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Carbs and cheese are two key qualities we look for in comfort food, and, apparently, Pinterest is on the same page. Around 13,000 people have saved Jaclyn Bell’s spinach and cheese stuffed shells recipe, making it one of the most-pinned meals in the category for 2019. The Utah-based blogger behind Cooking Classy pulls out all the stops with jumbo, manicotti-like pasta shells; marinara sauce; and a melted medley of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The dish (you can find the full ingredients list and how-to on her site) is exactly what we dream of sitting down to when the first snowfall hits.
Besides the fact that the Internet has nonofficially dubbed the casserole a must-make, its total bake time is just 30 minutes; kids will love it as much as adults; it makes for great leftovers; and, most important, you don’t have to waste time plating it. Really, the shells can go straight from the oven onto a trivet. As long as you’ve got the right cookware and spices on hand, your presentation game will be on point. A few ideas for elevating this cozy winter dish:
Let the Dutch Oven Speak for Itself
A new wave of DTC cookware brands is out to reinvent this cooking staple. Great Jones’s pink Dutchess basically takes away the need for a flashy centerpiece. Or if you’re an entertainer on a budget, Chrissy Teigen’s super-affordable cast-iron option for Target ($50) will do the trick.
Tie It Off With Chic Dishcloths
A hot tip we learned from Eye-Swoon blogger Athena Calderone: Wrap the pot’s handles in pretty towels for easy carrying—and so no one will notice there’s a large metal cooking tool right in front of them.
Sprinkle on Some Sprigs
Pick up a fresh garnish from your local farmers’ market or plant nursery—a scattering of regal bay leaves or oversize thyme (stem intact) will impress the foodies around the table.
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