Description: This Lasagnes au Jambon et Fromage is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Filled with layers of savory ham, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in a rich marinara sauce, it’s a perfect family meal or a satisfying dish to share with friends. This recipe is easy to prepare and guarantees a flavorful and cheesy delight that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup diced ham, preferably a good quality smoked ham
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, full-fat for best texture
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or high-quality store-bought
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps to season the noodles and prevents them from sticking together. Gently add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water, ensuring they are submerged. Cook according to package instructions, but aim for al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and fall apart during baking. Once cooked, carefully drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Lay the cooked noodles on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap, to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, diced ham, beaten egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. The egg acts as a binder, holding the filling together and adding richness. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the ham is evenly distributed throughout the ricotta mixture. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed – you may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors. Set the prepared filling aside while you assemble the lasagna.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the lasagna from sticking. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) over the bottom of the dish. This layer prevents the noodles from sticking and adds moisture to the lasagna. Place three lasagna noodles horizontally over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary to completely cover the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the ham and cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the ham and cheese mixture. Repeat the layers: marinara sauce, three lasagna noodles, the remaining ham and cheese mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Finish with a final layer of three lasagna noodles, the remaining marinara sauce (about 1 cup), and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and ensures that the lasagna cooks evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the lasagna during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from burning. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart. The filling will also cool slightly, making it less likely to burn your mouth. Use a sharp knife to cut the lasagna into squares. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Lasagnes au Jambon et Fromage is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of the salty ham, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The layers of tender lasagna noodles soaked in rich marinara sauce provide a comforting and satisfying texture. This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to suit your preferences. It’s also a perfect dish for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Offer a side of steamed green beans or asparagus for a healthy and colorful accompaniment.
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of the lasagna perfectly.
- For dessert, consider serving a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. The quality of the ham and cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of the lasagna.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles. They should be slightly firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese that has been drained and blended until smooth.
- For a richer flavor, use a homemade marinara sauce.
- To prevent the top from browning too quickly, loosely tent the lasagna with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Lasagna can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Lasagnes au Jambon et Fromage is a delectable and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory ham, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Buon appetito!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
A: While you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, I generally don’t recommend them for this particular recipe. Traditional lasagna noodles provide a better texture and are less prone to becoming mushy. If you choose to use no-boil noodles, be sure to increase the amount of marinara sauce slightly to ensure they are fully hydrated during baking. Also, layer them carefully to prevent any dry spots.
Q2: What kind of ham is best for this lasagna?
A: The best ham for this lasagna is a good quality smoked ham, such as Black Forest ham or a Virginia ham. These hams have a rich, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Avoid using overly processed or watery ham, as it can make the lasagna taste bland. Diced ham steaks also work very well and provide a nice, substantial texture.
Q3: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely! Lasagna freezes very well. To freeze, assemble the lasagna according to the recipe instructions, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. You can also bake it directly from frozen, but it will require significantly longer baking time (about 1.5-2 hours) and you should keep it covered with foil for most of that time to prevent the top from burning.
Q4: What if I don’t like ricotta cheese? Can I substitute something else?
A: If you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese. Drain the cottage cheese well to remove any excess moisture, then blend it in a food processor or blender until smooth. This will give it a similar consistency to ricotta cheese. Alternatively, you can use mascarpone cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
A: Certainly! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this lasagna and add extra nutrients. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Simply sauté the vegetables until tender before layering them into the lasagna. You can also add a layer of pesto for a burst of flavor.
