Recipe

Imagine a bubbling pan of tender ziti coated in rich marinara, pockets of creamy ricotta, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella that stretches for days. That’s Baked Ziti—the cozy, crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic that disappears the second it hits the table. It’s lasagna’s easier cousin: no layering drama, just pure comfort in every forkful.

The Geedel rotary cheese grater turns blocks of cheese into fluffy, melt-ready shreds in seconds—making the cheesy magic even easier.

🧀Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

1 lb ziti or rigatoni

4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

15 oz ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan (divided)

1 large egg

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

½ lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional, cooked & crumbled)

Fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes

Salt & black pepper

🍝Step-by-Step: Baked Ziti in 4 Easy Moves

1. Shred the Cheese Like a Pro

Lock your cheese grater hand crank to the counter with its suction base.

Insert the coarse blade → crank the mozzarella for big, melty shreds.

Switch to the fine blade → turn the Parmesan block into fluffy snow.

Set both aside—you’ll need them for layering and that golden top.

2. Boil & Mix

Cook pasta just shy of al dente (it finishes in the oven). In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, half the shredded mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and seasonings. Fold in cooked pasta, sauce, spinach, and meat (if using) until everything is saucy and gorgeous.

3. Layer the Love

Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle generously with more shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with the remaining pasta for that perfect cheesy center.

4. Top & Bake

Blanket the top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F until golden and bubbling. Broil the last couple of minutes for extra crispy edges. Let rest 10 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

🔥Tips & Twists

Meatless Monday – Skip meat, double spinach or add mushrooms.

Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble a day ahead; refrigerate and add extra bake time.

Freezer-Friendly – Bake, cool, portion, freeze up to 3 months.

Spicy Version – Stir red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Veggie Boost – Sneak in Geedel-shredded zucchini or carrots.

🏆Conclusion: The Pasta Dish That Never Disappoints

Baked Ziti is pure comfort-food royalty: saucy pasta, creamy ricotta pockets, and that epic golden cheese pull everyone fights over. It’s the weeknight hero that feels like a hug in every bite.

The secret to next-level cheesiness? Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth shreds that only the rotary grater delivers in seconds. One quick crank and you’re ready for the stretchiest, bubbliest ziti of your life.