Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti is called that? Honestly, it's so decadent, it tastes like a million bucks.
It's a supercharged Baked Ziti Recipe , taking humble ingredients to gourmet levels.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti: More Than Just Pasta
This Italian American comfort food hails from the heart of family kitchens. It's amped up. This version is the ultimate Creamy Ziti Recipe , and it's not difficult.
It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Unleash the Comfort Food King
Packed with protein and calcium, this is Family Friendly Meals everyone will adore. Serve it for a Weeknight Dinner , or make it the star of your Sunday supper! What makes this Gourmet Baked Ziti so special? The truffle oil and a rich cheese blend.
Oh my gosh!.
Now, onto the list of what you'll need, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Level Up Your Baked Ziti Game
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this Million Dollar Baked Ziti . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
But a few key ingredients make all the difference. This recipe is ultimate comfort food , so we use the best.
Let's make the most wonderful Baked Ziti Recipe you have ever cooked!
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on the key players. Exact measurements are crucial, so grab your measuring cups and spoons.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Use good quality olive oil.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons/10g).
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (794g). San Marzano are the gold standard, if you're feeling fancy.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g).
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, for a kick).
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g).
- Ricotta Cheese: 32 ounces (907g) whole milk.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: 1 cup grated (about 100g). The sharper the better.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated (about 50g).
- Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped (about 10g).
- Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454g). Baked Ziti is great for Family Friendly Meals .
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (about 200g).
- Truffle Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) (optional, use sparingly). Just a hint of luxury.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boost
Don't skimp on seasoning. It elevates this creamy ziti recipe .
- Essential Spice Combo: Oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It brings that Italian American flair.
- Aromatics: Garlic, garlic, and more garlic! Seriously, don't be shy. Million dollar ziti needs great seasoning.
- Substitutions: If you don't have fresh parsley, dried works in a pinch. But fresh is always better.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets. It's weeknight dinner , not a science experiment.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the sauce. Trust me, you are going to want a gourmet baked ziti !
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the cheese mixture.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Glass or metal, whatever you have.
- Cheese Grater: For grating all that lovely cheese.
Let's get started with the Baked Ziti .
Cooking Method
Let's dive into how to create this Million Dollar Baked Ziti masterpiece. It's not just a baked ziti recipe ; it's an experience .
Honestly, baked ziti is one of my go-to meals when I need something utterly comforting. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food and even better, it's a family friendly meal that everyone loves, even the picky eaters.
I sometimes make this for a weeknight dinner , but usually do this when the weather is gloomy.
Prep Steps to Ziti Success
First, mise en place is key. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic , and measure out all your cheeses.
I know it sounds a bit cheffy , but trust me, it saves loads of time. Next, get all the ingredients in place.
I even measure my spices and set them next to the hob! It makes life easier. Lastly, remember safety. Don’t be silly with the hob, alright?
step-by-step: From Pasta to Paradise
- Cook 1 pound ziti pasta until al dente , about 8 minutes . No one likes mushy ziti.
- Sauté the 1 cup chopped onion and 2 teaspoons minced garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft.
- Add the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes , 15-ounce can of tomato sauce , spices, and 1 teaspoon of sugar . Simmer for 20 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Mix 32 ounces ricotta , 1 cup Pecorino Romano , ½ cup Parmesan , 2 eggs , and ¼ cup parsley in a bowl. Season!
- Combine the pasta with the sauce. Add the cheese mixture!
- Layer half of the pasta in a 9x13 inch baking dish , top with 2 cups mozzarella , repeat.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 45 minutes . It is necessary that the cheese is bubbly and golden!
Pro Tips for Next Level Ziti
Want that gourmet baked ziti touch? Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons truffle oil after baking! It turns it into a million dollar ziti , seriously. Be careful with the salt! Pecorino is already salty.
A common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Al dente is your friend. You can also get the sauce done a day before and let it sit in the fridge to let the flavor settle more! It will change your ziti!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti ? Because it elevates a simple Italian American comfort food into something special.
I hope that this creamy ziti recipe and how to do it step-by-step is useful to you, and you can call me anytime! Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil! The extra time really pays off, and creates a truly memorable dish.
Get baking and let me know how you got on!
Recipe Notes for Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Right then, you've got the recipe for what I reckon could be the Ultimate Comfort Food upgrade. But before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure your Baked Ziti Recipe is absolutely spot on.
Honestly, these little tips can make all the difference! I wanna share my takes based on the real Family Friendly Meals that I have with my family, and maybe it will inspire you.
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
Okay, so you've baked your masterpiece. Time to show it off! For plating, think rustic. A big spoonful plopped onto a plate, maybe a sprig of basil for colour.
A proper Italian American comfort food experience. For sides, garlic bread is a must. Honestly, who can resist? A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.
A glass of Chianti or a light Merlot will complete the meal.
Storage Tips: Keep that Million Dollar Taste
Right, so if you are lucky enough to have leftovers. Let it cool down properly. Pop it in an airtight container.
It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days. Job done. For freezing, cut into portions and wrap well.
It will last for up to three months. To reheat, defrost thoroughly and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Or even microwave, it's up to you.
Variations: Tweaking the Baked Ziti
Fancy a change? Of course, you do! For a vegetarian option, chuck in loads of roasted veg like mushrooms, peppers, and courgettes.
Lush. For a gluten-free Creamy ziti recipe , simply use gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body, The Million Dollar Way
Right, this is Gourmet baked ziti and it’s delicious, not diet food! Each serving packs a good hit of protein from the cheese.
It gives you carbs for energy from the pasta. But, as with all delicious things, moderation is key, alright? It’s about enjoying proper food and feeding your soul.
Give this Baked Ziti a go and you'll see Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti is worth it! You’ll make the best Weeknight Dinner for your family.
Even if you don't use the Truffle oil pasta bake or you mess up, I guarantee that it will still be something to be proud of.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Baked Ziti called "Million Dollar Baked Ziti," and is it really that special?
Alright, alright, "Million Dollar" might be a bit of a cheeky name, right? It's because we're using high-quality ingredients and a touch of truffle oil (optional, mind you!) to elevate this classic. Think of it as giving your weeknight dinner a serious upgrade - like trading your Vauxhall for a vintage Aston Martin.
It's rich, decadent, and definitely worth the effort!
Can I make the Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time, perhaps the day before, to save time?
Absolutely, you can be a savvy cook and prep this bad boy in advance! Assemble the ziti completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and make sure it's heated through.
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the cheeses called for in this Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe?
No worries, substitutions are totally doable! If you're short on Pecorino Romano, use more Parmesan cheese. If you are out of ricotta or are not the biggest fan of it (as some are), you can use cottage cheese, just make sure to drain it well before mixing it in. Cheese is cheese, so go wild!
How should I store leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti, and how long will it last?
Leftover baked ziti is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole thing in the oven (covered with foil) until warmed through.
You can even freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal later just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
I'm trying to watch my figure. Are there any ways to make this Million Dollar Baked Ziti a bit healthier?
You can lighten things up a bit without sacrificing too much flavour. Try using part skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk. Incorporate more vegetables (like spinach or zucchini) into the sauce. You can also reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese or use a lower fat variety, too.
Small changes can make a big difference!
Can I add meat to this Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti, and what kind would you recommend?
You bet, meat makes everything better! Cooked ground beef or Italian sausage are classic additions to baked ziti and will add a hearty element. For a bit of a spicy kick, you could even try chorizo. Just brown the meat before adding it to the sauce and you are off to the races!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
