Best 3 Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipes
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our tantalizing Three-Cheese Baked Ziti, a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. This delectable dish features perfectly cooked ziti pasta, enveloped in a luscious sauce made from scratch and brimming with three types of cheese: creamy ricotta, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan. Each bite is an explosion of cheesy goodness, complemented by a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds a delightful crunch. This recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more. In addition to the classic Three-Cheese Baked Ziti, this article offers a delightful collection of variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the richness of Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti, where juicy sausage and tender spinach add hearty flavors to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try the Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti, a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables that bring a burst of colors and flavors to the table. And for those who love a bit of spice, the Spicy Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti is a fiery delight, featuring spicy sausage and sautéed peppers that ignite your senses.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
THREE-CHEESE BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
This version of baked ziti omits the usual ricotta cheese (or its substitutes) and adds Italian sausage, with very satisfying results!
Provided by Doug in Manhattan
Time 1h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 4-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses in a bowl and place in the refrigerator.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- At the same time, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break up into morsels. Sprinkle baking soda onto sausage, then add onion and garlic. Cook and stir, continuing to break up any clumps as it cooks, until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off and discard any grease.
- Add pasta sauce, olives, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, anchovy paste, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add up to 3 tablespoons more oil if desired, and continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ziti.
- Spread 1/2 of the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 of the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top. Spoon or ladle the rest of the ziti evenly on top without disturbing the layers underneath; it's okay to have some ziti partially exposed as they will brown handsomely and deliciously as they bake. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese mixture on top and sprinkle Parmesan across the surface.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 1144.9 mg, Sugar 11.3 g
THREE CHEESE BAKED ZITI
Taken from the Anita's Recipes website, which notes that this recipe was adapted from Lipton, Inc. I haven't made it yet because it serves TWELVE, although obviously the ingredients could be cut to serve less. Sounds pretty tasty to me!!!
Provided by ckmclements
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Prepare a 13x9 pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, and parmesan cheese; set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pasta sauce, and salt. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into prepared pan; evenly top with cheese mixture, then remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 miuntes, or until heated through.
THREE CHEESE BAKED ZITI
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook pasta according to package intstructions. Allow to cool 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan and fresh basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta with the cheese and sauce mixture. Set aside. Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with mozarella cheese. Bake uncovered, until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips:
- Use a large pot to boil the ziti pasta to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
- Use a variety of cheeses to create a flavorful and complex sauce. A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta is a classic choice.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy before adding it to the ziti.
- To prevent the ziti from drying out, cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of the baking time.
- Serve the ziti immediately after baking, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Conclusion:
Three-cheese baked ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or potluck. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender ziti pasta, and flavorful Italian sausage, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Follow the tips above to make the best three-cheese baked ziti recipe, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.
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