I remember the first time I tried Mary Berry’s cannelloni with double cheese sauce. It was a crisp Saturday evening, and I was flipping through my cookbooks, feeling like a novice in the kitchen. I had never made cannelloni before, and the idea of stuffing pasta tubes with cheese and spinach seemed a bit intimidating. But Mary Berry, known for her simplicity and elegance, convinced me. That recipe turned out to be not only delicious but also a turning point for me as a cook. It was one of those dishes that, once you’ve mastered it, feels like a personal achievement. The combination of rich, creamy sauce and the flavors of the cannelloni made every bite a comforting experience.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s full of flavor but easy to prepare, this one is a winner. I’m here to guide you step by step through making Mary Berry’s Cannelloni with Double Cheese Sauce. Let’s dive into the ingredients, equipment, and tips to make sure it turns out perfectly.
Mary Berry Cannelloni With Double Cheese Sauce Recipe
Mary Berry’s Cannelloni with Double Cheese Sauce is a comforting, hearty dish. It’s the perfect meal to impress guests or just to treat yourself after a long day. The combination of the rich, creamy white sauce and the savory filling is heavenly. And the best part? It’s actually quite simple to make, once you get the hang of it.
Here’s the basic breakdown:
- Cannelloni tubes filled with a cheesy spinach mixture
- Topped with a smooth, rich double cheese sauce
- Baked until golden and bubbling
This dish is a great way to show off your cooking skills while keeping things relatively fuss-free. Let’s break down the specifics now.
Ingredients Needed
- Cannelloni tubes: The main structure of this dish. These need to be stuffed with a creamy filling. Some people use fresh, others dry. Both work great!
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach, it doesn’t matter much. I prefer fresh as it retains more flavor after being cooked.
- Ricotta cheese: Soft, mild, and creamy, this balances out the spinach and gives the filling a rich, smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese: For that sharp, salty punch that contrasts nicely with the creamy ricotta.
- Mozzarella cheese: It melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness to the dish.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves for a lovely depth of flavor.
- Onion: A bit of onion for sweetness and richness in the filling.
- Double cream: This is the secret to making the cheese sauce luxuriously rich.
- Butter: For the sauce; it adds depth and creaminess.
- Plain flour: The base for your white sauce (béchamel).
- Milk: To loosen the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds a subtle warmth to the white sauce.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, of course!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything too fancy for this recipe. Here’s a list of the basics:
- Oven-proof baking dish: To bake the cannelloni.
- Saucepan: You’ll need this for making both the filling and the cheese sauce.
- Frying pan: To cook the spinach and sauté the garlic and onion.
- Wooden spoon: For mixing and stirring.
- Whisk: To ensure your cheese sauce is smooth and lump-free.
- Grater: For the Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Large spoon: For stuffing the cannelloni.
How To Make Mary Berry Cannelloni With Double Cheese Sauce?
Making this recipe can be broken down into a few simple steps, but every step is crucial to getting that rich, creamy result.
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Prepare The Spinach
- If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a bit of olive oil and garlic until wilted. Once done, let it cool and squeeze out any excess moisture. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out the water.
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Make The Filling
- Sauté some finely chopped onion and garlic in a frying pan until soft.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, a little grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Add the sautéed garlic and onions and mix until well combined.
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Stuff The Cannelloni
- Now comes the fun part-stuffing those pasta tubes. Use a spoon or your hands to fill each tube with the spinach and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed tubes into your baking dish.
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Prepare The Double Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Once it thickens, add the double cream and stir in your mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble And Bake
- Pour the cheese sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, making sure each tube is generously covered.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: You can add mushrooms or ricotta mixed with roasted vegetables (like zucchini and bell peppers) for a different twist.
- Meat variation: Substitute some or all of the spinach filling with cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage. It adds a hearty touch.
- Spicy version: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling or sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegan option: Use vegan cheese alternatives and swap the ricotta for a tofu-based filling or vegan cream.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cannelloni With Double Cheese Sauce?
The dish is rich, so you’ll want to pair it with something that balances it out:
- Green salad: A fresh, tangy green salad with lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the cannelloni.
- Garlic bread: For dipping into that cheesy sauce, garlic bread is a must.
- Roasted vegetables: Caramelized carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the creamy flavors.
- Red wine: A full-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, would pair wonderfully.
What I Have Learnt
The first time I made this dish, I wasn’t sure if the filling would be enough to stuff all the cannelloni tubes. But over time, I’ve learned to be generous with the filling. It’s all about getting a nice, hearty amount inside each tube.
I’ve also learned that it’s key to make sure the cheese sauce is the right consistency before you pour it over the pasta. It should be thick enough to coat the cannelloni but still flow a bit. I tend to err on the side of a thicker sauce, as it holds everything together better during baking.
Lastly, I’ve realized that even though this dish feels indulgent, it can be customized to suit various tastes. Whether you want a veggie-packed version or a meaty one, it works. The double cheese sauce is definitely the star, though.
FAQs
What Is The Main Difference Between Mary Berry’s Cannelloni With Double Cheese Sauce Recipe And Traditional Cannelloni Recipes?
Mary Berry’s cannelloni with double cheese sauce recipe uses a rich, creamy double cheese sauce made from a combination of béchamel and a tangy cheese sauce, which adds extra depth and flavor compared to the usual single cheese sauce found in many traditional cannelloni recipes.
Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Cannelloni With Double Cheese Sauce In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s cannelloni with double cheese sauce in advance. It can be assembled a day before and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven, adding extra time if necessary to ensure it’s heated through properly.
What Cheeses Are Used In Mary Berry’s Double Cheese Sauce For Cannelloni?
Mary Berry’s double cheese sauce typically uses a blend of Parmesan for a sharp, nutty flavor, and a softer cheese like mozzarella for creaminess. The combination creates a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the cannelloni perfectly.