperature | 350°F to 425°F |
| Baking time | 20-30 minutes |
| Resting time | 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- Ricotta cheese filling: Combine ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and other cheeses
- Preparing the ziti: Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and toss with sauce
- Assembling the bake: Layer ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture, topping with cheese
- Baking instructions: Bake at 350-375°F for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and browned
- Serving suggestions: Let stand for 15 minutes, then serve with garlic bread and a salad
Ricotta cheese filling: Combine ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and other cheeses
To make a ricotta cheese filling for baked ziti, you'll need ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and other cheeses. The exact quantities will depend on your taste preferences and the size of your bake, but here's a guide:
Start with a tub of ricotta cheese as your base. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta with two eggs, a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give the mixture a good stir, but avoid overmixing it—you want big clumps of ricotta to remain intact.
Now it's time to add the other cheeses. Shredded mozzarella is a popular choice, and you can mix it into the ricotta mixture or save it to sprinkle on top for a golden-brown finish. Add about a cup of mozzarella to the mixture if you're including it here. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, or Asiago cheese to the mix; a combination of these cheeses will work well too. Add about a cup of your chosen combination to the bowl.
Feel free to season the ricotta cheese filling with salt and pepper to taste, and you can also add other ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a classic Italian flavour profile. Once you've combined all the ingredients, your ricotta cheese filling is ready to be used in your baked ziti!
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Preparing the ziti: Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and toss with sauce
Preparing the ziti is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to ensure the pasta doesn't overcook. First, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook it until it's al dente. It's important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to soften during baking. Drain the ziti just before it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. You can make your own sauce or use a store-bought option to save time. A good tomato-based sauce, such as marinara or spaghetti sauce, pairs well with ricotta cheese. Heat some olive oil in a pan, then add onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. If you're making a meaty sauce, add ground beef or other ground meat of your choice, along with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in your chosen tomato sauce and add Italian seasoning or other herbs and spices to taste.
Once the pasta is drained, it's time to combine it with the sauce. Return the ziti to the pot and mix it with the sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as sautéed spinach or other vegetables. Reserve some sauce to create layers in your baking dish if desired.
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Assembling the bake: Layer ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture, topping with cheese
To assemble the bake, start by spreading a layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. You can use a meaty sauce, a simple tomato-based sauce, or a white sauce. Then, add a layer of cooked ziti pasta. Next, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. You can make this mixture by combining ricotta cheese with eggs, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. You can also add other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or pecorino to the ricotta mixture.
Repeat these layers, ensuring that the final layer is sauce. Then, top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese and any other cheeses of your choice. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil on top. Cover the baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let the baked ziti stand for 15 minutes before serving. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, bake at 325°F or 400°F until heated through, which can take 30 minutes to an hour.
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Baking instructions: Bake at 350-375°F for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and browned
To make baked ziti with ricotta cheese, preheat your oven to 350-375°F. While the oven is preheating, prepare your ziti by cooking the pasta until al dente and making the ricotta cheese mixture. Drain the pasta and spread half of it over a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Repeat the layers and spread the ricotta mixture on top. Cover the baking dish and place it in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned.
Different recipes suggest different baking temperatures and times, but generally, baked ziti should be cooked until the cheese is melted and browned, and the edges are bubbling. One recipe suggests baking at 350°F for 20 minutes, while another recommends 375°F for 30 minutes.
The key to ensuring the ziti doesn't dry out is to use plenty of sauce and to fold the ricotta into the pasta and sauce, distributing it evenly. This will create a creamy layer in the centre of the baked ziti.
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Serving suggestions: Let stand for 15 minutes, then serve with garlic bread and a salad
Baked ziti is a decadent and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or a potluck. It's a hearty dish with rich, gooey cheese, so it's best served with something cold and refreshing like a fresh green salad.
Garlic bread is a must with any pasta dish, and it pairs particularly well with baked ziti. The garlicky, buttery bread will complement the flavours of the ziti and round out the meal.
When serving, let the baked ziti stand for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will allow it to cool slightly and for the sauce and cheese to settle, ensuring it doesn't fall apart when served.
The salad can be a simple side dish of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. You could also add some chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados for a refreshing contrast to the rich ziti.
For the garlic bread, you can either make your own by spreading butter, garlic, and parsley on a baguette and baking it until toasted, or you can buy pre-made frozen garlic bread and bake it according to the package instructions.
And there you have it! A delicious and satisfying meal of baked ziti, garlic bread, and a fresh salad. Don't forget to let the ziti stand for those 15 minutes before digging in!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato or spaghetti sauce. You can also add meat such as Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and any additional spices or herbs such as nutmeg, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, or red pepper flakes. You can also add other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or pecorino.
First, cook the ziti pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce. You can either fold in the ricotta cheese mixture or layer it with the pasta and sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven at 350-375°F (177-190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, fresh basil, or parsley. You can also experiment with different types of meat, sauces, and cheeses. Additionally, you can make it vegetarian or vegan by skipping the meat and using plant-based alternatives for the cheese and eggs.
