Scrumptious lasagna dripping with cheese, baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy golden brown breadcrumb topping, and saucy manicotti or jumbo shells stuffed with sweet ricotta or mascarpone cheese are popular
Italian casseroles. While most people think of tomato sauce, gooey cheese and pasta when they think of Italian cuisine, there are many other options for making a tasty casserole that will bring flavors from the motherland to the table.
Using ingredients that are indigenous to the country and seasoning with the right spices will create a dish that is both delicious and reminiscent of Italy.
Many casseroles begin with ground beef, but hot or mild sausage or chicken are also commonly used in Italian casseroles. While it is true that tomato or bolognaise sauce is a popular choice in Italian fare, Alfredo sauces, pesto sauces
or cheese sauces are other favorable options. Oregano, parsley, thyme and basil are high on the list of Italian spices while onions, green peppers and garlic are frequently incorporated aromatics that add flavor. Cheese is an essential
part of most Italian casseroles whether it is used as a main ingredient in such dishes as macaroni and cheese, as a topping for casseroles that contain beef and vegetable, or as both as is the case with baked cheese ravioli. Ricotta, mozzarella
and Parmesan cheese are widely used, but other cheeses like mascarpone, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Asiago have gained in popularity over recent years. No matter the type of cheese or sauce used, Italian casseroles make the perfect dish for
a potluck dinner, a gathering of friends or a night at home with the family. |
