She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Lasagna

Lasagna – the ultimate comfort food. A dish that never fails to satisfy our cravings and bring people together. But what makes a truly exceptional lasagna? Is it the layers, the sauce, the cheese, or something more?

The Classic Approach

For many, a traditional lasagna is the only way to go. And for good reason. This beloved dish is built on a foundation of tender noodles, rich ragu, and a blend of creamy cheeses. To create this masterpiece, you’ll need:

• 10 cups of ragu (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 box of no-boil lasagna noodles
• 12 ounces of mild provolone cheese
• 4 cups of béchamel sauce
• 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan-style cheese

The Tools of the Trade

Before you begin, make sure you have the following utensils at your disposal:

• An enamel baking dish
• A large stock pot
• A box grater
• An offset spatula
• A big serving spatula

Building the Perfect Lasagna

Now that you have your ingredients and tools, it’s time to start building. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) with a rack set in the middle.
2. Thinly spread 2 cups of ragu over the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by another 2 cups of ragu, 1/4 of the sliced provolone cheese, and 1 cup of béchamel sauce.
4. Repeat this process two more times, making sure to place each layer of noodles at a 90-degree angle to the previous one.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the edges are brown and the noodles are tender.
7. Allow the lasagna to stand for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Beyond the Classics: 8 Amazing Alternative Lasagna Ideas

While traditional lasagna will always be a crowd-pleaser, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. Here are 8 incredible alternative lasagna ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:

1. Hefty Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

A fun twist on the classic, these roll-ups use boiled noodles, a cheese blend, and frozen spinach to create a kid-friendly masterpiece.

2. Turkey Sausage Lasagna

This poultry-based take on lasagna uses a blend of herbs and spices to boost the flavor, making it a perfect alternative to traditional beef.

3. Vegetarian Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard Polenta Lasagna

A fall-flavored marvel, this meatless lasagna uses cooked polenta instead of noodles, loaded with the sharp notes of gruyère and asiago, butternut squash, and Swiss chard.

4. Noodle-Free Zucchini Lasagna

For a carb-cutting take on lasagna, let zucchini handle noodle duty. Capers and cottage cheese provide a tangy complement to the cremini mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella.

5. Vegan Roasted Eggplant Lasagna

This masterful creation from MasterChef finalist Jackie Kearney is equal parts delicious, nutritious, and cruelty-free, using eggplant, lentils, fresh veggies, and dairy-free hard cheese.

6. Pesto and Pea Lasagna

Sauced with pesto and layered with a cheesy filling studded with peas, this tomato-less lasagna is a refreshing twist on the classic.

7. Matzo Lasagna with Mushrooms and Feta

This clever and kosher application of thin matzo sheets layered with sautéed mushrooms and salty feta will please both tribe members and non-Jews alike.

8. Chickensagna

For the ultimate culinary adventure, try using thinly sliced and pounded chicken breast as a noodle stand-in, filled with ground chicken cooked with peppers and onions, tomato sauce spiked with heavy cream, and caramelized fennel. The sky’s the limit!