Homemade manicotti is extravagant, special and delicious. The ricotta filling is very light so it's a perfect appetizer for holidays. We grew up enjoying homemade manicotti for Easter & Christmas Eve feasts.

Holiday Baked Manicotti

Preparing homemade manicotti isn't too hard but it certainly is a lot of work. I usually prepare the tomato sauce and crepes a day ahead so they have time to cool and it's easier for assembly time.

I believe there are very good, frozen manicotti & stuffed shells available in the market but this homemade recipe simply beats them all! When cooking for your family, adding that extra love makes all of the difference.

Prep Time: 6o min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Yield: 4 portions

Ingredients

3 Cups           Tomato sauce

3 lbs               Ricotta cheese

1/2 tsp           Kosher Salt                                       

t.t.                   Black pepper   

1/4 tsp           Nutmeg

3 ea                Eggs, cracked & whisked

1 lb                 Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 for filling & 1/2 for topping)

1/2 Cup        Parmesan cheese, grated          (1/2 for filling & 1/2 for topping)       

Step 1

Blend the ricotta, spices, eggs & cheeses together in a bowl.

Lay the crepes onto a clean working surface and place 2 Tbsp of the cheese mixture into each crepe.

Step 3

Roll tightly.

Step 4

Ladle tomato sauce to cover the bottom of a sheet pan; place the stuffed crepes onto the sauce and top each with additional sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top and bake at 350F until heated through-about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

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