Randy Chandler
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has many variations, but the most common types of cheese used are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Some recipes call for the addition of other cheeses such as cottage cheese, gorgonzola, or cheddar, and some recipes replace the ricotta with a béchamel sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese types | 3-4 |
| Common cheese types | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta, Cottage Cheese |
| Other cheese types | Gruyère, Gorgonzola, Provolone, Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Béchamel |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella
Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese that is often used in lasagna to create a rich and creamy texture. It is a good base cheese that can be mixed with other ingredients to create a tasty filling. For example, one recipe suggests mixing ricotta with eggs, parmesan, oregano, and fresh basil to create a flavourful layer. Another recipe suggests mixing ricotta with sour cream to create a smooth, tangy filling.
Parmesan is a hard, nutty-flavoured cheese that is often grated and used in Italian dishes. It has a strong flavour and a distinctive salty taste, making it a popular choice for lasagna. Parmesan can be mixed with other cheeses or used on its own as a final topping.
Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that melts beautifully, making it a popular choice for lasagna. It is often shredded or sliced and layered between the pasta sheets. Mozzarella can also be used as a topping for lasagna, creating a golden, bubbly layer of cheese.
When making a lasagna with these three cheeses, it is important to create layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. A typical lasagna will have at least three layers, but you can add more layers depending on the size of your dish. Start with a layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of your baking dish, followed by pasta sheets, ricotta mixture, pasta sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of pasta, sauce, and mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake until hot and bubbly.
You can also add other ingredients to your lasagna, such as ground beef or Italian sausage, to create a heartier dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of pasta sauce, such as a simple marinara or a more complex Bolognese sauce.
Cheese Conundrum: Do All Cow's Milk Cheeses Trigger Lactose Intolerance?
You may want to see also
Gruyère, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola
Gruyère
Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that is named after the town of Gruyères in Fribourg. It is often described as having a sweet and slightly salty flavour that becomes more assertive, earthy, and complex as it matures. Gruyère is a good melting cheese, making it suitable for dishes such as fondue. It is also used in French onion soup and is a popular choice for baking due to its distinctive yet not overpowering taste.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese that originated in southern Italy. It is prepared with cow's milk or buffalo milk. Fresh mozzarella is typically white, but it can also be yellow or brown due to the enzyme R110. It is used in various dishes, including pizza, pasta, and Caprese salad. Mozzarella is also available smoked.
Parmesan
Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) is an Italian hard, granular cheese produced from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It is a versatile cheese that can be grated, shaved, or melted and is commonly used in pasta dishes, soups, risottos, and salads. Parmesan is often referred to as the "king of cheeses" and is known for its strong umami taste.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a pungent Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk. It is available in two primary variations: Dolce, which has a more delicate flavour and buttery consistency, and Piccante, which has a more pungent flavour and firm, crumbly texture. Gorgonzola is a versatile cheese that can be added to salads, used as a topping for steak, or melted into dishes such as risotto and gnocchi.
Breakfast Pizza: Best Cheeses to Start Your Day
You may want to see also
Cottage Cheese vs. Ricotta
While both cottage cheese and ricotta are popular fresh cheeses, there are some differences between them.
How They Are Made
Cottage cheese is made from the milk solids component of coagulated milk. The curds are processed to remove the liquid whey, then compacted, pressed, rinsed, and salted. Ricotta, on the other hand, is made from the liquid whey left over from the production of hard cheeses. The whey is reheated or has an additional acid added to it, causing it to coagulate into liquid whey and solids. These solids are then strained and pressed to create ricotta.
Nutritional Differences
Cottage cheese is typically lower in calories than ricotta, and it is higher in protein. It is also higher in sodium, while ricotta contains more calcium and potassium.
Texture and Taste
Cottage cheese has a lumpier texture due to its larger curds, while ricotta is traditionally smoother. However, some brands of cottage cheese do make smaller curd products. In terms of taste, both cheeses have a mild flavour, although ricotta is slightly sweeter and cottage cheese is a bit saltier.
Use in Recipes
Ricotta's smoother texture makes it a good choice for toasts, lasagnes, and dips. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, can add an interesting texture to salads, snacks, and pastas. However, the two cheeses are often interchangeable in recipes. For example, cottage cheese can be used in lasagna if it is drained first, and ricotta can be used in pancakes if it is blended first to achieve a smoother texture.
Cheese and Salad: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to layer a lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can be layered in several ways, depending on personal preference. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to layer a delicious lasagna:
Firstly, prepare the lasagna noodles by cooking them according to the package instructions. It is recommended to cook them until they are almost al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles and place them on an oiled baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
Next, prepare the sauce. For a simple tomato-based sauce, you can use a good-quality store-bought pasta sauce or make your own by cooking garlic, onion, and other desired vegetables in olive oil before adding crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. For a béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and whisk until it forms a paste, then slowly add warm milk, stirring constantly until a thick and creamy sauce forms. You can also add aromatics such as shallots and garlic to the béchamel sauce for extra flavour.
Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the first layer of pasta from sticking. Then, follow these steps:
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles lengthwise, slightly overlapping, to cover the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with a layer of sauce, then a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
For a meat lasagna, you can add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers of sauce and cheese. If you're using béchamel sauce, you can also mix in some Parmesan cheese.
Once you've finished layering, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350-375°F for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Finally, let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy lasagna!
Cheese Dip Beer Pairing: The Perfect Match
You may want to see also
How to store leftover lasagna
Lasagna is a great dish to make when you want to enjoy the fruits of your labour for more than one meal. It's a make-ahead meal favourite, and for good reason! Here are some tips on how to store leftover lasagna:
Storing in the Fridge
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To prevent it from drying out, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container. If you're using a disposable baking dish, you can simply wrap the entire thing in plastic wrap and then foil.
Storing in the Freezer
If you want to keep your lasagna for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months. It's best to freeze lasagna after it's been assembled but before it's been baked, as this will help maintain the texture of the cheese and noodles. However, if you've already baked your lasagna, don't worry—it can still be frozen! Just know that the texture might be a little different after reheating.
To freeze lasagna, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent air from reaching the lasagna and causing freezer burn. If you've already baked the lasagna, you can cut it into individual servings and wrap and store them in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
Reheating Tips
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen lasagna, remove it from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350-375°F. Remove the plastic wrap and foil, cover the top with new foil, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until heated through. If you're reheating individual portions, this should take about 30 minutes.
To get that cheese bubbling and browning, remove the foil and place the lasagna back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. You'll know your lasagna is ready when it's bubbly and sizzling along the sides, and the cheese in the centre is melted and slightly bubbly.
Bon appétit!
Cheese Choice for Flautas: Melty, Stringy, or Sharp?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most common types of cheese used in lasagna are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Some other types of cheese that can be used in lasagna include cottage cheese, Gruyère, gorgonzola, provolone, and cheddar.
It is not recommended to use pre-shredded cheese in lasagna as it doesn't melt as well and has a different taste due to added preservatives.
For a classic lasagna, a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan is typically used.
Yes, ricotta and cottage cheese can be substituted for each other in lasagna recipes.
