Ham and Cheese Ziti

Italian Ham and Cheese Ziti Recipe - A Deliciously Savory Pasta Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Ziti is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines the flavors of savory ham, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends.

History

The origins of Ham and Cheese Ziti are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Italian-American kitchens as a twist on traditional baked ziti. The addition of ham adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2.5 cups uncooked ziti pasta
0.25 cup butter
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
0.25 cup flour
0.5 tsp salt
2 cups milk
0.5 tsp dijon mustard
2 cups shredded colby cheese
4 oz (113 g) sliced cooked deli ham
0.33 cup parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan over low heat.
Cook the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Stir in the flour and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Gradually stir in the milk.
Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly.
Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Stir in the mustard and colby cheese.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted.
Stir the pasta and ham into the cheese sauce.
Pour the mixture into an ungreased 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 – 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Variations

Substitute different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Add in vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use high-quality ham for the best flavor.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables, such as spinach or peas, for extra nutrition and flavor.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham and Cheese Ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.

- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

- Substitute turkey or chicken for the ham for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Ham and Cheese Ziti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ham and Cheese Ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ham and Cheese Ziti with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Ham and Cheese Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Ziti contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Ziti contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Ziti contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Ziti contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and Cheese Ziti is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Ziti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a satisfying and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Ziti is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends. With its creamy cheese sauce, savory ham, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a rainy day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in a dusty corner of the library. The pages were yellowed and crinkled, with handwritten notes scrawled in the margins. As I flipped through the book, a recipe caught my eye - Ham and Cheese Ziti.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it called out to me. I could almost taste the creamy cheese sauce, the smoky ham, and the al dente ziti pasta. I knew I had to try it.

I took a photo of the recipe with my phone and made a mental note to gather the ingredients for it. The next day, I set out to the local market, picking up a block of sharp cheddar cheese, a package of smoked ham, and a box of ziti pasta. I was excited to try my hand at this new recipe.

As I prepared the dish, following the instructions in the cookbook, memories of my own grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had taught me how to cook, passing down recipes that had been in our family for generations. I could still hear her voice guiding me through each step, her hands deftly chopping, stirring, and tasting as she created delicious meals in her cozy kitchen.

The aroma of the bubbling cheese sauce and the sizzling ham filled my own kitchen now, and I smiled as I thought of her. I knew she would have loved this recipe, with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients.

When the dish was finally ready, I spooned out a generous portion onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sharpness of the cheese, the richness of the ham, the slight bite of the pasta. It was perfect.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family. I invited them over for dinner that weekend, and as we sat around the table, I proudly served up my Ham and Cheese Ziti. The looks of delight on their faces as they took their first bites made all the effort worth it.

My children raved about the dish, asking me how I had come up with such a delicious recipe. I simply smiled and told them about the old cookbook I had found, and how it had inspired me to try something new in the kitchen.

As the years passed, the recipe for Ham and Cheese Ziti became a staple in our family. It was requested for birthdays, holidays, and any time we needed a bit of comfort food. I loved watching my grandchildren grow up enjoying the same dish that had captivated me so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cooking, I am grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of where I was when I first tried it, who I was with, and how it became a part of my culinary repertoire.

And as I enjoy a steaming bowl of Ham and Cheese Ziti, I know that the love and care I put into creating this dish will be passed down through the generations, just like my grandmother's recipes were to me. Cooking is more than just following instructions - it's about creating memories, sharing traditions, and bringing joy to those you love. And for that, I am forever grateful.