We’ve always loved the comforting layers of Baked Ziti, that hearty Italian-American favorite packed with pasta, cheese and sauce. Now we’re bringing you a Kosher twist that keeps all the gooey goodness while adhering to dietary laws – no fuss, just flavor.
This easy recipe honors tradition yet makes it accessible for modern tables. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday gathering, our Baked Ziti Recipe Kosher delivers bold tastes that everyone can savor. Let’s dive in and create something special together.
Ingredients
In our Baked Ziti Recipe Kosher, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that ensure a delicious, tradition-honoring dish. We’ve organized this list in the order of use, from pasta to toppings, with prep notes for clarity and ease.
- Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked ziti or penne pasta, Kosher-certified to form the hearty base of our baked layers.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 3 garlic cloves, minced, for sautéing and building a robust flavor foundation.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes, Kosher-certified, combined with 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste for a rich, homemade-style sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to season our sauce with authentic Italian essence.
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) whole milk ricotta cheese, Kosher dairy, mixed for creamy layers that keep the dish moist.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, Kosher dairy, sprinkled for that irresistible melt and gooey texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, Kosher dairy, added for a nutty finish on top.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for sautéing aromatics and ensuring a glossy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, adjusted to taste for balancing flavors throughout.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnishing and a burst of fresh, aromatic notes before serving.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our flavorful Kosher Baked Ziti with ease, we gather essential tools that streamline the process from boiling pasta to baking the final dish. Below, we list the key equipment in the order we’ll use them, ensuring everything is ready for a seamless cooking experience.
- Large pot: We start by using this to boil the ziti pasta to al dente perfection, making sure it’s large enough to hold at least 4 quarts of water for even cooking.
- Colander: Right after boiling, we drain the pasta here to remove excess water quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet or saucepan: Next, we sauté the onions and garlic in this 10-12 inch pan to build the base of our Kosher-compliant sauce.
- Mixing bowls: We use a medium bowl for combining the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and another for mixing the sauce if needed.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch casserole dish is ideal for layering our pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture before baking to golden bubbly goodness.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: This tool helps us stir the sauce and mix ingredients without scratching our cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key, so we rely on these for precise measurements of ingredients like olive oil, salt, and herbs.
- Oven: Finally, we preheat this to 375°F for baking, ensuring even heat distribution for a perfectly melted, crispy top.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition smoothly from ingredients to the cooking steps ahead.
Instructions
With our Kosher ingredients and equipment prepared, we’re ready to craft a comforting Baked Ziti that’s rich in flavors and textures. Let’s follow these straightforward steps to layer cheesy goodness and achieve a bubbly, aromatic finish.
Prep
First, we bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti pasta, cooking it according to package instructions until al dente—this gives the pasta a firm texture that absorbs flavors beautifully without becoming mushy.
While the pasta cooks, we heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent, releasing an irresistible aroma that hints at the savory depths to come.
In a separate mixing bowl, we combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and creamy for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth layer.
Assemble
Once the pasta is drained in a colander, we preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
We spread a thin layer of the crushed tomatoes sauce at the bottom of the dish, then mix the cooked ziti with half the sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is coated for even flavor distribution.
Next, we layer half the pasta mixture into the dish, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil, then repeat with the remaining pasta and top everything with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a visually appealing stack that’s poised for baking.
Bake
We cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheeses to start melting into a gooey harmony.
After 20 minutes, we remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, filling the kitchen with the irresistible scent of melted cheese and herbs for a dish that’s perfectly tender and full of depth.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We understand that life gets busy, so planning ahead with our Kosher Baked Ziti can make mealtime effortless. Let’s dive into practical tips for preparing this dish in advance and storing it to maintain its rich, cheesy flavors and comforting texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
To save time on busy days, we recommend assembling our Baked Ziti ahead of schedule. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prepare the components: Cook the ziti pasta to al dente as outlined in the instructions, then let it cool slightly. Sauté the onions and garlic, and mix the cheese filling in advance. This ensures everything is ready for quick assembly.
- Assemble fully: Layer the pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture in a greased baking dish as described. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This method keeps the flavors fresh and allows the ingredients to meld, resulting in a more aromatic and cohesive dish when baked.
- Freezing option: For longer storage, assemble the ziti without baking, wrap it securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the pasta’s tender bite and the sauce’s vibrant taste.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage helps retain the golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese of our Baked Ziti, ensuring it remains a delightful, family-friendly favorite.
- Refrigerating leftovers: After baking, let the ziti cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This keeps the dish moist and flavorful, with the herbs and cheeses maintaining their savory appeal.
- Freezing baked ziti: For baked leftovers, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months to lock in the rich, tomatoey essence and creamy texture.
To make this information easy to reference, here’s a quick table outlining storage durations and guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Store in airtight containers; reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. |
| Freezing (Unbaked) | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge; bake as per original instructions for a freshly baked, aromatic result. |
| Freezing (Baked) | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge; reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to crisp the top and restore its irresistible, bubbly finish. |
Always reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, ensuring our Baked Ziti remains as delicious and satisfying as when first prepared.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Kosher Baked Ziti recipe as it’s a straightforward way to enjoy hearty flavors while staying true to traditions.
It’s a dish that brings warmth to our tables and invites creativity in the kitchen.
Try it out and let us know how it becomes a staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kosher Baked Ziti?
Kosher Baked Ziti is a traditional Italian-American pasta dish adapted to meet Kosher dietary laws. It features layers of ziti pasta, cheese, and sauce, making it a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or holidays. This version uses certified Kosher ingredients to honor traditions while keeping preparation simple and accessible.
What ingredients are needed for Kosher Baked Ziti?
You’ll need Kosher-certified ziti pasta, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, herbs, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. These are listed in order of use for easy following. The recipe focuses on simple, flavorful components to create a hearty dish without complexity.
What equipment is required to make Kosher Baked Ziti?
Essential tools include a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a skillet or saucepan for sautéing, mixing bowls for cheese and sauce, a baking dish for layering, a wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and an oven preheated to 375°F. This setup ensures a smooth cooking process.
How do I prepare Kosher Baked Ziti?
Start by cooking ziti pasta al dente. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then mix cheeses with herbs. Layer pasta, sauce, and cheese in a greased baking dish, top with basil, and bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s straightforward and yields a rich meal.
Can I make Kosher Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients in advance and assemble the dish for refrigeration up to 24 hours or freezing for longer storage. This is ideal for busy schedules, allowing you to bake fresh when needed. Just thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before baking.
How should I store leftover Kosher Baked Ziti?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion into containers and keep unbaked or baked ziti for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven at 350°F until hot, preserving flavors and texture for safe enjoyment.
Is Kosher Baked Ziti suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it’s easy to prepare, serves a crowd, and adheres to Kosher standards, making it great for family dinners or holidays. The comforting layers of pasta and cheese create a flavorful, shareable dish that honors tradition without much fuss.