Let’s talk cozy comfort in a casserole dish—this Three-Cheese Holiday Baked Ziti brings all the warm, melty vibes we crave when the season turns festive. It’s layered with love, loaded with cheese (yes, three kinds!), and the perfect crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want leftovers that’ll make your week magical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked ziti has become a holiday must-have in my house, and let me tell you—my kids cheer when it hits the table (and that’s saying something!). It’s easy to prep ahead, super satisfying, and fancy enough for the in-laws. Total win.
- Three kinds of melty, gooey cheese create the ultimate comfort bite.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
- Comes together with simple pantry staples.
- Make it ahead and just pop it in the oven before serving.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your pick!)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Go for whole-milk ricotta for rich, creamy layers.
- Want a smoky twist? Try smoked mozzarella or add a little gouda.
- No ziti? Penne or rigatoni works just fine.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra holiday warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt.
- Spoon a bit of sauce into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer half the cooked pasta, half the ricotta mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Add half the meat sauce and repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook your pasta—it keeps cooking in the oven!
- Make it a day ahead—the flavors get even better overnight.
- Use freshly grated cheese for that dreamy melt (pre-shredded can be dry and powdery!).
- Let it rest before slicing to keep layers nice and neat.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap sausage for ground turkey or keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Add a layer of spinach or kale between the noodles and ricotta for a green boost.
- Serve with garlic knots and a crisp Caesar salad.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the whole thing, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
You bet! Just bake it fully, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
What cheeses work best here?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic, but you can get creative with provolone or fontina for extra creaminess.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and oil a 9×13-inch dish.
- Cook pasta until al dente and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add sausage and cook through.
- Stir in tomatoes, sauce, and seasoning; simmer 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta with egg and salt in a bowl.
- Layer pasta, cheese mix, mozz, Parmesan, and sauce in dish.
- Repeat layers and finish with remaining cheeses.
- Bake 20 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered until bubbly.
- Rest 10 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve!
Nutrition: approximately 480 calories per serving
If you give this festive baked ziti a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below, tag @thekitchensaid on social, or share your delicious creation with #TheKitchensAid. Let’s spread some cheesy joy this season!
