Decadent Four Cheese Baked Ziti
Indulge in this rich and creamy Decadent Four Cheese Baked Ziti, the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for any gathering. This dish marries the nutty flavors of provolone, the smooth melt of mozzarella, the unique sharpness of Swiss, and the salty finish of parmesan into every gooey bite. Baked to perfection, it’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a quick snack, this recipe serves three, making it ideal for a small family or a couple of friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply enjoying a day at home, this baked ziti is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
half-and-half
2 cups (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
provolone cheese, shredded
1 1/4 cups (none)
mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 1/4 cups (none)
Swiss cheese, shredded
1 1/4 cups (none)
parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons (none)
egg yolks, beaten
2 (none)
ziti pasta
8 ounces (cooked until al dente)
salt
to taste (none)
ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish and set it aside.
2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, combine the half-and-half, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
4
Gradually add the shredded provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, and grated parmesan cheeses to the saucepan, one handful at a time. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the beaten egg yolks. Season the cheese mixture with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
6
Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the cheese sauce until well combined, ensuring that every piece of pasta is coated in the decadent cheese mixture.
7
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and bubbly. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
38.3g
Fat
50g
Carbs
22.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Four Cheese Baked Ziti?
It is a rich and creamy comfort food dish that combines four types of cheese with ziti pasta for a gooey and flavorful meal.
Which four cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses shredded provolone, shredded mozzarella, shredded Swiss, and grated parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve three people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long should the ziti be baked?
The dish should be baked for approximately 10 minutes until it is heated through and bubbly.
How much ziti pasta is required?
You will need 8 ounces of ziti pasta.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much half-and-half is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of half-and-half.
What herbs and spices are included?
The recipe uses dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Generously butter a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish before adding the pasta mixture.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente before being combined with the sauce.
How should the cheeses be added to the sauce?
Add the shredded cheeses one handful at a time, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
What role do the egg yolks play?
Two beaten egg yolks are stirred into the sauce to add richness and help bind the ingredients.
How much provolone cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of shredded provolone cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much Swiss cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of shredded Swiss cheese.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 22.7g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 38.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a very mild heat.
How much dried basil should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season the cheese mixture with salt and ground black pepper to taste after adding the egg yolks.
Can I serve this for a small family dinner?
Yes, serving three people makes it ideal for a small family or a couple of friends.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and butter your casserole dish.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is creamy?
By stirring the cheeses into the simmering half-and-half one handful at a time until completely melted.
What type of saucepan should be used?
A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for making the cheese sauce.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with a short 10-minute bake time, it is a relatively quick meal to prepare once the pasta is boiled.
Can I use this for a casual get-together?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful combination of textures that is sure to impress guests.
What should I do if the cheese isn't melting smoothly?
Ensure you are stirring continuously over medium-high heat and adding the cheese gradually.