Baked Ziti II

This recipe is nearly identical to my italian mother and grandmother's recipe. We use a full 32 oz container of ricotta, mixed with two eggs and italian seasonings, and only 12 oz of mozzarella. We also layer - starting with sauce in the bottom of the pan, then pasta, then ricotta/egg mixture, then mozzarella, repeat. Top with parmesan or romano cheese. Oh, and it's better the next day. Definitely a make-ahead possibility.  -  27 Jun 2005  (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)

Good, comfort food. Agree w/other reviewers to reduce ricotta cheese to 15 oz. Also modified slighly so casserole's layers are a bit more distinct, vs all mixed together, per the following: Don't cook ziti the full time. Instead, only cook 1/2 the required time. The ziti will finish cooking in the oven. In the meantime, first beat the egg, then mix egg w/the ricotta & 1/3 of the amt. of the cheeses. Add 1/3 cup fresh minced parsley & 1/8 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp salt to ricotta mixture. Drain half cooked ziti,then combine w/ricotta. Fill casserole dish by beginning w/a layer of sauce, then a layer of ziti/ricotta, some sauce, then some cheese, repeat, ending w/a bit of cheese on top. I have also combined a bit of extra parmesan w/3/4 cup breadcrumbs, then placed this as the final layer. It adds a bit of nice texture to the final casserole. Rather than make a very saucy casserole, I serve extra sauce on the side, for those who want more.  -  18 Apr 2005  (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)

This is an excellent recipe. I am hooked to the baked ziti at a local Italian restaraunt, but this is even better. If you love baked ziti, this is the best. Some people have suggested using sour cream, but you have to have ricotta cheese to make baked ziti!!! Some people have also said that there is too much cheese. But baked ziti is part cheese!!! You have to like cheese to enjoy it. Try this recipe it is amazing!!!  -  11 Feb 2003  (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)