Exploring the Layers of Baked Ziti

Kids say the darndest things, and so do Deb and Kenji. “Nobody likes penne.” “Chiffonade is pretentious.” “I have honestly no idea what my recipe contains.” And they’re not the only ones. There are people out there who call baked ziti — get this — lasagna. 

While baked ziti may be universally loved as a workhorse of catered buffets, potlucks, and meal trains, Deb and Kenji’s takes on the dish are worlds apart.

Recipes mentioned:

• My Old-Scholl Baked Ziti (Smitten Kitchen)
• Easy Skillet Baked Ziti With Sausage and Ricotta Recipe (Serious Eats)
• The Food Lab's No-Boil Baked Ziti Recipe (Serious Eats)