Fazoli’s baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish served at the popular fast casual restaurant chain Fazoli’s. It consists of penne pasta baked in a blend of marinara sauce, cheese, and Italian seasonings to create a delicious and comforting meal.
What are the ingredients in Fazoli’s baked ziti?
The main ingredients in Fazoli’s signature baked ziti include:
- Penne pasta – Small tubular shaped pasta made from durum wheat flour.
- Marinara sauce – Tomato-based sauce made from tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, oregano, and other Italian herbs and spices.
- Mozzarella cheese – Soft, mild cheese originally from Italy made from cow or buffalo milk.
- Parmesan cheese – Hard, salty cheese with a granular texture, made from cow’s milk.
- Ricotta cheese – Soft, fresh Italian cheese made from sheep, cow, goat or buffalo milk whey.
In addition to the core ingredients, Fazoli’s baked ziti likely contains:
- Eggs – To help bind and add richness to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Italian seasoning blend – Dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and other herbs.
- Garlic – For added flavor.
- Onion – For aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
How is Fazoli’s baked ziti prepared?
Fazoli’s baked ziti is prepared by first cooking the penne pasta al dente according to the package directions. Meanwhile, the cheesy sauce is prepared by combining ricotta cheese, eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
The cooked pasta is then tossed with some of the marinara sauce to prevent sticking. Next, the pasta and remaining marinara sauce are layered in a baking dish alternating with the creamy ricotta cheese mixture. It is topped with extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
The loaded pasta dish is then baked in the oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. The high heatfrom the oven causes the cheese to melt thoroughly throughout the pasta. The result is a hearty and indulgent casserole with layers of gooey cheese and sauce.
What is the flavor profile of Fazoli’s baked ziti?
The combination of ingredients gives Fazoli’s baked ziti a distinct and delicious Italian flavor profile:
- Savory – The parmesan, mozzarella and ricotta add a savory, salty cheese flavor.
- Tangy – The tomato-based marinara sauce provides a tangy, acidic taste.
- Herbaceous – The Italian seasoning blend adds hints of basil, oregano and other aromatic herbs.
- Garlic and onion – The garlic and onions offer a slightly sweet, pungent and biting taste.
- Rich – The egg and cheeses make the dish feel indulgent and rich.
When all the components come together after baking, the pasta takes on a wonderfully complex, blend of sweet, salty, herby and acidic flavors in every bite.
What is the texture of Fazoli’s baked ziti?
Fazoli’s baked ziti has several different textures that contribute to its appeal:
- Creamy – The ricotta cheese mixture creates a lush, creamy texture.
- Gooey – The melted mozzarella is oozy and gooey when hot out of the oven.
- Tender – The penne pasta has a pleasant, slightly toothsome tenderness.
- Crunchy – The top layer of cheese gets browned and crispy in spots from the high oven heat.
- Smooth – The marinara sauce has a smooth, liquid texture that coats the pasta.
The combination of textures ranging from creamy and gooey to tender and crunchy is part of what makes baked ziti such a crave-worthy comfort food dish.
What are some tips for making Fazoli’s style baked ziti at home?
Here are some tips for replicating Fazoli’s delicious baked ziti at home:
- Use high quality ingredients – Splurge on fresh, authentic parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente – Undercook it slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Layer generously – Alternate hearty amounts of sauce, pasta and cheese mixture.
- Use both ricotta and mozzarella – The combination provides creamy, gooey perfection.
- Season well – Don’t be shy with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Brown the cheese – Broil at the end for crispy, browned cheese on top.
- Rest before serving – Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs – Finish it off with some chopped Italian parsley.
What are some common variations of baked ziti?
Some popular ways to put a creative spin on traditional baked ziti include:
- Adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Using a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone or asiago.
- Mixing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach or broccoli into the sauce.
- Topping with crispy fried pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkling panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Stirring in ricotta mixed with lemon zest for brightness.
- Swapping in roasted red peppers for some of the tomato sauce.
The possibilities are endless for making this baked pasta casserole your own with inventive ingredients.
What are the best practices for reheating and storing leftover baked ziti?
To safely store and reheat leftover Fazoli’s baked ziti:
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until hot, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen if needed.
- Avoid reheating more than once to prevent texture changes.
- Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Stir while reheating to evenly distribute sauce and cheese.
- Add extra sauce or cheese to the top if it seems dry after reheating.
Properly stored baked ziti holds up well for several days and freezes beautifully. Be careful when reheating not to overcook the pasta or cheese mixture.
What are the different portion sizes and prices for Fazoli’s baked ziti?
Fazoli’s offers their signature baked ziti in a few different portion sizes at various price points:
| Portion | Price |
|---|---|
| Snack Portion Baked Ziti | $3.99 |
| Half Order Baked Ziti | $4.99 |
| Full Order Baked Ziti | $6.99 |
| Family Portion Baked Ziti (serves 3-4) | $17.99 |
The snack portion is great for smaller appetites or side dishes. The half order makes a lighter main course while the full order is perfect for heartier appetites. And the family portion is ideal for feeding a crowd.
What are some tips for saving money on Fazoli’s baked ziti?
Ways to enjoy Fazoli’s baked ziti without breaking the bank include:
- Order the snack portion as a side to share.
- Take advantage of special deals and promotions.
- Split a full portion or family portion with a friend.
- Order it as part of a combo meal.
- Use coupons and discounts codes when available.
- Purchase a Fazoli’s gift card at a discounted rate.
- Join their loyalty rewards program for free food perks.
- Comparison shop via delivery apps for best price.
- Make it at home for a homemade version.
With portion sizes to suit most appetites and budgets, enjoying Fazoli’s baked ziti is possible without draining your wallet if you use savvy ordering strategies.
Is Fazoli’s baked ziti healthy?
While indulgent, Fazoli’s baked ziti can potentially fit into a balanced diet in moderation. Here is the nutrition information for a full order:
- Calories: 640
- Total Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 77g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 1280mg
The biggest health factors to consider are the high amounts of sodium, saturated fat and carbohydrates from the pasta, cheese and sauce. However, it does offer a good amount of protein and energy.
Tips for making it healthier include:
- Choosing a smaller portion size.
- Splitting with a salad instead of garlic bread.
- Opting for part skim ricotta and mozzarella.
- Loading up on veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
- Asking for light sauce to cut some carbs.
- Enjoying in moderation as an occasional treat.
While not the healthiest menu option, it can be worked into an overall healthy lifestyle when enjoyed occasionally and mindfully.
Does Fazoli’s offer any vegetarian or gluten-free baked ziti options?
Fazoli’s traditionally prepares their signature baked ziti with meatless ingredients. The pasta contains no meat, making it vegetarian friendly. Some locations may even offer vegan baked ziti by omitting the cheese and eggs.
However, standard Fazoli’s locations do not offer a certified gluten-free baked ziti option. The penne pasta contains gluten from wheat flour. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid their traditional baked ziti.
To enjoy a gluten-free and vegetarian version at home, you can make substitutions:
- Use lentil or chickpea pasta instead of wheat pasta.
- Verify marinara and cheese brands are gluten-free.
- Use extra virgin olive oil instead of cheese if vegan.
- Top with caramelized onions or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
With a few adjustments, baked ziti can easily be made vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free for those with special dietary needs.
Conclusion
Fazoli’s baked ziti offers a tasty twist on classic Italian comfort food. With its hearty portions, creamy cheese, herb-infused sauce, and perfect pasta, it has become a favorite meal for families, couples, and college students on a budget. While not the healthiest dish, it can be enjoyed guilt-free in moderation. Just use portion control, make healthy swaps, and balance it out with other cleaner eating meals. So next time you’re craving some ooey-gooey pasta perfection, stop by your nearest Fazoli’s and savor a hot slice of their irresistible baked ziti.