Kamil Perry
Goat cheese lasagna is a unique twist on the traditional lasagna, with a creamy and rich flavor. However, if you're looking for a substitute for goat cheese in your lasagna recipe, there are a few options to consider. One option is to use a combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, which can be layered with the pasta and sauce in a similar way as goat cheese. Another option is to use a dairy-free cheese substitute, especially if lactose intolerance is a concern. You can also experiment with different types of meat or vegetables, such as Italian sausage, spinach, or mushrooms, to complement the cheese and create a hearty and flavorful lasagna.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes for goat cheese in lasagna | Cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, or Romano |
| Goat cheese lasagna ingredients | Goat cheese, spinach, ricotta, basil, oregano, black pepper, egg, lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, Parmesan or Romano cheese |
| Other ingredients | Sausage, mushrooms, garlic, shallots, flour, milk, thyme, salt |
| Baking instructions | Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375°F, then broil for 4-5 minutes or bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving |
| Make-ahead instructions | Lasagna can be assembled and refrigerated 1 day in advance. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan/romano cheese
Ricotta is a soft, mild-flavoured Italian cheese with a slightly grainy texture. It is commonly used in lasagna and other baked pasta dishes due to its creamy texture and subtle flavour, which complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. When substituting ricotta for goat cheese, consider adding some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to enhance its flavour.
Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, milky flavour and a stretchy, stringy texture when melted. It is a popular choice for lasagna because of its excellent melting properties and its ability to bind the other ingredients together. When used in place of goat cheese, mozzarella can provide a similar creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
Parmesan and romano cheeses are hard, aged cheeses with a strong, savoury flavour. They are often grated or shredded and sprinkled on top of lasagna to add a salty, nutty flavour and a crispy texture. When substituting parmesan or romano for goat cheese, it is important to note that these cheeses have a more intense flavour, so a smaller amount can go a long way.
When substituting any of these cheeses for goat cheese in a lasagna recipe, it is important to consider the desired flavour profile and texture of the final dish. Each cheese has its own unique characteristics, and combining them in different proportions can create a variety of tasty lasagna variations. Experimenting with different combinations of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan/romano cheese can lead to delicious results, ensuring that your lasagna is always flavourful and satisfying.
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Spinach and mushrooms
If you're looking for a vegetarian substitute for goat cheese in lasagna, spinach and mushrooms are a great option. This combination can add a hearty texture and a boost of flavour to your dish. Here's a recipe for Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna that serves as a delicious alternative to traditional lasagna:
Ingredients:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Oil
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Flour
- Milk
- Thyme
- Salt and Pepper
- Lasagna Noodles
- Tomato Sauce (or Marinara Sauce)
- Mozzarella
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Basil
- Lemon Zest
Method:
- Combine the spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta in a bowl. You can also add herbs like basil and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in an egg until the mixture is well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a dry saute pan, cook the mushrooms and spinach over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Add oil, shallots, and garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the mushrooms are coated. Then, stir in the milk.
- Grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
- Add a layer of the spinach, mushroom, and cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the tomato sauce, followed by noodles, and then the cheese mixture.
- Top the final layer with crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
- Scatter mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses over the surface. Add basil and lemon zest for extra flavour.
- Cover the pan with aluminium foil and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil for 4-5 minutes or bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is browned.
- Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, butternut squash, eggplant, or zucchini. You can also try different types of cheese, like ricotta or Parmesan, to create a unique and tasty vegetarian lasagna.
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Sausage or ground meat
Sausage and ground meat are popular ingredients in lasagna, and can be used in place of goat cheese to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
When using sausage or ground meat, you can choose from a variety of options, including Italian sausage, ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, or a combination of these meats. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, such as sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference for spice. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can even use meatless sausage substitutes, which can be a great alternative to satisfy both vegetarian and meat-eating guests.
To prepare the meat for your lasagna, start by browning the sausage and ground meat in a pan. Break the meat into bite-sized pieces or crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through and browned, you can add other ingredients such as onions, carrots, and garlic to enhance the flavor. For an extra kick, you can also add spices like red pepper flakes and fennel.
After browning the meat, you can create a delicious meat sauce by adding tomatoes and herbs. Simmer the meat, tomatoes, and herbs for an extended period to develop a rich and flavorful sauce. You can use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste as a base, and add spices like basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds to create a well-rounded and aromatic sauce.
Once your meat sauce is prepared, you can assemble your lasagna by layering the sauce with lasagna noodles, cheese, and other ingredients of your choice. For a creamy texture, you can use ricotta cheese or a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan. Don't forget to let your lasagna rest after baking so that it holds together perfectly when sliced!
By using sausage or ground meat in place of goat cheese, you can create a hearty and flavorful lasagna that satisfies your taste buds and your hunger. Experiment with different types of meat and spices to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal!
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Fresh herbs
When choosing fresh herbs as a substitute, opt for those that pair well with the other ingredients in your lasagna. For example, if your lasagna includes tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and thyme would be excellent choices as they complement the tomato's acidity. If you're using a creamy sauce, consider herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon, which can cut through the richness of the dish.
You can also experiment with a variety of fresh herbs to create unique flavour profiles. For instance, a combination of basil, oregano, and rosemary can lend a Mediterranean flair to your lasagna. Alternatively, try mixing parsley, thyme, and a hint of sage for a more subtle, earthy flavour.
When adding fresh herbs to your lasagna, chop them finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dish. You can also infuse the herbs into your sauce by adding them while it simmers, which will enhance the flavour of the sauce itself. Additionally, consider blending the herbs with a small amount of olive oil to create a herb-infused oil that can be drizzled over the lasagna before serving, adding a fresh burst of flavour to each bite.
Remember, the key to using fresh herbs as a substitute for goat cheese is to be creative and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavour profile for your taste preferences.
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Marinara sauce
Goat cheese lasagna is a delicious alternative to the traditional recipe. It is rich and creamy, with a unique tangy flavour. If you're looking to make this dish but want to substitute the goat cheese, you can try using a different type of cheese or a vegetarian option.
One option is to use a combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, which will create a similar creamy texture. You can also add some Parmesan or Romano cheese to the top of the lasagna for extra flavour. Another option is to make a spinach and ricotta lasagna, which is a classic vegetarian choice.
Now, let's talk about the marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that is commonly used in pasta dishes, including lasagna. It is easy to make and can be customised to your taste preferences. Here is a basic recipe for marinara sauce that you can use as a starting point:
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Tomato paste
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sugar (optional)
- Bay leaf (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onion, garlic, and, if using, any other vegetables such as carrot or celery. Fresh basil should also be chopped, but you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, which should take around 2 minutes. Then, add the garlic and any other vegetables and cook for a further minute or two, stirring frequently.
- Next, add the tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you may want to blend them into a smooth purée first. Canned tomatoes are a convenient option and San Marzano tomatoes are particularly recommended for their flavour.
- Add the tomato paste, along with the herbs and spices: basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavour. You can also add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers and remove it before serving for a subtle herbal note.
- For a spicier sauce, add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with other ingredients like parsley, carrot, celery, fennel, or red wine to enhance the flavour of your marinara sauce.
This basic marinara sauce is a great starting point, and you can adjust the recipe to your liking. It freezes well, so you can make a large batch and save some for future use. Enjoy creating your lasagna!
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few substitutes for goat cheese in lasagna. If you are looking for a non-dairy option, you can use dairy-free Parmesan cheese. If you are looking for a dairy option, you can use ricotta cheese, which is a soft Italian cheese with a similar texture and taste to goat cheese.
Goat cheese has a very distinct, tangy taste and is not to everyone's liking. It is also lower in lactose, which may be a concern for some.
There are many lasagna recipes that don't include goat cheese. You can make a traditional lasagna with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, or a vegetable lasagna with spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese.
When making lasagna with goat cheese, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to complement the tangy flavor of the cheese. You can also try adding meat such as Italian sausage, or vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
