There are some dishes that just scream comfort, warmth, and pure satisfaction. For me, a bubbling, cheesy baked pasta dish is at the top of that list. And when you infuse it with the irresistible smoky flavor of bacon and a luscious blend of three cheeses? You’ve got a true culinary masterpiece. Today, we’re diving into my recipe for Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti, a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to your next potluck. Get ready for a dish that’s rich, savory, and utterly delicious!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a big fan of recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and this Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti absolutely hits the mark. What I particularly love about it is how the crispy, salty bacon renders its fat, which then forms the flavorful base for the aromatic onions and garlic in the sauce. This simple step adds an incredible depth of smoky richness to the entire dish that you just don’t get with a traditional baked ziti. Combined with the creamy three-cheese blend and tender pasta, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s truly comfort food elevated!

Ingredients

To create this delectable baked ziti, gather these ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are excellent if you can find them)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta: While ziti is traditional for this dish, penne or rigatoni can be excellent substitutes if ziti isn’t available.
• Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables. You could also add some cooked, crumbled Italian sausage for a different meaty twist.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a nice texture, but diced tomatoes or even passata can be used for a smoother or chunkier sauce, respectively.
• Cheeses: The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan offers a great balance, but feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. A little ricotta mixed into the sauce or layered in the dish can also add an extra creamy element.
• Herbs: Fresh oregano and basil can be used for a more vibrant flavor; use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
2. Cook Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Combine & Mix with Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the cooked and crumbled bacon, and the entire tomato sauce mixture. Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheeses are well distributed.
6. Assemble & Bake: Transfer the entire ziti mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top.
7. Final Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
8. Garnish & Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the ziti to just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta.
• Render Bacon Properly: Cook the bacon until truly crispy. The rendered fat is key to flavoring the sauce.
• Balance the Cheese: The three cheeses provide a great balance of meltiness and flavor. Don’t be shy with the top layer for that perfect cheesy crust!
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before mixing with the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti is a complete, satisfying meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

For drink pairings, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot, a Chianti, or even a robust Zinfandel would complement the savory flavors of the bacon and cheese.

If you love comforting pasta bakes and one-pan meals, check out these other recipes:

• For a foundational sauce, master my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re a fan of cheesy baked pasta, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a game-changer for speed and ease.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti is absolutely fantastic and often tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or for larger amounts, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. This dish also freezes well; freeze individual portions or the entire dish (unbaked or baked) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking/reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this hearty and cheesy pasta bake, you’ll find plenty more to savor on Chef Maniac:

• For another crowd-pleasing, cheesy dish, my Crockpot Nacho Dip is always a hit at parties.
• And if you’re into delicious, easy, one-pan dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite.
• Finally, for another cozy and crowd-pleasing meal, my Chicken Enchiladas are a must-try!

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Bacon & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s the perfect dish to bring everyone together around the table and savor every delicious, cheesy, and smoky bite. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!

What are your favorite additions to a classic baked ziti? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more amazing recipes!