Andy Montoya
Baked ziti is a popular Italian dish that combines ziti pasta with cheese, tomato sauce, and meat. While there are many variations of the recipe, the best cheese to top baked ziti is a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. This combination creates a golden-brown, crispy, and indulgent texture that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Some recipes also include ricotta, cream cheese, or cottage cheese for added creaminess and flavour. However, the key to a successful baked ziti is not to be shy with the cheese, ensuring a gooey and decadent dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese types | 1-4 |
| Cheese types | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Provolone, Ricotta, Pecorino Romano |
| Topping | Grated or shredded |
| Topping colour | Golden-brown |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese
Ricotta is often considered the defining cheese of baked ziti. It adds creaminess and a rich flavour to the dish. However, it can sometimes bake up dry and grainy, so some cooks add an egg to the ricotta mixture to prevent this. Others may substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, which has a tangier flavour and more protein.
Mozzarella is another key cheese in baked ziti. Shredded or grated mozzarella is mixed with the pasta and added on top, where it bakes up into a golden-brown, cheesy crust. Whole milk mozzarella is recommended for the best flavour and texture.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is often finely grated and sprinkled on top of the baked ziti. It adds depth of flavour and a salty kick to the dish.
Cream cheese is not as commonly mentioned as the previous three cheeses, but it can be used in baked ziti as well. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
When combined, these four cheeses create a decadent, gooey topping for baked ziti that's sure to please any crowd. The dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and add-ins to find your perfect baked ziti recipe.
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Mozzarella and pecorino Romano
Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese to top baked ziti. It contributes to the indulgent, cheesy, gooey texture of the dish. Whole milk mozzarella is best, and it can be purchased as a plastic-wrapped brick and shredded yourself. To make shredding easier, you can pop the mozzarella in the freezer for 15-20 minutes prior to shredding. Pre-shredded mozzarella is also fine to use, but it should be made from whole milk. Fresh buffalo mozzarella is best avoided, as it is better suited for salads.
Pecorino Romano is another cheese that can be used to top baked ziti. It offers a sharp and salty flavour. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be substituted if needed.
A combination of cheeses can be used to top baked ziti. For example, mozzarella can be mixed with ricotta, parmesan, and cream cheese, or with provolone. A mixture of mozzarella and pecorino Romano can be used to top the dish, with the mozzarella providing the gooey texture and the pecorino Romano adding a sharp, salty flavour.
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Cottage cheese
To make baked ziti with cottage cheese, start by building the sauce in a 2" deep ovenproof skillet, then stir in the pasta. Next, fold in the seasoned cottage cheese and mozzarella, followed by more cottage cheese, a layer of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until the pasta is tender and bubbling, and the cheese is golden and lightly browned.
- Don't skimp on the salt in the sauce, as the pasta really needs it.
- If you don't have a deep enough skillet, prepare the ziti up until you remove it from the heat and transfer it to a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking dish, then proceed with the recipe as written.
- You can also add other ingredients such as cooked protein, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, pepper, and other seasonings, spices, or herbs.
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Provolone and mozzarella
Baked ziti is a delicious 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 in a dish. The best type of cheese to top baked ziti is a combination of provolone and mozzarella.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for baked ziti as it contributes to the cheesy, gooey, and indulgent texture of the dish. Whole milk mozzarella is best as it has a richer flavour than low-fat mozzarella. To make it easier to shred, pop the mozzarella in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes beforehand. Pre-shredded mozzarella can also be used, but it should also be made from whole milk. Fresh buffalo mozzarella is not recommended for baked ziti as it is better suited for salads.
Provolone is another ideal cheese to top baked ziti. It can be purchased pre-shredded and mixed with mozzarella. The combination of provolone and mozzarella will create a golden-brown finish and a cheesy, gooey texture.
In addition to provolone and mozzarella, other cheeses that can be used in baked ziti include ricotta, Parmesan, pecorino Romano, and cottage cheese.
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Ricotta and mozzarella
To use ricotta and mozzarella in baked ziti, start by boiling the ziti noodles until they are tender. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta with other cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese. Drain the ziti and spread it into an even layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Drop dollops of the cheese mixture on top of the ziti until it is covered, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.
Some variations of the recipe include adding meat sauce, vegetables, or Italian sausage to the ziti before baking. It is also common to sprinkle Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking. Additionally, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Baked ziti can also be frozen for up to three months before or after baking.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to top baked ziti is mozzarella. Whole milk mozzarella is best, and it can be purchased as a brick and shredded at home or bought pre-shredded.
Ricotta is considered the defining cheese of baked ziti, but it can dry out the dish. To avoid this, some recipes suggest mixing it with an egg or substituting it with cottage cheese. Other cheeses that work well in baked ziti include Parmesan, pecorino Romano, provolone, and cream cheese.
Here is a simple baked ziti recipe:
- Boil ziti noodles and set aside.
- Brown Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add ziti noodles, garlic, marinara, Italian seasoning, and meat sauce to the sausage.
- Spread the ziti mixture into a baking dish.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and drop dollops of this mixture on top of the ziti.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover with foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
Some recipes suggest adding an egg to the ricotta or substituting it with cottage cheese. You can also add other ingredients like spinach, broccoli, or vegetables.
