Randy Chandler
Cheese-stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. They are also a great option for vegetarians, but meat lovers can easily add ground beef or sausage to the recipe. The shells are stuffed with a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, along with seasonings and egg, then baked in a savoury tomato or marinara sauce. But what to serve with them? Well, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is always a good option, and if you're looking for something more filling, why not try some buttery garlic bread or breadsticks? If you're feeding picky eaters, you might want to skip the salad and go for something more comforting, like roasted broccoli or meatballs on the side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, family-friendly, easy to make |
| Main ingredients | Pasta shells, ricotta, spinach, tomato/marinara sauce |
| Additional ingredients | Mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino, egg, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, ground beef, onion, mushrooms, meatballs, sausage |
| Serving suggestions | Breadsticks, roasted broccoli, salad, veggies, garlic bread, bread twists, caesar salad |
| Baking instructions | Bake at 350-400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil; uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to brown |
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What You'll Learn
Meatballs
If you want to make cheese-stuffed meatballs, you will need ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic cloves, parsley, salt, and pepper. First, cut the cheese into cubes and set them aside. Then, combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and season to taste. Form the mixture into small balls and press a cube of cheese into the center of each, sealing the meat tightly around the cheese.
You can cook the meatballs in a skillet or bake them in the oven. If cooking in a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and add the meatballs, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and wipe the skillet clean. Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat, add marinara sauce, and then add the meatballs to the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs, cover the pan, and simmer for 12 minutes or until cooked through.
If baking in the oven, place the meatballs in a baking dish with tomato sauce and cheese, and bake until cooked through. You can also try meat-stuffed shells, using a mixture of beef, sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, seasonings, and cheese as the filling.
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Breadsticks
Once the breadsticks are assembled, brush them with butter or olive oil and bake them in the oven until golden brown. They can be served warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter dip, or pesto for dunking. The warm, crunchy texture of the breadsticks and the rich, buttery flavour of the dip create a delightful contrast to the soft and creamy shells.
For an extra cheesy twist, you can use pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a mouthwatering blend of stretchy, melted cheese and crispy, buttery dough.
Cheese-stuffed breadsticks are a quick and easy side dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. They are perfect for dipping and add a crunchy texture to your meal of cheese-stuffed shells.
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Salad
A crisp green salad with a zesty homemade vinaigrette is always a good choice to serve with cheese-stuffed shells. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with a Caesar salad, which is another classic pairing for Italian meals.
When preparing the salad, choose a variety of leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. Add in some chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and red onions for texture and flavour. You can also include toppings such as croutons, nuts, or seeds for a crunchy element.
For the vinaigrette, a simple combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper is a good starting point. You can adjust the ratios to your taste and add other ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, or herbs to make it your own.
If you want to make a Caesar salad, you'll need romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. You can find recipes for the dressing online, or buy a pre-made version at the store. Don't forget to add some freshly cracked black pepper on top!
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Roasted broccoli
Ingredients:
- Broccoli Florets
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon (juice and/or zest)
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Herbs (e.g. parsley, thyme), Sesame Oil, Tamari or Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Dipping Sauce (e.g. cilantro lime dressing, tahini sauce, chipotle sauce)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the broccoli florets on the baking sheet. If you want to include sliced broccoli stems, peel and slice them into 1/4-inch pieces and add them to the sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli and season with salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if desired). Toss to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Spread the broccoli out on the baking sheet and roast for 15-22 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with lemon juice and/or zest, and more pepper if desired.
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic, then return to the oven for 2 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and add-ons to make the roasted broccoli your own. You can also try mixing roasted broccoli into a salad or pasta dish for a heartier option.
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Bread
If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you can also make a heartier cheesy bread by preparing a dough from scratch using ingredients like yeast, flour, cornmeal, and warm water. This option takes more time and effort but can be a fun project for those who enjoy baking.
For a fun twist, you can try making pepperoni pizza bombs, which are soft, warm rolls stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. These can be a fun and interactive way to enjoy your bread and are perfect for parties or gatherings.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as cheddar sourdough bread or jalapeño bacon cheese bread, to add some variety to your meal. These options may require more specialized ingredients and techniques, but they can be a fun way to elevate your bread game.
Lastly, don't forget that simple, savory bread can also be a perfect complement to the rich flavors of cheese-stuffed shells. A crisp green salad and some crusty bread can round out your meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Side dishes that go well with cheese-stuffed shells include breadsticks, roasted broccoli, salad, and meatballs.
A good recipe for cheese-stuffed shells typically includes a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, along with seasonings and an egg. The shells are then stuffed with this cheese mixture and baked in a marinara sauce.
The type of cheese used in stuffed shells can vary, but typically includes a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Other cheeses such as pecorino and cottage cheese have also been used.
To make stuffed shells ahead of time, you can assemble the shells in a baking dish and wrap the dish with storage wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time for the frozen temperature.
