20 Family Favourite Recipes By Jamie Oliver
20 Family Favourite Recipes By Jamie Oliver is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $22.37 total, $5.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Cannelloni Tubes (large, pre‑cooked or no‑boil)
- 2 medium Leeks (white and light green parts only, sliced thinly)
- 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely sliced)
- 300 g Button Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 3 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (for the roux)
- 500 ml Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 200 g Cheddar Cheese (grated, sharp for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Trim the leeks, discard the tough dark green tops, slice the white and light green parts thinly. Dice the onion and finely slice the garlic.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Leeks, Onion and Garlic
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly golden, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Add Mushrooms and Season
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Stir‑fry until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high
Make the White Sauce (Béchamel)
In a saucepan melt 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1‑2 minutes until it turns a light golden colour. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Simmer gently, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 5‑6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Combine Filling and Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat. Let the mushroom mixture cool for a minute, then stir it into the white sauce until evenly incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Stuff the Cannelloni
Place a spoonful of the mushroom‑sauce mixture at the open end of each cannelloni tube and gently push the filling through with a fork or a piping bag. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer in a greased baking tray.
Time: PT10M
Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top of the arranged cannelloni. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the cheese for extra colour.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Pre‑heat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Bake the tray for 40‑45 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, golden and the edges are crisp.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 180°C
Finish and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired, then serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, can be made vegan with plant milk and vegan cheese
Allergens: milk, cheese, gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cannelloni Tubes: large pasta shells, manicotti
- Instead of Leeks: spring onions, shallots
- Instead of Onion: shallot, red onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Button Mushrooms: cremini mushrooms, portobello diced
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Whole Milk: unsweetened soy milk, oat milk
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère, vegan cheddar
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: fresh basil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking Tray
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Knife
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sautéing the mushrooms until they release moisture and brown
- Making a smooth white sauce without lumps
- Stuffing the cannelloni without breaking the tubes
- Baking until the cheese is fully melted and golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of white button and cremini mushrooms for deeper flavour.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the béchamel for a subtle warmth.
- If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of chilli flakes with the mushrooms.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Return the sauce to low heat and whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with a little cold water (slurry) until thickened.
Cannelloni tubes crack while filling.
Warm the tubes in hot water for 30 seconds to make them more pliable, then dry and fill.
Cheese does not melt or browns unevenly.
Make sure the cheese is finely grated and spread in an even layer; if needed, finish under the broiler for 2‑3 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 180 °C for 15 minutes.
Freezer: Can freeze unbaked assembled cannelloni for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the white sauce up to step 4 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; re‑heat before mixing with the mushroom filling.
- Assemble the cannelloni and keep covered in the fridge; bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mushroom Cannelloni in Italian cuisine?
Cannelloni originated in Northern Italy as a way to use large pasta tubes to encase hearty fillings. While traditional versions are meat‑based, mushroom‑filled cannelloni reflects Italy’s love of seasonal vegetables and offers a vegetarian twist that still honors the classic baked pasta tradition.
What are the traditional regional variations of mushroom cannelloni in Italy?
In the Piedmont region, mushroom cannelloni may include hazelnut crumbs and Parmigiano‑Reggiano, while in Tuscany chefs often add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauté. The basic concept—stuffed pasta baked in sauce—remains the same across regions.
How is mushroom cannelloni traditionally served in Italy?
It is typically served hot from the oven, sprinkled with fresh parsley or basil, and accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is mushroom cannelloni traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Cannelloni is a popular dish for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions such as Christmas Eve when a meat‑free option is appreciated.
What makes mushroom cannelloni special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The dish combines the comforting texture of baked pasta with the earthy depth of mushrooms, offering a vegetarian alternative that still delivers the richness of a cheese‑laden bake, showcasing Italy’s ability to turn simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mushroom cannelloni?
Common errors include over‑cooking the mushrooms so they become watery, under‑seasoning the filling, and using a sauce that is too thin, which can make the bake soggy. Also, over‑filling the tubes can cause them to split during baking.
Why does this mushroom cannelloni recipe use olive oil instead of butter for the white sauce?
Jamie Oliver prefers olive oil for a lighter mouthfeel and to keep the dish dairy‑light until the cheese is added. Olive oil also adds a subtle fruity note that complements the mushrooms.
Can I make mushroom cannelloni ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the cannelloni, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. If you need longer storage, freeze the unbaked tray; bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making mushroom cannelloni?
The mushroom filling should be moist but not watery, and the white sauce should coat the mushrooms smoothly. After baking, the top should be golden‑brown and bubbling, while the interior remains creamy.
How do I know when mushroom cannelloni is done cooking?
The cheese on top will be fully melted and lightly browned, and a gentle jiggle of the tray should show that the sauce is hot and bubbling. Insert a thin knife into the centre; it should come out hot to the touch.
What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients and aim to make cooking enjoyable for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Jamie Oliver blends classic Italian techniques with British home‑cooking sensibilities, often simplifying traditional methods, using readily available ingredients, and emphasizing quick, wholesome meals rather than strict authenticity.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
