Baked ziti recipes

[C-Man]

I'm going to cook baked ziti for the first time tonight. Anybody have any killer recipes? I plan on keeping it pretty plain -- mild Italian sausage (the wife doesn't do spicy foods), cheese (I think I have parmesan, mozzarella and provolone) and ziti.

 

[DeadHeadHorn]

I made this almost every other week during the last season of Sopranos. It is allsome:

Baked Ziti al Telefono
1 pound ziti pasta, preferably Italian
2 cups basic tomato sauce
2 cups balsamella sauce*
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Remove, drain and refresh in cold water. Drain again and place in large mixing bowl. Add tomato sauce, balsamella, mozzarella and grated cheese and stir to mix well. Divide among 4 gratin dishes, sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake in oven until bubbling and crusty on top, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

*BALSAMELLA SAUCE
Source: Mario Batali

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. In a separate pan, heat the milk until just about to boil. Add the milk to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously until very smooth, and bring to a boil. Cook 30 seconds longer and remove from the heat. Season with salt and nutmeg. Yield: 2 cups

 

[Mrmyke709]

Sounds like good ******* ziti.

 

[DeadHeadHorn]

Oh yeah, I usually put it in one pan, not divided among smaller dishes. And I bake at 350.

And yeah, it's the bizness.