Description of this recipe:
This isn’t your grandma’s lasagna. While the traditional Italian staple holds a special place in our hearts, this Lasagna with Ham and Cheese elevates the experience with a rich, creamy Mornay sauce, savory ham, and a generous blend of Emmental and Raclette cheeses. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe takes the classic layering technique and infuses it with a delightful combination of flavors and textures, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The Mornay sauce, a classic French white sauce enriched with cheese, brings a luxurious smoothness that perfectly complements the saltiness of the ham and the nutty, slightly tangy notes of the cheeses. This lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Why you will love this recipe:
- It’s Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of the creamy Mornay sauce, savory ham, and the blend of Emmental and Raclette cheeses creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.
- It’s Easy to Make (with a little patience): While it requires some layering, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. The blender method for the Mornay sauce simplifies the process, making it less intimidating for home cooks.
- It’s Perfect for Sharing: This lasagna is a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- It’s Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of ham and cheese to create your own unique flavor combinations. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- It’s a comforting classic with a twist: The familiar comfort of lasagna gets a sophisticated upgrade with the use of a creamy Mornay sauce and gourmet cheeses.
Ingredients:
- Pasta & Ham:
- 6 large sheets fresh lasagna pasta
- 6 slices cooked ham
- Mornay Sauce:
- 50 grams onion, peeled and quartered
- 50 grams unsalted butter
- 55 grams plain flour
- 600 grams semi-skimmed milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 pinches ground black pepper
- 3 pinches ground nutmeg
- Cheese:
- 140 grams grated Emmental cheese
- 220 grams sliced Raclette cheese (or comparable melting cheese)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Place the peeled and quartered onion in a blender. Blend for 2 seconds at speed 5, then scrape down the sides with a spatula. This pre-blending step ensures a smooth and even Mornay sauce, eliminating any large chunks of onion. You want a finely minced onion that will melt seamlessly into the sauce, adding its subtle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 2: Make the Mornay Sauce Add butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the blender. Cook for 8 minutes at 90°C on speed 4 until smooth and thickened. This step is crucial for creating a velvety Mornay sauce. The butter and flour create a roux, which thickens the milk. The egg yolk adds richness and emulsification, ensuring a smooth texture. The salt, pepper, and nutmeg season the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile. Cooking at 90°C prevents the sauce from burning or curdling, resulting in a perfect consistency.
Step 3: Add Emmental Cheese to the Mornay Sauce Add 100 grams of grated Emmental cheese to the sauce and cook for an additional minute at 90°C on speed 4 until fully melted. Adding the Emmental cheese to the Mornay sauce infuses it with a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base for the lasagna. This step elevates the Mornay sauce from a simple white sauce to a decadent cheese sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish Butter a large gratin dish. Spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Buttering the dish ensures that the lasagna doesn’t stick to the bottom, making it easier to serve. Spreading a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom creates a protective barrier and adds an extra layer of flavor to the bottom layer of pasta.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna (Layer 1) Place a layer of lasagna sheets in the dish, trimming as needed. Spread one quarter of the Mornay sauce over the pasta, followed by 2 slices of ham and one third of the sliced Raclette cheese. This is the first of three identical layers. Evenly distributing the Mornay sauce, ham, and Raclette cheese ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Trimming the lasagna sheets ensures that they fit snugly in the dish, preventing any gaps or uneven layers.
Step 6: Layer the Lasagna (Layer 2) Add a second layer of pasta. Top with one third of the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and more Raclette cheese. Repeating the layering process ensures that the flavors and textures are evenly distributed throughout the lasagna.
Step 7: Layer the Lasagna (Layer 3) Repeat for a third layer: pasta, half the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and the last of the Raclette cheese. At this point, your baking dish should be getting quite full. Don’t worry, the lasagna will bake down a bit during cooking.
Step 8: Top and Bake Finish with a final layer of lasagna sheets. Spread the remaining Mornay sauce on top and sprinkle with 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake for 20 minutes until the surface is golden brown and bubbling. The final layer of Mornay sauce and Emmental cheese creates a beautiful, golden crust that adds a delightful crunch to the lasagna. Baking at 200°C ensures that the lasagna is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Taste: 5/5 stars (Delicious and satisfying)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
- Pair with a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious Mornay sauce.
- Serve with a glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine.
- For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna, or it will become dry.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Mornay sauce ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 28 minutes Total Time: 53 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
This Lasagna with Ham and Cheese is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy Mornay sauce, savory ham, and blend of Emmental and Raclette cheeses create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a restaurant-quality lasagna in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this lasagna is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!
Five Questions and Answers about Lasagna with Ham and Cheese:
Q1: Can I use dried lasagna noodles instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, you can use dried lasagna noodles, but you will need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions. Fresh lasagna noodles have a smoother texture and don’t require pre-cooking, which saves time and effort. However, dried noodles are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just make sure to cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the lasagna.
Q2: Can I substitute the Raclette cheese with another type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Raclette cheese has a distinctive nutty and slightly pungent flavor, but you can easily substitute it with other melting cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a blend of mozzarella and provolone. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and has a flavor that complements the ham and Mornay sauce.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
A: Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this lasagna. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and roasted bell peppers are all excellent choices. Simply sauté the vegetables before layering them into the lasagna. Be sure to remove excess moisture from the vegetables to prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy.
Q4: How long can I store leftover lasagna?
A: Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire lasagna in a preheated oven at 175°C until heated through.
Q5: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Allow the lasagna to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze individual portions for easy meal prep. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the lasagna overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven at 175°C until heated through.
