Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsNicola PizzaMini Baked Ziti Recipe

Mini Baked Ziti Recipe

Inspired by Nicola Pizza
Time1h
Serves15

With 15 homemade rolls.

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Ingredients

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Mini Baked Ziti

Homemade Rolls

Method

Mini Baked Ziti

  1. 1

    Cook the Ziti

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Cheese Mixture

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  3. 3

    Combine with Marinara Sauce

    In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.

  4. 4

    Assemble the Baked Ziti

    In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, followed by the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining ziti and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled ziti for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Homemade Rolls

  1. 6

    Activate the Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 7

    Make the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. 8

    Knead the Dough

    On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 9

    Let it Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  5. 10

    Shape the Rolls

    Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a roll and place them on a greased baking sheet.

  6. 11

    Bake the Rolls

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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