Cody Casey
Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that is similar to lasagna but easier to make. It is a great dish to feed a crowd and can be made ahead of time and frozen. The pasta used for baked ziti is typically ziti, which is a long tube-shaped pasta, but penne can also be used. The ziti is layered with meat sauce, cheese, and a ricotta/egg/sour cream mixture. The meat sauce typically includes ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in jarred marinara sauce. The cheeses used are usually a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone. The assembled ziti is then baked in the oven until bubbly and browned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan size | 9x13-inch |
What You'll Learn
What type of pan is best for baked ziti?
Baked ziti is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. When choosing a pan for baked ziti, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use a pan that is large enough to accommodate the amount of ziti you are making. A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is typically used for baked ziti, but if you are making a larger batch, you may need to use a bigger pan or multiple pans. Another option is to use disposable aluminum foil pans, which are convenient for transporting ziti to potlucks or gatherings.
The type of pan you use can also affect the cooking time and temperature. For example, if you are using a glass or ceramic baking dish, you may need to adjust the oven temperature or cooking time since these materials conduct heat differently than metal pans. Using a non-stick pan can also make it easier to clean up after baking your ziti.
Additionally, consider the depth of the pan. Baked ziti can be layered with different ingredients, so a deeper pan may be necessary if you are adding extra layers or making a larger batch. Using a pan with higher sides can also help prevent the ziti from bubbling over in the oven.
Finally, if you plan on freezing your baked ziti before or after baking, choose a pan that is freezer-safe and can go directly from the freezer to the oven. This will save you time and effort in transferring the ziti between dishes.
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How do you stop baked ziti from drying out?
Baked ziti is a delicious, hearty meal, but it can sometimes dry out. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:
Firstly, make sure you use enough sauce. This is one of the most common reasons ziti dries out. The pasta absorbs a lot of the sauce while baking, so it's important to be generous. A good rule of thumb is to add 5 cups of marinara sauce per pound of dried ziti. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in sauce before transferring it to the baking dish.
Secondly, don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. If the pasta is overcooked, it can become mushy and absorb too much of the sauce, leading to a dry final product. Aim for the pasta to have a slight bite to it before transferring to the baking dish.
Thirdly, ensure the noodles are thoroughly and evenly coated in sauce. This will help prevent the pasta from drying out during baking. You can do this by stirring the noodles with the sauce in the baking dish until completely coated.
Finally, cover the baking dish with foil during cooking. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the edges of the noodles from drying out. You can remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown and crisp up.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your baked ziti turns out moist and delicious!
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What are some good side dishes to serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this tasty pasta bake:
Vegetables and Salads
Fresh vegetables and salads can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of baked ziti. Some options include:
- Green beans
- Asparagus casserole with Ritz crackers
- Broccoli with lemon juice
- Fresh greens salad with cherry tomatoes and bell pepper
- Green bean casserole
- Italian green bean salad
- Maple roasted carrots
- Marinated artichokes
- Roasted sweet potato salad
- Spicy roasted cauliflower
- Yellow squash with butter and herbs
- Zucchini
Breads
Bread is always a great option to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate. Here are some bread choices that would pair well with baked ziti:
- Warm, crusty bread
- Cheddar and black pepper rolls
- Cheese-stuffed knots
- Easy, 30-minute dinner rolls
- Frozen rolls with Italian seasoning
- Kalamata olive bread
- Texas toast with mozzarella cheese
- Whole wheat bread slices
Proteins
While baked ziti can be a meal on its own, you may want to serve it with additional protein. Some ideas include:
- Chicken
- Beef shanks
- Corned beef and cabbage
- Honey sesame chicken
- Onion rings
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Chicken gizzards
Other Sides
In addition to the above, there are many other side dishes that can complement baked ziti:
- Cheese curds
- Cheese marinara
- Mozzarella sticks
- Bruschetta
- Green pepper and tomato salad
- Creamed corn
- Glazed carrots
- Parslied carrots
- Raw veggie tray with dip
- Fruit salad
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Cupcakes
- Ice cream sundae bar
When planning your meal, consider the other dishes you are serving alongside baked ziti to ensure a well-rounded and balanced offering that will satisfy your guests' appetites and taste buds!
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What are some good substitutions for ziti?
Baked ziti is a popular dish, but what if you don't have ziti? Well, there are several substitutes that can be used instead. Here are some good options to consider:
Penne
Penne pasta is a common substitute for ziti and can be used in baked dishes as well as other recipes. It has a similar shape to ziti, but penne is cut at an angle, while ziti is cut straight. Penne is usually wider than ziti, so it can hold more sauce and ingredients. It is also hollow, which allows the sauce to get inside the noodle.
Rigatoni
Rigatoni is another type of tubular pasta that works well as a substitute for ziti. It is slightly larger than ziti and has ridges on the surface, which helps the sauce adhere to it better. Rigatoni is a good choice for baked dishes and can also be used in soups.
Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli is a type of pasta from Southern Italy that is similar in length and shape to penne. However, it does not have the ridges that penne has. It is slightly wider than ziti, which makes it a good choice for baked dishes as it has more surface area to absorb ingredients.
Sedani
Sedani is a medium-length pasta with a slightly curved shape and ridges similar to rigatoni. It is often compared to macaroni, but it is slightly wider and has a smoother surface. Sedani works well as a substitute for ziti, especially in baked dishes, but it requires a lot of sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Elicoidali
Elicoidali is a type of long, tubular pasta similar to rigatoni but with ridges that wrap around themselves in a helix shape. It is hollow and can be used in baked dishes, soups, and salads. Elicoidali is wider than ziti, making it a heartier option.
Bucatini
Bucatini is a thick, straight pasta with a hole in the middle. It is typically served with sauce rather than baked, but it can be used in baking as well. It is very long, about 30 centimetres, and has a diameter of three millimetres.
Manicotti
Manicotti is a type of pasta that is hollow, straight, and has ridges. It is larger than ziti, making it ideal for baking with multiple ingredients like thick sauces, cheeses, and meats. It is a good choice if you are looking for a substitute that is similar to ziti.
These substitutes can be used in similar quantities and cooking times as ziti, so you can easily swap them into your favourite baked ziti recipe.
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How do you make baked ziti ahead of time?
Baked ziti is a great dish to make ahead of time. It can be assembled and then either refrigerated or frozen before baking. If you are planning to freeze your ziti, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
If you are assembling your ziti to be baked at a later date, cover the dish with oiled aluminium foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake it, take the ziti out of the fridge 30 minutes before putting it in the oven and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, it is best to bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for a further 30 minutes.
If you are making baked ziti to freeze for a future meal, it is best to assemble and freeze before baking. To freeze, let the ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you are ready to bake it, place it straight into the oven from frozen, covered, and bake for one hour. Then uncover and bake for a further 15 minutes.
Baked ziti is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste. It is a great dish to make ahead of time and will be a hit whenever you choose to serve it!
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Frequently asked questions
A 9x13-inch pan is the most commonly used size for baked ziti.
Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. If you use a larger pan, you may need to increase the amount of ingredients, and if you use a smaller pan, you may need to decrease the amount of ingredients.
A baking dish or casserole dish made of glass, ceramic, or metal is typically used for baked ziti.
It is generally recommended to freeze baked ziti before baking. This helps to prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Baked ziti can be frozen for up to 2 months if properly wrapped and stored. It can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
