When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the cheesy, saucy goodness of baked ziti or the crispy, customizable delight of pizza. But what happens when you combine the two? Enter baked ziti pizza; a mouthwatering fusion that brings together the best of both worlds.
Imagine a golden, crispy pizza crust topped with layers of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather your family around the table and dig in.
Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on pizza night, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or just a way to satisfy your carb cravings, baked ziti pizza is here to save the day. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious dish at home.
What is Baked Ziti Pizza?
Baked ziti pizza brings together two beloved classics in one delicious dish. You start with a pizza crust, either store-bought or homemade, and top it with a hearty layer of baked ziti. First, cook the ziti until it’s al dente, then mix it with marinara sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and other cheeses. Spread this cheesy pasta mixture over the dough.
For extra flavor, add toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies. Bake the pizza until the crust turns crispy and the cheese becomes bubbly and golden. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. It’s hearty, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta or pizza dough. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or just yourself, baked ziti pizza is sure to be a hit.
If you love Italian-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy our Stuffed Manicotti with String Cheese, a comforting baked pasta dish.
What You Need To Make Baked Ziti Pizza
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients. The beauty of baked ziti pizza is that it’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pizza Crust:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
For the Baked Ziti Topping:
- 8 ounces ziti pasta (or any short pasta like penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked Italian sausage
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How To Make Baked Ziti Pizza
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your baked ziti pizza:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. A hot oven is key to achieving a crispy crust.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Prepare the Ziti Mixture
Add the marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked ziti. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheeses.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your baking sheet or pizza stone. If you like a thicker crust, leave the dough a little thicker. For a crispier crust, roll it out thinner.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone). Spread the ziti mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. If you’re adding optional toppings like pepperoni or sausage, now’s the time to do it.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pizza. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about baked ziti pizza is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Meat Lovers’ Version:
Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, and crispy bacon to the ziti mixture for a hearty, meaty twist.
Veggie-Loaded Option:
Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes to the ziti mixture or top the pizza with sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Alternative Cheeses:
Swap out the mozzarella and ricotta for provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Want to try a unique twist on pasta? Try our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, a hearty fusion of comfort foods.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overload the Pizza: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too much can make the crust soggy. Stick to a moderate amount of ziti and toppings.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven is essential for a crispy crust, so make sure it’s fully preheated before baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and homemade marinara sauce can take your baked ziti pizza to the next level.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to slice and prevents the cheese from sliding off.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for extra carb indulgence.
- A glass of red wine or a cold beer to wash it all down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti Pizza
Is Baked Ziti Pizza Good?
Absolutely! Baked ziti pizza is a delicious fusion of two classic comfort foods—baked ziti and pizza. Not only does it combine the cheesy, saucy goodness of baked ziti, but it also pairs perfectly with the crispy, doughy base of pizza, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, parties, or even a fun twist on pizza night. So, if you love carbs, cheese, and creativity, then baked ziti pizza is definitely a must-try!
What is the Difference Between Baked Ziti and Baked Ziti Sicilian?
Baked ziti and baked ziti Sicilian are similar but have a few key differences:
- Baked Ziti: This classic dish features ziti pasta baked with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes meat like sausage or ground beef. It’s typically layered like a casserole.
- Baked Ziti Sicilian: This version often includes additional ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, salami, or ham, giving it a richer, more complex flavor. It’s also sometimes topped with breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- When it comes to baked ziti pizza, you’re taking the basic concept of baked ziti and layering it on a pizza crust, so it’s more about the presentation and texture than the specific ingredients.
Should You Cover Baked Ziti When Baking?
When making traditional baked ziti, covering it with foil during the first part of baking helps keep the dish moist and prevents the cheese from burning. However, for baked ziti pizza, you don’t need to cover it. The goal is to achieve a crispy crust and bubbly, golden cheese, so baking it uncovered is the way to go. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
What Do Italians Call Ziti?
In Italy, ziti is simply called ziti—it’s a type of pasta that’s similar to penne but slightly wider and often used in baked dishes. The name comes from the Italian word “zita,” which means “bride.” Traditionally, ziti was served at weddings, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as “wedding pasta.”
Is Baked Ziti Just Lasagna?
While baked ziti and lasagna share some similarities—both are baked pasta dishes with cheese and sauce—they’re not the same. Here’s how they differ:
- Pasta Shape: Baked ziti uses tube-shaped ziti pasta, while lasagna uses flat lasagna noodles.
- Layering: Lasagna is typically layered with pasta, sauce, cheese, and other ingredients, while baked ziti is usually mixed together and baked as a casserole.
- Texture: Baked ziti has a more uniform texture, while lasagna has distinct layers.
Baked ziti pizza takes the concept of baked ziti and turns it into a pizza topping, adding another layer of creativity to the mix!
What Can I Make with Leftover Baked Ziti?
Leftover baked ziti is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with leftover baked ziti. Top with extra cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Ziti Frittata: Mix leftover baked ziti with beaten eggs and cook in a skillet for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
- Ziti Soup: Add leftover baked ziti to a pot of broth with some extra veggies for a quick and comforting soup.
- Ziti Casserole: Combine the leftovers with additional sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a second round of baked ziti.
- Ziti Pizza (Again!): Use the leftovers as a topping for another pizza—because why not?
Conclusion
Baked ziti pizza is the ultimate comfort food mashup—a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its crispy crust, cheesy pasta topping, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness that is baked ziti pizza. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!
Happy cooking! 🍕🧀