Lasagna's Best Cheese: Mozzarella, Ricotta, And More!

Lasagna is a classic dish that can be made in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. While there is no single best cheese for lasagna, the choice of cheese can significantly impact the dish's overall flavour, texture, and creaminess. The most commonly used cheeses in lasagna are mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and provolone. However, other cheeses such as fontina, Romano, mascarpone, and cottage cheese can also be used to add unique flavours and textures. The key to finding the best cheese combination for lasagna is to experiment with different types and adjust the quantities to personal preference.

Mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan

When making a lasagna, you can use a combination of these three cheeses throughout the layers, or you could use just one or two of them, depending on your taste preferences. For example, you could make a béchamel sauce and add parmesan to it, or you could layer béchamel with mozzarella.

Ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella

Ricotta is a staple in lasagna, providing a creamy texture and a classic base for the filling. It blends well with other cheeses and is mild enough in flavour to complement rather than overwhelm. Its creamy texture is a perfect contrast to the other textures in a lasagna.

Parmesan is a salty, savoury cheese that adds a sharp flavour to the dish. It is a hard cheese, so it provides a nice textural contrast to the softer, creamier cheeses and the other ingredients. It is also a classic Italian cheese, so it is a natural choice for an Italian dish like lasagna.

Mozzarella is an essential addition to lasagna as it provides that all-important gooey, melty texture. It is mild in flavour, so it won't overwhelm the other ingredients, but its excellent melting qualities make it a key component.

These three cheeses work well together and with other ingredients to create a rich, flavourful, and texturally interesting lasagna. The combination of creamy, salty, and savoury, along with the gooey, melty texture, makes for a delicious and indulgent meal.

Béchamel sauce and a little cheese

Béchamel sauce is a popular alternative to a cheese filling in lasagna. It can be used on its own or with a little cheese for a lighter option.

Béchamel is a creamy, savoury sauce made from butter, flour and milk. It is a classic French sauce and is also used in other dishes such as macaroni cheese. For lasagna, it is usually combined with a small amount of cheese, such as parmesan, to add flavour.

When making a lasagna with béchamel sauce, you can assemble it in the same way as you would with a cheese filling. Simply substitute the cheese layer with béchamel. You can also add other ingredients to the béchamel, such as nutmeg, for extra flavour.

If you want to include a small amount of cheese with your béchamel, there are several options that work well. Parmesan is a good choice, as it has a strong, salty flavour that will complement the béchamel. You could also try a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, asiago, and either parmesan or pecorino romano. These cheeses will melt well and create a creamy texture.

When assembling your lasagna, start by spreading a layer of béchamel sauce (and cheese, if using) on the base of your baking dish. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by your chosen filling (such as meat or vegetables). Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of béchamel (and cheese) to create a golden, crispy top.

Béchamel sauce is a delicious alternative to a cheese filling in lasagna, offering a lighter and more savoury option. By including a small amount of cheese, you can still enjoy the stretchy, melted texture that makes lasagna so comforting and indulgent.

Cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan

Cottage cheese has a similar texture to ricotta, which is a classic base for lasagna. It is a great option for those who are not big fans of ricotta but still want that creamy texture. Cottage cheese is also a good substitute for those who are looking for a more economical option, as it is usually cheaper than ricotta.

Mozzarella is a must-have for lasagna as it creates a gooey and melty texture. It is known for its excellent melting qualities, and when paired with provolone, it adds a mild taste to the dish. Mozzarella is also a versatile cheese that can be purchased in different forms, such as fresh or shredded, to suit your preference.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, adds a salty and savoury flavour to the lasagna. It is a key ingredient that provides a sharp taste to the dish. If you are looking for a similar flavour profile but want to explore other options, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes for parmesan.

The combination of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan will create a well-balanced lasagna with the perfect blend of creaminess, flavour, and texture. These cheeses complement each other and create a harmonious taste that will make your lasagna a true delight.

Ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan

Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese with a mild and creamy profile. It is a staple in lasagna and acts as the perfect base for a lasagna filling. Its creamy texture and mild flavour complement the other cheeses and ingredients in the dish.

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, fresh cheese that is essential for a gooey, melty, and stretchy result. It is a key component in achieving the desired creaminess and cheesiness of the lasagna.

Parmesan, on the other hand, provides a salty, savoury flavour. It is a hard cheese that adds a sharp, salty contrast to the other cheeses. It is also commonly used to sprinkle on top of the lasagna for added flavour and texture.

Provolone, although not part of the classic trifecta, is a great addition to enhance the richness of your lasagna. Originating in Southern Italy, it is a semi-hard, aged cow's milk cheese with two varieties: dolce (sweet) and piccante (sharp or spicy). Provolone slices, shreds, and melts easily, making it a versatile cheese for lasagna. It can be used as a substitute for mozzarella or incorporated into the original recipe. Its nutty, sweet, and smoky notes elevate the dish, especially when paired with cured ham, ground meat, and tomatoes.

When assembling your lasagna, you can layer the cheeses in various ways. You can mix provolone and mozzarella together and add them to the ricotta mixture. Alternatively, create a four-cheese lasagna by using provolone in addition to the standard cheese types. For a melty, bubbly top layer, use provolone or a mix of provolone and mozzarella.

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