Best 3 Christmas Eve Manicotti Recipes
Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our carefully curated collection of Christmas Eve manicotti recipes, ranging from classic to contemporary flavors. Discover the timeless tradition of manicotti stuffed with a delectable blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and spinach, enveloped in a savory tomato sauce. For a modern twist, explore our innovative recipes featuring butternut squash and goat cheese filling, bathed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Experience the explosion of flavors in our sun-dried tomato and pesto-stuffed manicotti, complemented by a vibrant marinara sauce. Vegetarian enthusiasts will relish our hearty portobello mushroom and spinach filling, paired with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and create a memorable Christmas Eve feast.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
HOMEMADE SPINACH MANICOTTI
The secret to the best, irresistible manicotti is to make them from scratch with homemade crespelles, which are basically Italian crepes. These are filled with spinach, egg and three cheeses and topped with homemade sauce. Filling and delicious!
Provided by Gina
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Start by making the crespelles (see recipe link above)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1-1/2 cups of the mozzarella, egg, spinach, parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Fill each crespelle with 1/4 cup spinach filling and roll.
- In a large baking dish, (or two smaller dishes) pour 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place rolled manicotti seem side down onto baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups more sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake about about 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling, and the cheese is melted.
- *Use substitute for vegetarian parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 manicotti, Calories 277 kcal, Carbohydrate 20 g, Protein 22.5 g, Fat 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 77 mg, Sodium 698 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g
GRANDMA'S KITCHEN OLD-WORLD MANICOTTI
I came across this recipe on a Grandma's Kitchen recipe card and found it to be the BEST manicotti I have ever experienced. It is a favorite of all our friends and family and most definitely a staple meal in our home. If you've always been the type to shy away because of the terror of stuffing the shells, well I've thrown in a little secret of mine to walk you through the process.
Provided by Peachie Keene
Categories Manicotti
Time 1h
Yield 12 stuffed shells, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions(be sure to not over cook, they need to be a little chewey for easier stuffing). Carefully remove each shell and rinse with cool water. Let pasta dry on paper towels. Don't get too upset if a couple break, its bound to happen :).
- For the filling, in a large ziplock bag (seriously!), put in 3 cups mozzarella with the ricotta and fresh basil. Seal the bag tightly. Smush the bag around with your hands until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed (it's a nice stress reliever too!).
- Snip off the bottom corner of the ziplock bag (the point is to have the hole a tad smaller than the manicotti opening, where you can just barely slip it into the shell). Use this method to squeeze the cheese mixture into each manicotti.
- See, that wasn't so bad! ;).
- Spoon 2 cups spaghetti sauce into prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed pasta over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake manicotti for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan; bake for 10 minutes longer. Serve immediately.
HOMEMADE MANICOTTI (FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER)
Steps:
- Manicotti Shells Use a ladle to spoon batter onto skillet making thin crepes. Flip when small bubbles begin to appear. *Before pouring batter onto skillet use a piece of wax paper and rub it on skillet to prevent sticking. Manicotti Filling Mix all ingredients (except sauce) together in a medium sized mixing bowl. Using a spoon, put a spoonful of filling in the middle of each crepe. Roll the shell up and place in a 13x9 pan lined with sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until hot or Refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips:
- Selecting the Best Manicotti Shells: Choose large manicotti shells to ensure they can hold a generous amount of filling. Look for shells that are not too thick or too thin, as they should be able to withstand the cooking process without becoming soggy or breaking.
- Preparing the Filling: To achieve a smooth and creamy filling, use a combination of ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and an egg. Season the filling generously with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Stuffing the Manicotti Shells: To ensure even cooking and prevent the shells from splitting, stuff them carefully with the filling. Use a piping bag or a teaspoon to fill each shell, taking care not to overstuff them.
- Baking the Manicotti: Before baking, place the manicotti in a lightly greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning and bake in a preheated oven until the manicotti are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Making the Sauce: For a flavorful and aromatic sauce, use a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Christmas Eve Manicotti is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion meal. By following these tips, you can create a manicotti dish that is both visually appealing and packed with flavor. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe provides a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect manicotti dish. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will impress your family and friends. Buon Appetito!
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