Lasagna's Cheesy Affair: Perfect Combinations For Your Dish

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has been adapted in various ways across the world. The cheeses used in a lasagna can vary depending on the type of lasagna being made, and personal preference. Traditional Italian lasagna typically includes Parmigiano Reggiano, while other types may include cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, Romano, mascarpone, cottage cheese, fontina, or even béchamel sauce.

Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, mascarpone, and fontina

Ricotta is a staple in lasagna, and when combined with mascarpone, it creates a rich, creamy layer that perfectly complements the sauce and noodles. Parmesan provides a salty, savoury flavour, and mozzarella is essential for a gooey, melty result. Fontina is another cheese that melts beautifully and has a mild taste.

When making lasagna, you can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or replace some mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone, or cheddar. For a vegan option, you can make plant-based ricotta with tofu.

Provolone, Romano, Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella

Provolone

Provolone is a mild-tasting Italian cheese that pairs well with other cheeses in lasagna. It has excellent melting qualities, contributing to the dish's creaminess and gooey texture. Provolone can also be used as a substitute for mozzarella, providing a similar stretchy, melty consistency.

Romano

Romano, specifically Pecorino Romano, is a salty and sharp-tasting cheese that adds a savoury flavour to lasagna. It is often grated and sprinkled on top of the dish or mixed with other cheeses in the filling. Romano enhances the overall flavour profile of the lasagna.

Parmesan

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a classic Italian cheese that is widely used in lasagna. It provides a salty, savoury flavour that complements the other cheeses. Parmesan is usually grated and sprinkled throughout the layers of the lasagna or used as a topping. It adds a rich, umami flavour to the dish.

Ricotta

Ricotta is considered a staple cheese in traditional lasagna recipes. It has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste. Ricotta is often mixed with other ingredients, such as eggs and herbs, to create a smooth and luscious filling for the lasagna. This cheese helps bind the other ingredients and creates a creamy texture.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is an essential cheese for lasagna, known for its stretchy, melty consistency. It is the key to achieving that gooey, cheesy texture that is characteristic of a good lasagna. Mozzarella is typically shredded or torn into pieces and layered throughout the dish. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savoury element to the lasagna.

Cottage cheese instead of ricotta

Cottage cheese is a common substitute for ricotta in lasagna, and some people even prefer it. It is often used in the Midwest, where it is more readily available and affordable than ricotta. The two cheeses have similar textures, but cottage cheese is less creamy and indulgent, with a milder taste and a lumpier texture. It is also already seasoned with salt, so you may want to adjust your recipe accordingly.

If you are substituting cottage cheese for ricotta in a lasagna recipe, you can use a 1:1 ratio. It is best to use full-fat cottage cheese, as low-fat varieties can make the lasagna watery. You may also want to add some extra seasoning, such as pepper, dried herbs, and crushed red pepper.

Some people like to blend cottage cheese with ricotta for lasagna, to get the best of both cheeses. This can be a good option if you are new to using cottage cheese in lasagna, or if you are cooking for a group and want to stick to more familiar flavours.

Cheddar, provolone, or fontina instead of mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for lasagna due to its stringy, chewy texture and mild taste. However, if you're looking for a change or don't have mozzarella on hand, there are several suitable alternatives. Here are some options:

Cheddar

Cheddar, particularly white cheddar, can be a great substitute for mozzarella in lasagna. White cheddar has a milder flavour than aged cheddar, making it a good option if you want a slightly less intense taste. It melts quickly, similar to mozzarella, but be careful as it burns more easily. White cheddar is widely available in grocery stores and will give your lasagna a unique flavour.

Provolone

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a sweet and mild taste, similar to mozzarella. It has a stronger aroma, adding a distinct flavour profile to your lasagna. Provolone melts beautifully and gets stringy when melted, creating the perfect cheese pull. It has a smoother texture than mozzarella and is less salty, so feel free to add a bit more to your dish.

Fontina

Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a subtle, slightly nutty and creamy flavour. Its taste is more complex than the mild and milky flavour of mozzarella. Fontina melts easily and is excellent for dishes that call for melted cheese, such as lasagna. It has a semi-soft texture, similar to mozzarella, and will give your lasagna a unique, decadent twist.

Other Options

In addition to the three cheeses mentioned above, there are a few other suitable substitutes for mozzarella in lasagna:

• Bel Paese: An Italian semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery-sweet flavour.
• Gouda: A semi-hard cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour.
• Monterey Jack: A semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery profile similar to mild cheddar.
• Ricotta: A soft and grainy cheese with a mild, creamy taste. It doesn't melt as well as mozzarella but is a versatile option for lasagna.

No cheese at all

Lasagna is a classic dish that is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce. However, for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply not a fan of cheese, there are ways to make a delicious lasagna without any cheese at all! Here are some tips and tricks for creating a mouth-watering lasagna that skips the cheese:

Choose Your Noodles

Start by selecting the type of lasagna noodles you want to use. You can opt for traditional lasagna noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even make your own from scratch. If you choose dried noodles, be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before assembling your lasagna. For a unique twist, you can also use zucchini or eggplant slices as a substitute for the noodles, adding a fresh and healthy twist to your dish.

Create a Hearty Sauce

The key to a delicious cheeseless lasagna is in the sauce. You can make your own tomato sauce from scratch, using crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and spices like basil, oregano, and garlic. If you're short on time, you can also use a jarred marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce. To make your sauce extra hearty and flavorful, sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic, then add in your choice of ground meat such as turkey, beef, chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Layer Your Lasagna

Now it's time to assemble your lasagna! In a rectangular baking dish, start by spreading a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by your choice of fillings. You can use the sautéed veggies, meat, or a combination of both. Repeat these layers, ending with a final layer of noodles and sauce on top.

Baking Your Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake your lasagna for around 20-45 minutes, depending on the size of your dish. If you like a crispy edge on your lasagna, you can bake it for a few extra minutes. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Your cheeseless lasagna is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is so flavorful and satisfying that it can be served on its own. However, if you'd like some sides, a loaf of fresh French bread or a mixed garden salad would pair nicely. For dessert, why not try some No-Added-Sugar Chocolate Pudding?

Frequently asked questions