Randy Chandler
Romano cheese is a great option for stuffed shells, and you can get creative with the other ingredients to make this dish your own. Romano cheese, known for its sharp and nutty flavour, pairs well with other cheeses like ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella. You can also experiment with different types of sauces, proteins, and vegetables to customise your stuffed shells. Whether you're preparing a meal for yourself or feeding a crowd, stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting option that can be tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Cheese | Romano, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Ricotta |
| Romano Cheese Substitute | Asiago or Pecorino Romano |
| Where to Get Romano Cheese | Grocery stores, supermarkets |
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What You'll Learn
Romano cheese substitutes
Romano cheese is often made from cow's milk and has a slightly less tangy flavour. It is tasty when grated onto pasta or baked into savoury pastries. However, Romano can be expensive and difficult to find.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, dried cow's milk cheese named after the Italian province of Parma. It has a rich, sharp flavour and crumbly texture. When substituting Parmesan for Romano, use a 1:1 ratio and add salt to taste.
Grana Padano
Grana Padano is another hard Italian cheese with a crystalline texture and rich flavour. It is made from aged cow's milk and has a sweeter, more subtle flavour with a slightly less crumbly texture. It can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio.
Asiago
Asiago is an Italian cheese with a smooth texture and a mild flavour when fresh. As it ages, it becomes firmer and develops a sharp, pungent flavour. It is made from unpasteurized cow's milk and has a sharper, nuttier flavour than Parmesan or Romano. It can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio, but it is slightly softer than Romano.
Manchego
Spanish Manchego is a semi-hard cheese with a tangy flavour similar to Romano, as it is also made from sheep's milk. It is less salty and slightly sweeter than Romano, but it has a good flavour when baked in pastry or grated over pasta. It can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio.
These substitutes can be used to create a variety of stuffed shell recipes, such as those with spinach and ricotta, ground beef, or sausage.
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Ready-made stuffed shells
Purchasing Ready-Made Stuffed Shells
Storing and Preparing
Once you've purchased ready-made stuffed shells, it's important to follow the storage instructions on the package. Some may need to be refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to cook them. Before cooking, carefully read the package instructions for specific details, as they may vary depending on the brand and preparation method.
Customisation Options
Baking and Serving
When baking ready-made stuffed shells, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature specified on the package. Use an oven-safe dish, and if desired, sprinkle some cheese on top of the shells before baking for an extra cheesy treat. Bake until the shells are golden brown and bubbly. Serve them with a side of garlic knots, Italian salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Considerations
Stuffed shells are typically a rich and indulgent dish due to the cheese and sauce components. If you're conscious about calorie intake or prefer a lighter option, consider opting for part-skim cheeses or substituting some ingredients. For example, using cottage cheese instead of ricotta can reduce calories and fat while maintaining a smooth and creamy texture.
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Making your own stuffed shells
Ingredients
To make your own stuffed shells, you'll need jumbo pasta shells, tomato or marinara sauce, and a cheese filling. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on your preference.
For the cheese filling, you can use a variety of cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino, cottage cheese, cream cheese, small-curd cottage cheese, provolone, fontina, asiago, or Romano. You can also add an egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic to taste.
Additionally, you can include vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, or kale. Make sure to finely chop and cook the vegetables before adding them to the cheese mixture.
For a heartier dish, you can add protein such as ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shredded cooked chicken.
Steps to Make
- Start by boiling your pasta shells. You want them to be slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- While the shells are cooking, prepare the filling by mixing the cheeses, egg, seasonings, and any additional ingredients you've chosen in a large bowl.
- Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.
- Spoon more marinara sauce over the shells, and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is golden brown.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. If making ahead, assemble the shells in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. When baking from frozen, add an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time.
You can also prepare the shells and sauce separately in advance. The cooked shells can be stored in a container with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and the sauce can be frozen or refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply combine the shells and sauce, top with cheese, and bake.
Stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily customized to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and sauces to find your favorite combination!
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Grocery stores
If you're looking to buy Romano cheese for your stuffed shells from a grocery store, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can try your local grocery store or supermarket. Many stores carry a variety of cheeses, including Romano cheese, in their dairy or deli sections. You can also ask the staff at the store if they can order it for you if it's not regularly stocked.
Another option is to shop at specialty food stores or gourmet markets that often carry a wider range of cheeses and other specialty food items. These stores may be more likely to stock Romano cheese, especially if they cater to customers who enjoy cooking with unique or high-quality ingredients.
Additionally, some grocery stores offer online shopping and delivery services, which you can take advantage of if you don't want to go to the store yourself. You can check the websites or apps of popular grocery chains in your area to see if they offer Romano cheese for delivery or pickup.
Lastly, if you're unable to find Romano cheese at your local grocery store, you can try purchasing it from online retailers that specialize in gourmet foods or Italian ingredients. These websites often carry a wide variety of cheeses and other specialty items that may not be readily available in your local area.
Remember to check the ingredients and nutritional information of the Romano cheese before purchasing to ensure it meets your preferences and requirements. Happy shopping and enjoy preparing your stuffed shells!
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Online shopping
While most recipes for stuffed shells use ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan. Romano cheese can also be mixed with ricotta to make the filling for the shells.
If you're looking to buy Romano cheese online, there are several options available. Amazon offers a wide variety of Romano cheeses, including imported Italian brands, which can be purchased in blocks or pre-grated. Other online retailers such as Walmart, Target, and specialty food stores like Murray's Cheese also offer a range of Romano cheeses.
When shopping for Romano cheese, it's important to read the ingredient list carefully. Look for a brand that has simple ingredients, such as dairy, enzymes, and salt, and avoid those with stabilizers like carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum, as these can affect the taste and texture of the cheese when cooked.
In addition to major online retailers, you can also explore specialty Italian food stores or online delicatessens, which may offer a wider selection of imported cheeses. These stores often provide detailed descriptions of the products, including the region of origin, production methods, and suggested uses, helping you select the best Romano cheese for your stuffed shells.
Lastly, consider buying directly from cheesemakers or artisanal producers, many of whom now offer online sales. This option may provide you with a more unique, high-quality product, though it could be more expensive and may require purchasing larger quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
Romano cheese can be purchased at most grocery stores.
Other types of cheese that can be used for stuffed shells include ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, cottage cheese, provolone, fontina, and asiago.
Yes, Romano cheese can be substituted with other sharp and nutty cheeses such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed shells by assembling them in a baking dish, wrapping the dish with storage wrap and foil, and freezing for up to three months.
