Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Greek-style lasagnas. It is often used in combination with other cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty, and mild flavour to the dish, making it a favourite among those who enjoy the taste of feta. While traditional lasagna recipes may not include feta cheese, it can be a delicious alternative or addition to the typical cheese choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese used in lasagna | Feta, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Cottage Cheese, Kefaloryri, Cheddar, Brick Cheese |
| Type of lasagna | Vegetarian, Vegetable, Mediterranean, Greek |
| Ingredients | Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Spinach, Basil, Cream Cheese, Eggplant, Zucchini, Artichoke Hearts, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic, Herbs, Meat |
| Recipe | Bake noodles, prepare sauce, layer noodles, sauce, vegetables, and cheese, bake |
| Baking time | 20-30 minutes covered, 5-15 minutes uncovered |
| Baking temperature | 350°F, 375°F |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese sauce
Ingredients
- Feta cheese
- Cream cheese
- Egg
- Basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
Method
Firstly, make the feta cheese sauce by adding the feta, cream cheese, egg, basil, salt and pepper to a food processor. Process until the mixture is evenly whipped together. Scrape the sauce into a bowl and set aside in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the lasagna.
Next, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop your chosen vegetables and heat some olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the vegetables on a low heat for around 15 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until you can smell the aroma. Then, add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, pepper and salt to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Then, layer lasagna noodles, followed by the feta cheese sauce, vegetables and a sprinkling of parmesan. Repeat this process, ending with a layer of pasta sauce and parmesan.
Finally, bake in the oven at 200°C for 20-30 minutes covered, and 5-10 minutes uncovered. The lasagna is ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
This feta cheese sauce can be adapted with different vegetables and herbs to create a variety of vegetarian lasagna recipes. For a spinach lasagna, simply add spinach to the sauce and season with nutmeg. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini.
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Feta and spinach lasagna
This recipe is perfect for feta cheese lovers. It's a simple and tasty dish that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed as a comforting vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Spinach fresh or frozen
- Lasagna noodles no-boil
- Tomato sauce jarred or homemade
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning (oregano, parsley)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Nutmeg (optional)
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350-375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add spinach in batches, cooking until wilted, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Set aside.
For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour, then gradually add half-and-half, whisking constantly to create a smooth and thickened sauce. Add salt and Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, feta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! Start by arranging a layer of lasagna noodles in the prepared baking dish. Spread a layer of the spinach mixture, followed by a layer of the ricotta-feta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of lasagna noodles.
Bake the lasagna for 20-30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy creation!
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Greek-style lasagna
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in vegetarian lasagna, where it can be used as a substitute for ricotta or cottage cheese. It can be crumbled and layered with sauce and noodles, or whipped with cream cheese, an egg, and basil, and used as a substitute for ricotta.
Pastitsio, or Pastichio, is a Greek-style lasagna. It is made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce. The meat sauce is typically made with beef, onions, garlic, tomato paste, wine, and spices such as cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with parmesan, nutmeg, and eggs. The béchamel sauce is made by melting butter, adding flour, and then slowly adding milk while whisking. The lasagna is then baked and served.
Some variations of the recipe include the addition of grated Kasseri cheese, which is similar to the cheese used in the flaming cheese dish saganaki, popular in Chicago Greek restaurants. Another variation includes the addition of crumbled feta cheese and shredded kefaloryri, as well as grilled eggplant and zucchini. This version is inspired by moussaka, another Greek dish.
Pastitsio can be prepared in advance and baked the next day, or it can be baked and then reheated before serving. It is a comforting and delicious dish that is sure to impress family and friends.
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Whipped feta
One popular use of whipped feta is as an ingredient in lasagna. Whipped feta can be used as a substitute for ricotta or cottage cheese in lasagna recipes, adding a creamier and saltier taste. It can be layered between the pasta sheets, vegetables, and sauce, creating a delicious and indulgent vegetarian lasagna.
Overall, whipped feta is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a crowd-pleaser and a secret weapon in any kitchen.
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Baked feta lasagna
Ingredients
- Feta cheese
- Lasagna noodles
- Tomato sauce
- Spinach
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g. zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onion)
- Basil
- Cream cheese
- Egg
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Artichoke hearts
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Method
Start by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop them and heat some olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the vegetables on low heat for about 15 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Next, add the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer this sauce for 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, prepare the whipped feta by combining the feta, cream cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Process until everything is evenly combined.
Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! In a medium baking dish (about 12 x 9 inches), spread 1-2 tablespoons of the tomato sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous amount of sauce and a sprinkle of feta and parmesan. Repeat this process, ending with a final layer of sauce and parmesan.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
You can also try a crockpot version of this recipe, which involves layering the ingredients in a crockpot and cooking until everything is melted and combined.
For a Mediterranean twist, add layers of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and zucchini to your lasagna.
If you want to reduce the amount of feta, you can replace it with extra ricotta, mozzarella, or another type of cheese.
To make the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious baked feta lasagna!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese can be used in lasagna. It is commonly used in vegetarian lasagna recipes, but can also be used in meat lasagna.
Crumbled feta cheese is commonly used in lasagna. You can also use whipped feta, which is made by blending feta with cream cheese, an egg, and basil.
Feta is often paired with parmesan in lasagna recipes. Other complementary cheeses include ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar.
There are many recipes for lasagna with feta, including Mediterranean, Greek, and vegetable-based options. These recipes often include ingredients like spinach, zucchini, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Your lasagna is cooked when the sauce/liquid around the edges is bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted. You can also insert a knife into the centre of the lasagna and check if the blade is warm.
