Four Cheese Baked Ziti
Creamy, cheesy baked ziti with four cheeses and aromatic basil, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Butter a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta.
- Bring half and half, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly until cheeses are melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in beaten eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and spoon into the prepared dish.
- Bake until heated through, approximately 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or onion to the cheese sauce. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce to mix with the pasta and cheese for added depth. Feel free to substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if needed. To make it lighter, opt for low-fat half and half.
Serving Suggestions
This Four Cheese Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, like Angela's Tortellini Salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to complement the richness of the cheese. For a vegetarian option, add steamed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method will keep the cheese creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Cheese Baked Ziti contains roughly 725 calories, with 39g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (91% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2008mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What cheeses can I substitute in this recipe?
If you don't have one of the cheeses, you can substitute with similar varieties. For example, Gouda or cheddar can replace Swiss cheese, and Fontina works well in place of provolone. Just keep the total amount of cheese to around 4 cups.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, you can freeze baked ziti. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).