If cannelloni hasn’t made it on your menu yet, now might be the right time to put that right. Cannelloni is as Italian as it sounds, yet it holds distinct qualities that allow it to stand out from other pasta dishes, and make it a popular and comforting menu item.
Firstly, cannelloni is less commonly found than other pasta types. That’s surprising given how delicious it is, but it may be down to the fact that there’s a perception that other types of pasta are simpler and easier to prepare. It could also be that cannelloni has been overlooked, at times, in favour of its similar but more popular counterpart, lasagna.
Whatever the reason may be, cannelloni is one of the heartiest and most highly satisfying pasta dishes out there. Its versatility also allows for a diverse range of flavours and textures from the fillings and sauces used in its array of recipes. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Cannelloni Recipes
Flavourful, creamy, and elegant in appearance, Chicken and Prosciutto Cannelloni with Mushroom Alfredo Sauce is a simple menu option, rich in taste and topped with a comforting sauce. Olivieri® Foodservice offers two kinds of Alfredo sauce, those being: our original Alfredo Sauce and Classic Creamy Alfredo Sauce for those who enjoy an extra level of creaminess.
There are various ways to get an exquisite range of menu options out of Alfredo sauce as long as you know the right tips and tricks.
To demonstrate the versatility of cannelloni, here’s a recipe made from the same pasta style but with a totally different flavour combination due to its ingredients and choice of sauce: Chicken & Prosciutto Cannelloni in Rosé Sauce.
Types of Cannelloni
Canneloni is what you make of it. There are various ways to add the fillers of your choice to cater to the preferences of customers. However, Olivieri® Foodservice offers three kinds of premade cannelloni to help you and your staff save time while still serving meals of high quality.
The first of these to mention is our Cheese Cannelloni, which is stuffed with a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. As cheese lovers know, a dish like this combines deliciously with any tomato-based sauce.
To add some greens to the mix, our Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni contains ricotta and mozzarella with spinach and a batch of other ingredients that add to its flavour. Like the aforementioned cannelloni variety, it also pairs well with tomato-based sauces, particularly our Gourmet Tomato Sauce.
Cannelloni without meat would be a missed opportunity, but our Beef Cannelloni makes sure the meat lovers also have something to satisfy their taste buds. In addition to the delicious beef and pasta combo, one of the great things about this ingredient is the way it combines well with every one of our sauce options.
How to Make Cannelloni from Scratch
While our premade varieties of cannelloni can offer your establishment some time-efficient options, you may be interested in putting together your own cannelloni types consisting of whichever unique filler ingredients you decide to include. The great news is, you can do that in just a few simple steps.
First and foremost, you will need lasagna sheets. Ours have fifteen months of shelf life, are made with high-quality ingredients, and contain no artificial colouring, dyes, preservatives or MSG added. Simply put, they are fresh, made to the utmost standard, and most importantly, are highly satisfying for customers. Here’s what to do with them:
- Cut each lasagne sheet in half.
- Fill the edge of each sheet with your filling ingredients (2 tbs)
- Roll the sheet up from the edge with the filler to ensure it is well-wrapped inside.
- Put the rolled-up, and filled, sheets onto a baking dish with the seam facing down.
- Add sauce and cheese to the top if you wish
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
- When the pasta is golden, remove and let sit before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cannelloni
Whether you’ve opted for one of our premade cannelloni options or made your own version using our lasagna sheets, once your cannelloni is ready, the next step is to provide the right options that work as an accompaniment.
Salad
Salad dishes allow for a balanced meal as well as a diversity of colours, flavours, and ingredients. Prepare this Skillet Gnocchi Salad with Walnuts and serve it alongside a cheesy cannelloni dish to give customers a varied eating experience.
Or alongside a meatier meal, such as one that includes our Beef Cannelloni, opt for this Lemon Maple Skillet Gnocchi Salad, containing cheese, gnocchi, and plenty of greens to complement the meat.
Gnocchi Sticks
A typical side to any main is a serving of fries, but for originality and distinct texture, our Fresh Skillet Gnocchi Sticks make a fantastic alternative. Ready in minutes, they are used in a variety of recipes that are ideal for sides and appetizers, as well as starters and mains.
For more menu ideas, you can find us here for culinary inspiration.