Andy Montoya
Baked ziti is a popular Italian dish, similar to lasagna but less work. It is made by tossing ziti noodles with sauce and cheese, and then baking the mixture. The type of cheese used can vary depending on preference, but common choices include mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Some recipes call for a combination of multiple types of cheese to create a gooey, creamy texture. The dish can be customized with various meats, vegetables, and spices to suit individual tastes. Baked ziti is a comforting and cheesy meal that can be prepared in advance and baked later, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 3 or 4 |
| Types of cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Ricotta, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese |
| Cheese texture | Smooth, creamy, gooey |
| Cheese preparation | Mixed with other ingredients, dropped in dollops, sprinkled on top |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh mozzarella
When making baked ziti, you can mix mozzarella with ricotta, parmesan, and/or cottage cheese. You can also add some Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken to make the dish even heartier.
To make baked ziti, boil the ziti until it is tender, drain it, and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Add the ziti to the dish, and drop dollops of the cheese mixture on top until covered. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, tent with foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
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Ricotta
When making baked ziti with ricotta, you can create a cheese mixture by combining ricotta with other cheeses and egg. This mixture is then dropped in dollops on top of the ziti, creating pockets of cheese throughout the dish. This method ensures that each bite of ziti has a generous amount of cheese.
When preparing baked ziti with ricotta, it is essential to keep the dish covered and refrigerated until ready to bake. This ensures that the flavours meld together and the dish stays fresh. Baked ziti with ricotta can be assembled up to two days in advance, making it a convenient option for make-ahead meals.
Leftovers of baked ziti with ricotta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold, warm, fresh, or leftover, making it a convenient option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
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Parmesan
When using Parmesan for baked ziti, it is important to note that it may not get as gooey and melted as other cheeses, such as mozzarella. Therefore, it is typically combined with other cheeses to create a creamy and cheesy texture. The ratio of Parmesan to other cheeses, such as mozzarella, is important to consider. A common ratio suggested is 1:4, with Parmesan being the smaller portion. This ensures that the Parmesan adds flavour without overpowering the other cheeses or affecting the desired texture.
When preparing baked ziti with Parmesan, it is recommended to add the cheese towards the end of the cooking process. This helps to prevent overcooking the Parmesan, which can result in a hard or dry texture. Adding the Parmesan during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking allows it to melt and brown slightly, creating a crispy and flavourful topping.
Baked ziti with Parmesan can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is a versatile dish that can be customised with various meats, vegetables, and spices to suit individual preferences. The use of Parmesan in baked ziti adds a distinct flavour and contributes to the overall creaminess and cheesiness of the dish.
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Provolone
The recipe recommends using a combination of four cheeses: mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and parmesan. To make the dish, you can start by boiling the ziti until it is tender, which usually takes around 7 minutes. Then, you can add dollops of the cheese mixture to the ziti and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.
While the recipe calls for a combination of four cheeses, you can also experiment with different combinations of three or more cheeses, depending on your preference and availability. For example, you can try using provolone with mozzarella and ricotta, or provolone with parmesan and cream cheese. Fresh mozzarella is particularly recommended as it melts into a smooth, creamy texture, enhancing the overall taste and consistency of the dish.
Additionally, you can add Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken to make the dish heartier. Baked ziti is a versatile and comforting meal that can be easily customised to your liking.
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Cream cheese
Baked ziti is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is similar to lasagna but with less work. It is made by tossing ziti noodles with sauce and cheese, and then baking the mixture until it is gooey and decadent. While there are many cheese options to choose from, cream cheese is a great choice for a creamy and rich baked ziti.
To make baked ziti with cream cheese, start by boiling the ziti noodles until they are just tender. Meanwhile, prepare a cheese mixture by combining cream cheese with other cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. You can also add Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken for a heartier dish. Vegetarians can skip the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead.
Once the noodles are boiled, drain them and set them aside. Preheat the oven and grease a baking dish. Toss the noodles with your desired sauce, such as a meat-based marinara or a simple tomato sauce. Drop dollops of the cheese mixture on top of the ziti, making sure to cover the entire dish. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy dish.
Finally, bake the ziti until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Your creamy and cheesy baked ziti is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish can also be prepared ahead of time and baked later, making it a convenient option for busy days.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses to use for baked ziti are mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, provolone, and cream cheese. Fresh mozzarella is a requirement for good baked ziti.
The ideal oven temperature for baking ziti is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can vary between 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
Yes, baked ziti can be made without meat. You can use other ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to create a vegetarian version of the dish.
