Frederic Melton
Cannelloni is a traditional Italian dish that can be served in a variety of ways. The pasta tubes are stuffed with various fillings and baked with cheese. While the classic spinach and ricotta cannelloni is vegetarian-friendly, meat lovers can opt for beef cannelloni. For those who want a lighter option, crepe cannelloni with a white sauce is also available. To elevate your meal, consider serving cannelloni with garlic bread or a simple garden salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, hearty, decadent, baked pasta dish, vegetarian |
| Main Ingredients | Pasta, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, egg, salt, flour, butter, milk, bechamel sauce, marinara sauce, meat sauce, vegetables |
| Preparation Time | Lengthy |
| Storage | Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days |
| Reheating | Add a splash of water or broth and bake or microwave until heated |
| Freezing | Can be frozen before or after baking; best to freeze the crepes separately |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad on the side, garlic bread, beef cannelloni |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
A simple garden salad with Italian dressing is a classic option that will add a refreshing touch to the rich cannelloni. You can include a variety of greens such as lettuce, spinach, rocket, or mixed salad leaves. Chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and carrots will also add colour and texture to the salad.
A Caprese salad is another option that celebrates the combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is a delicious way to showcase summer produce and pairs well with the flavours of the cannelloni.
For a heartier option, consider a panzanella salad, which combines toasted bread cubes, ripe tomatoes, red onions, basil, and a dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar. This salad has a wonderful mix of textures and flavours, and the bread soaks up the flavours of the dressing and tomato juices.
If you're looking for something a little different, a fruit salad could also be a refreshing accompaniment to the cheese cannelloni. Combine seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and melon with a light dressing of honey and lemon juice. This salad will add a touch of sweetness to the meal and provide a contrast to the savoury flavours of the cannelloni.
Lastly, a classic Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with Italian dishes. Combine chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial part of the meal.
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Garlic bread
Ingredients:
- Bread: Italian or French bread loaves are preferred over baguettes to get nice thick slices.
- Butter: Use softened butter, which will melt into all the bread nooks and crannies. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key for that true garlic flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: You can use Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, sea salt, and extra parsley or chives for garnish.
Optional ingredients for cheesy garlic bread:
Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place it on the baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a medium bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt together until well combined. You can also add some Italian dressing to the mix.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread.
- If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it on top of the bread.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown on the edges. For a crispier garlic bread, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Slice the bread into 1-inch pieces and serve warm.
This garlic bread recipe is a perfect complement to the cheese cannelloni and can be easily customized with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
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Meat sauce
A meat sauce is a great option to serve with cheese cannelloni. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a delicious meat sauce to accompany this dish:
Ingredients and Preparation:
Start by browning some ground beef in a skillet. Season the meat with dried parsley, red pepper flakes, oregano, and nutmeg to taste. Then, add diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. You can also add other aromatics like celery or carrots for additional flavour.
Herbs and Spices:
To enhance the flavour of the meat sauce, add a variety of herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and garlic. These herbs complement the richness of the cheese cannelloni filling. Let the sauce simmer for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and develop.
You can make a traditional tomato-based meat sauce, or try a cream-based sauce for a richer dish. For a tomato-based sauce, add tomato paste or canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet after sautéing the vegetables. For a cream-based sauce, use heavy cream or milk, and thicken it with a roux or cornstarch. You can also add some red or white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavour.
Serving Suggestions:
When serving the cheese cannelloni with meat sauce, you can create a complete Italian feast by including sides such as garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread. A fresh garden salad with Italian dressing can also help balance the richness of the main course. For a heartier meal, you can offer a Caesar salad and fresh rolls on the side.
Make-Ahead Tips:
The meat sauce can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. Simply thaw and reheat the sauce when needed, adding a little milk or broth to adjust the consistency if necessary. This makes it easy to prepare the dish in advance and assemble it quickly when needed.
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Vegetables
When it comes to serving vegetables with cheese cannelloni, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a fast, easy, and tasty side dish to prepare and serve with cheese cannelloni. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli. For example, oven-roasted parmesan zucchini is a light and crispy option that pairs well with the heaviness of the cannelloni. Broccoli, with its vibrant green colour and crunchy texture, can be brightened up with a lemon dressing to cut through the richness of the cannelloni filling.
Grilled Eggplant
Garlic-herb grilled eggplant is another delicious and elegant vegetable option to serve with cheese cannelloni. The tender eggplant absorbs the sweet garlic and tangy herbs, resulting in a soft texture that melts into the cannelloni. This dish is so flavourful that even those who don't typically enjoy vegetables may find it appealing.
Italian Antipasti Skewers
For a fun and unique side dish, you can create Italian antipasti skewers by selecting an assortment of cold meats, cheeses, and vegetables of your choice. This allows your guests to pick and choose their favourite combinations, making it a versatile and interactive option.
Salads
A simple garden salad tossed with Italian dressing or a Caesar salad with garlic croutons can also accompany cheese cannelloni nicely. If you're looking for something more substantial, a Caprese salad or a kale crunch salad are other refreshing options to consider.
Stuffed Mushrooms
If you want to serve something more filling and indulgent, stuffed mushrooms can be a tasty vegetarian option to pair with your cheese cannelloni.
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Herbs
Basil
Basil is a classic herb that pairs well with tomatoes and cheese. You can use basil as a garnish for your cannelloni, or add it to your tomato sauce for an extra flavour boost. Fresh basil leaves can also be used in a Caprese salad, which is a simple and tasty side dish to serve with cannelloni.
Oregano
Oregano is a pungent herb that can enhance the flavour of your cannelloni. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and goes well with tomato-based dishes. Dried oregano can be added to your cannelloni filling or sauce to infuse a robust flavour.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways. Fresh parsley can be chopped and sprinkled over your cannelloni just before serving, adding a bright, fresh flavour. It is also a key ingredient in tabbouleh, a Middle Eastern salad that can be a refreshing side dish to balance the richness of the cannelloni.
Garlic
Garlic is not just a herb but also a flavour base for many dishes. Roasted garlic cloves can be blended into a creamy spread for garlic bread, a popular side dish to serve with cannelloni. Finely chopped garlic can also be sautéed with other herbs and vegetables to create a flavourful base for your cannelloni filling.
Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic herb with a subtle, woody flavour. It can be used fresh or dried and is commonly used in Italian cuisine. Thyme can be added to your tomato sauce or cannelloni filling to provide a unique flavour profile. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables, so you can use it to season zucchini or eggplant, which are commonly served as side dishes with cannelloni.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some side dishes that are commonly served with cheese cannelloni:
- Salad
- Garlic bread
- Cheesy garlic bread
If you're looking for vegetarian-friendly options, you can try serving the cheese cannelloni with a simple garden salad tossed with Italian dressing. You can also offer vegetarian-friendly garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread on the side.
If you're looking to add meat to your meal, you can serve the cheese cannelloni with a meat-based sauce, such as Bolognese, or offer meat-based garlic bread on the side.
If you're looking for dairy-free options, you can serve the cheese cannelloni with a salad dressed with oil and vinegar, or offer breadsticks or bruschetta on the side.
