Baked ziti for a crowd: our baked mostaccioli, tray sizes and costs

If you want baked ziti for a crowd, our version is Baked Mostaccioli: $45 for the smaller tray and $75 for the party size. We do not list a dish called ziti. Mostaccioli is the short tube pasta we bake in the same way, in a savory sauce, and it fills the same spot on the table. For 60 guests, three party-size trays come to $225 before tax. Call (630) 553-9533.

Ziti or mostaccioli?

Both are short tube pastas, and many people use the names interchangeably for a baked pasta dish. Ours is Baked Mostaccioli. If you have a family recipe in mind with ricotta or a particular sauce, ask us when you quote and we will tell you what the kitchen does.

The trays

• Baked Mostaccioli: $45 or $75.
• Meatless Mostaccioli: $39 or $65, vegetarian.
• Baked Lasagna: $50 or $90, if you want a layered dish next to it.

Both sizes can be hot-held on a chafing dish. The smaller size suits an office table. The party size is the one to count on for a crowd. The trays menu lists each tray as serving 20, and we confirm the count with you when you order.

How many trays for 40, 60 or 100

We plan one party-size tray for every 20 guests when pasta is the main dish and there are sides. If you offer a second entrée, you can plan fewer.

• 40 guests: 2 party trays, $150.
• 60 guests: 3 party trays, $225.
• 100 guests: 5 party trays, $375.

For a meatless group, swap in Meatless Mostaccioli at $65 a party tray. A mixed group of 60 might take 2 Baked Mostaccioli ($150) and 1 Meatless Mostaccioli ($65), $215 in all.

Add 9.25% sales tax. For 60 guests, $225 becomes $245.81.

What to serve with it

• Classic Caesar Salad, $49 a tray.
• Garlic Bread, $19.99 a tray, 12 pieces.
• Fresh Homemade Bread, $11.99, serves 20.
• Cheesecake Squares, $59, 35 pieces, for dessert.

A pasta dinner for 60 using these: 3 party trays Baked Mostaccioli ($225), 3 Classic Caesar Salad ($147), 3 Fresh Homemade Bread ($35.97) and 2 Cheesecake Squares ($118). That is $525.97, about $8.77 a guest before tax. Order fewer salads if you have other sides.

Keeping it hot

Order a Chafing Dish Set at $17 per hot dish, yours to keep. A stainless steel rental is $20 and returned after your event. Each tray is hot when it leaves our kitchen. Pick up at the kitchen in Yorkville, or delivery is quoted when you order.

Buffet instead

Buffets start at 20 guests. Buffet Menu 1 is $18.99 a person and includes Baked Mostaccioli among the entrées, with sides and bread. Our Italian catering guide lays out more Italian options, and our pasta catering guide lists every pasta tray. Ask for a quote once you know the date.

Questions

Do you make baked ziti?

Not under that name. Our baked pasta is Baked Mostaccioli, a short tube pasta baked in sauce.

How many does a tray of Baked Mostaccioli feed?

The party-size tray is $75, and we plan it for about 20 guests. The smaller tray is $45.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes. Meatless Mostaccioli is $39 or $65.

What about leftovers?

Baked pasta usually keeps in the fridge for a few days. Cool it quickly and reheat it until steaming hot.