Name: Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 large sheets fresh lasagna pasta; 6 slices cooked ham; 50 grams onion, peeled and quartered; 50 grams unsalted butter; 55 grams plain flour; 600 grams semi-skimmed milk; 1 egg yolk; 0.5 teaspoon fine salt; 3 pinches ground black pepper; 3 pinches ground nutmeg; 140 grams grated Emmental cheese; 220 grams sliced raclette cheese or comparable melting cheese

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Here’s a delicious and comforting recipe for Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce that will warm your kitchen and delight your family!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 450
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fat: 23 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

This Ham & Cheese Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a heartfelt dish that brings comfort to the table. The layers of fresh pasta are nestled between rich, creamy Mornay sauce, gooey raclette cheese, and savory ham. This dish combines the delicious flavors of melted cheese and the slight sweetness of onion, creating a velvety texture that will make you crave each bite. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even as a dish to impress your friends, this lasagna is a classic with a modern twist that everyone will love!

How to Make Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Ingredients:

6 large sheets fresh lasagna pasta
6 slices cooked ham
50 grams onion, peeled and quartered
50 grams unsalted butter
55 grams plain flour
600 grams semi-skimmed milk
1 egg yolk
0.5 teaspoon fine salt
3 pinches ground black pepper
3 pinches ground nutmeg
140 grams grated Emmental cheese
220 grams sliced raclette cheese or comparable melting cheese

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Start by placing the peeled and quartered onion into a blender. Blend it briefly for about 2 seconds at speed 5, then use a spatula to scrape down the sides.

Step 2: Mixing

Now add the butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, fine salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the blender. Blend and cook for 8 minutes at 90°C on speed 4. You should end up with a smooth and thick Mornay sauce.

Step 3: Cooking

Next, stir in 100 grams of the grated Emmental cheese into the sauce and cook for another minute at 90°C on speed 4 until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Finishing

Butter a large gratin dish, and then spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the first layer of lasagna sheets into the dish, trimming them if necessary. Spread one quarter of the Mornay sauce over the pasta, add 2 slices of ham, and top with one third of the sliced raclette cheese. Layer on the pasta again, followed by one third of the remaining sauce, another 2 slices of ham, and more raclette cheese. Repeat this process for a third layer, using half the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and the final raclette cheese. Finish with a last layer of lasagna sheets, covering everything with the remaining Mornay sauce and sprinkling 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 200°C and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

How to Serve Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

This lasagna is best served hot right out of the oven, cut into generous squares. Pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. A glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon also makes a refreshing compliment.

How to Store Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes until hot throughout. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Be sure to use fresh lasagna sheets if possible; they make all the difference in texture!
You can substitute the raclette cheese with Gruyère or another melting cheese if needed.
For a lower-calorie version, consider using low-fat milk and reducing the amount of butter.
Experiment by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make the sauce in advance and assemble the lasagna right before baking for a quicker dinner.

Delicious Variations

Swap out the ham for cooked chicken or turkey for a delightful twist.
Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the layers for added richness and nutrients.
For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and intensify the flavors with more cheese and your favorite veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use dried lasagna noodles instead of fresh?
Yes, but you will need to cook them according to package instructions before layering.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes until heated evenly or microwave individual portions until hot.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! It freezes well; just wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I add more flavors?
You can include additional spices, fresh herbs, or even a layer of your favorite tomato sauce for an added kick!

Conclusion

Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with delight and satisfaction. With its creamy layers and rich flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will appreciate the effort you put into preparing this comfort food classic! Enjoy every delicious bite!