If you’re craving a hearty and indulgent pasta dish, this Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust will hit all the right notes. Packed with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and topped with a layer of crispy bacon, this baked ziti is a surefire crowd-pleaser. I came across this drool-worthy recipe on FB Recipes and knew it was a must-try!

What Makes Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust So Special?

This recipe takes the classic baked ziti to a whole new level with the addition of not one, not two, but four kinds of cheese, combined with a smoky, crunchy bacon crust. The contrast between the creamy pasta and the crispy topping makes every bite unforgettable. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy date night at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Ziti:
  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Bacon Crust:
  • 8-10 slices of bacon
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, heavy cream (if using), garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the marinara sauce.
3. Assemble the Ziti:
   Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture until evenly coated. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, then layer with the remaining pasta mixture.
4. Create the Bacon Crust:
   Arrange the bacon slices in a lattice pattern over the pasta. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the ziti uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 6-8
• Calories: 580 kcal per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Tips for the Perfect Four-Cheese Baked Ziti:

• Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to swap Fontina for Gruyere or use a smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Crispier Bacon: For an extra-crispy crust, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and top with more cheese and breadcrumbs for a classic crust.

This Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Try it tonight and experience a pasta dish that’s indulgent, cheesy, and unforgettable. For more incredible recipes, visit FB Recipes.

Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re craving a hearty and indulgent pasta dish, this Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Bacon Crust will hit all the right notes. Packed with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and topped with a layer of crispy bacon, this baked ziti is a surefire crowd-pleaser. I came across this drool-worthy recipe on FB Recipes and knew it was a must-try!

By Jason GriffithPublished on December 21, 2024

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded Fontina cheese
• 4 cups heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 4 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 2 cups of Parmesan cheese, Fontina cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and heavy cream (if using). Mix well.
4. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
7. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 800 calories

Protein Content: 35g

Carbohydrate Content: 70g

Fat Content: 45g

Tags: baked ziti, comfort food, cheesy pasta, four cheese, bacon crust

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