Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Looking to whip up a delicious meal without breaking a sweat? Look no further than this recipe for Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna. A cozy pan of cheesy, creamy goodness that promises to bring smiles to the whole table, this dish is a true classic that never fails to impress.

Picture this: layers of pre-cooked ham and melty cheese nestled between sheets of fresh lasagna pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Pure comfort in every bite. This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect choice for lazy Sundays or special gatherings with loved ones.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a breeze to make. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready in no time. So why wait? Treat yourself to a slice of happiness with this Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna—it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Quick Benefits

• Easy to make with simple ingredients found in most kitchens
• Perfect comfort food for lazy Sundays or cozy nights in
• Versatile – can be customized with different cheeses and protein options
• Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily for up to three days

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Effortless and quick to make: With pre-cooked ham and fresh lasagna pasta sheets, this recipe comes together easily for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comforting and cozy: The cheesy, creamy layers of this ham cheese lasagna bring pure happiness and warmth to the table, making it perfect for lazy Sundays or family gatherings.
• Kid-friendly: Kids will love helping out with the cheese-sprinkling and enjoy the stretchy, melty goodness of the raclette and Emmental cheeses in this dish.
• Versatile and customizable: You can swap ingredients like the type of cheese or meat to suit your preferences, making it easy to adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or personal taste.
• Great for leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and easily reheated for a quick and delicious meal later in the week.
• Perfect for sharing: This dish is ideal for sharing with loved ones, bringing people together over a hearty and flavorful meal that feels special and comforting.
• Pairs well with other dishes: Serve this lasagna with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a complete and satisfying meal that will impress friends and family.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Pasta & Ham

• 6 big sheets of fresh lasagna pasta
• 6 slices of pre-cooked ham

Mornay Sauce

• 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 50 grams onion, peeled and quartered
• 50 grams unsalted butter
• 3 pinches ground nutmeg
• 3 pinches ground black pepper
• 55 grams plain flour
• 600 grams semi-skimmed milk

Cheese

• 140 grams grated Emmental cheese
• 220 grams sliced raclette cheese or any similar melty cheese

Pro Tips for Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For extra convenience, use pre-cooked ham slices and fresh lasagna pasta sheets to save time and effort. If using dried pasta, be sure to cook it al dente before assembling the lasagna.

Pro Tip 2: To make a creamy Mornay sauce, whisk together butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, and Emmental cheese. This cheesy sauce adds richness and flavor to the lasagna layers.

Pro Tip 3: Keep the lasagna moist and gooey by covering the dish with foil at the beginning of baking, then remove it towards the end to achieve a crispy, golden top. Feel free to prepare the lasagna ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it whenever you’re ready for a hassle-free meal.

How to Make Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake the dish for around 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Final Assembly

Layer lasagna sheets, top with remaining Mornay sauce, and sprinkle with remaining 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese.

Step 3: Create Second and Third Layers

Proceed with a third layer using more lasagna, the majority of the remaining sauce, 2 additional ham slices, and the remaining raclette. Start by creating the second layer with pasta, one-third of the remaining sauce, 2 ham slices, and more raclette.

Step 4: Assemble First Layer

Begin by placing a sheet of pasta on a flat surface. Spread one fourth of the sauce onto the pasta sheet, then add two slices of ham and a portion of raclette cheese.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Add 100 grams of grated Emmental cheese to the sauce and cook for an additional minute at 90°C, speed 4, until melted.

Step 7: Cook Mornay Sauce Base

Combine butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper in a blender. Cook at 90°C on speed 4 for 8 minutes until a thick, smooth mixture forms.

Step 8: Prepare Onion

Process quartered, peeled onion in a food processor on speed 5 for 2 seconds, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna, pack any leftovers tightly in a lidded container and store them in the refrigerator. The lasagna will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, warm the lasagna gently in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave a serving with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

If you cannot find raclette cheese, feel free to substitute it with other melty cheeses like comté, cheddar, gouda, or emmental. Additionally, if using dried lasagna pasta instead of fresh, be sure to cook it to al dente before assembling the dish. The lasagna can also be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake it, making it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining guests. Enjoy this cozy and indulgent dish alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread, complemented by a refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade or a glass of dry white wine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some ingredient substitutions for this ham and cheese lasagna recipe, there are a few options to consider. For the cheese component, if you can’t find raclette, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like gouda, cheddar, comté, reblochon, or emmental. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so choose one that suits your taste preferences or what you have available.

If you prefer a lighter taste or are looking to switch up the protein, you can substitute the pre-cooked ham with smoked turkey. This swap will give the lasagna a different flavor profile while still maintaining the hearty and comforting essence of the dish.

Lastly, if fresh lasagna pasta sheets are not accessible, you can use dried lasagna pasta instead. Just be sure to cook the dried pasta to al dente before layering it in the dish to ensure it cooks properly in the oven. Making these simple ingredient substitutions can help you customize the lasagna to your liking while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving idea, try setting up a DIY lasagna bar for your guests. Lay out the pre-cooked ham, fresh lasagna sheets, sliced raclette cheese, Emmental cheese, and all the seasonings in separate bowls. Let everyone assemble their own individual mini lasagnas by layering the ingredients in small ramekins. Bake them to bubbly perfection and watch the smiles as each person enjoys their personalized creation.

To take your Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna to the next level, consider serving it in individual fondue pots. Layer the lasagna ingredients in the pots and bake until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Guests can dip in with breadsticks, roasted vegetables, or even more ham for a cozy and communal dining experience. The individual pots make for a charming presentation and add a touch of elegance to the dish.

FAQs for Cheesy Ham Lasagna: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can try gouda, beaufort, cheddar, comté, reblochon, or emmental to add different flavors to your lasagna.

Can I use dried lasagna pasta instead of fresh?

If you only have dried lasagna pasta, make sure to cook them first until they are soft before using them in the recipe.

What is the difference between Mornay sauce and béchamel sauce?

Mornay sauce is essentially a béchamel sauce with cheese mixed in. For this recipe, the Mornay sauce includes butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, and melty Emmental cheese.

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it whenever you are ready to enjoy it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food that brings smiles and warmth to the table with its creamy, cheesy layers of goodness. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday indulgence or a dish to impress guests, this recipe never fails to deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

Don’t hesitate to customize your Effortless Ham Cheese Lasagna with different cheeses or protein options to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, layer them with love, and enjoy the delicious rewards of this classic dish.