Lasagna with Ham and Cheese

For those times when unexpected guests ring the doorbell or when you just want a comforting meal with familiar flavors this creamy lasagna with ham and cheese comes together in under an hour and never fails to please both grownups and kids alike The gentle French twist makes it a perfect way to bring out-of-the-pantry staples and leftover cheeses into something elegant yet easy

When I first served this lasagna at a casual weeknight get together it disappeared before I could even set down the salad and my friends immediately texted for the recipe

Ingredients

• Fresh lasagna sheets: Fresh pasta cooks quickly and soaks in the flavors better If using dry cook as directed before assembling
• Ham slices: Adds a smoky salty depth Use the best quality ham you can find for bigger flavor
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic provides a foundation for the sauce Look for firm heavy onions with no green shoots
• Butter: Gives richness to the Mornay sauce and encourages that golden top Choose European style or high-fat for the best mouthfeel
• Flour: Allows the sauce to thicken and become silky smooth Make sure to use all-purpose and measure accurately
• Semi-skimmed milk: Strikes the right creamy but light balance Whole milk will make it even creamier if preferred
• Egg yolk: Lends extra richness to the sauce Opt for large fresh eggs
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Adjust to your taste and use freshly ground pepper for more depth
• Nutmeg: A few pinches make all the difference Freshly ground if you can for that subtle warmth
• Emmental cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a gentle nutty note Buy a block and grate yourself for best melt
• Raclette or other melty cheeses: Layers of flavor and creaminess Gouda comté reblochon or cheddar all shine in this mix Pick a cheese that is rich and creamy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

Blend peeled and quartered onion in a blender for just a flash time enough to finely chop Use a spatula to scrape all the bits down from the sides so nothing is wasted

Make the Sauce:

Combine butter flour milk egg yolk salt pepper and nutmeg in the same blender or food processor Heat gently until thickened and bubbling about eight minutes Take care not to overcook so your sauce stays lump-free

Incorporate the Emmental:

Stir the grated Emmental cheese into the hot sauce letting it melt fully in another minute of stirring until glossy and smooth

Assemble the Lasagna:

Butter your baking or gratin dish well so the first layer does not stick Add a spoonful of sauce over the base then cover with a layer of lasagna sheets adjusting the fit as needed

Layer and Build:

Spread a quarter of the cheese sauce over your pasta Top with two slices of ham and a third of the raclette or chosen cheese Repeat these layers adding another layer of pasta and sauce more ham and cheese and do this twice more until all ingredients are used

Finish and Top:

Top with a last layer of pasta and pour on all remaining sauce ensuring even coverage Sprinkle generously with the rest of the Emmental for a golden top

Bake to Perfection:

Heat oven to two hundred degrees Celsius using fan mode Set your dish in the center and bake twenty minutes until bubbling and gorgeously brown on top

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One of my favorite tricks is using raclette cheese for its oozy melt and nostalgic alpine flavor My kids love the way the cheesy top gets browned and bubbly and it always brings everyone to the kitchen just as it comes out of the oven

Storage Tips

Once baked let the lasagna cool before covering tightly and storing in the fridge for up to three days It reheats nicely in a moderate oven covered until thoroughly warmed through For longer storage cut into portions wrap well and freeze for up to two months for those nights when only lasagna will do

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for ham if you want a lighter result Any melty cheese works beautifully so experiment with gouda cheddar or even mozzarella A touch of spinach between layers adds a hidden veg boost and a bit of color

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna loves a crisp green salad on the side or a bunch of roasted vegetables A little dollop of zesty Dijon mustard takes the flavors to another level Serve it family style straight from the dish for that casual French farmhouse feeling

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Cultural Context

Ham and cheese lasagna is a playful nod to French comfort food classics like croque monsieur and gratins It is an easy way to celebrate the melting pot of French cheeses and to bring people together around a dish that feels both fancy and homey

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to substitute raclette with gouda, reblochon, comté, beaufort, or cheddar to tailor the flavor and texture.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake before serving to bring out the best flavor and texture.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a golden top?

Sprinkle Emmental cheese generously over the final layer and bake at 200°C with fan assist until bubbly and golden brown.

→ Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, replace the fresh lasagna sheets with your preferred gluten-free pasta sheets for a suitable alternative.

→ Which side dishes pair well with this?

This meal pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or light steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout before serving.