Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Introduction to Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Let me tell you, there’s something magical about a warm, cheesy dish straight from the oven on a busy weeknight. This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce is like a comforting hug for the soul. Perfectly layered with fresh pasta, luscious sauce, and mouthwatering ham, it’s a delightful solution for those hectic days. Whether you’re gathering your loved ones for a cozy meal or seeking a quick dinner that feels indulgent, this recipe is your go-to companion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to keep it off your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce checks all the boxes for busy moms and professionals. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. The creamy Mornay sauce offers a rich flavor that your family will adore. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for using up leftovers or transforming into a kid-friendly dinner. You’ll savor every bite without feeling overwhelmed or tied to the kitchen.

Ingredients for Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this warm, cheesy masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh lasagna pasta: A must for that delightful texture. It cooks beautifully and absorbs sauce flavors like a dream.
• Cooked ham: Adds that savory layer that’s simply irresistible. Feel free to use leftovers or any deli ham you enjoy.
• Onion: This little gem adds depth to the Mornay sauce. Blending it mellows the flavor while keeping it rich.
• Unsalted butter: The base for our creamy sauce! It helps create a luscious texture without any added saltiness.
• Plain flour: Essential for thickening our Mornay sauce, giving it that heavenly creamy consistency.
• Semi-skimmed milk: A lighter choice that still brings a creamy feel. You could swap this for whole milk if you prefer.
• Egg yolk: This enriches the sauce and adds a lovely silkiness, making each bite truly decadent.
• Fine salt: Just a pinch to bring out all those mouthwatering flavors. Remember, a little goes a long way!
• Ground black pepper: A basic seasoning that’s essential for bringing warmth and subtle spice to the dish.
• Ground nutmeg: A surprising but delightful twist! It enhances the creamy sauce, giving it a warm and inviting aroma.
• Grated Emmental cheese: Smooth and nutty, this cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for layering.
• Sliced raclette cheese: This cheese has a fantastic melting quality, which adds richness. You could also use mozzarella if you prefer.

Ready to whip this up? Don’t forget, exact measurements are at the bottom of the article for easy printing so you can get cooking right away!

How to Make Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven? Making this Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce is as easy as pie! Let’s dive straight into these simple steps that promise layers of deliciousness.

Step 1: Prepare the Mornay Sauce

First, we need to bring our creamy Mornay sauce to life!

Place the peeled onion in your blender and blend it for just 2 seconds. This quick pulse releases its wonderful flavor. Scrape down the sides, then add the butter, flour, milk, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend everything until it’s smooth.

Next, cook the mixture for 8 minutes at 90°C on speed 4. You’ll see it thicken beautifully. Now, here comes the magic: add about 100 grams of grated Emmental cheese and cook for another minute until perfectly melted. That’s your warm hug in a sauce!

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

With the sauce all set, let’s get layering!

Butter a large gratin dish to keep our lasagna from sticking. Spread a thin layer of that dreamy Mornay sauce on the bottom. Lay down your fresh lasagna sheets, trimming them if needed to fit the dish.

Now, here’s where the fun begins! Spread one-quarter of the Mornay sauce over the pasta, then place two slices of ham and a third of the raclette cheese on top. Repeat this magic for a second layer: more pasta, a third of the remaining sauce, two slices of ham, and more raclette cheese. One more time for the third layer! It’s all about those gooey layers.

Finish with a final layer of lasagna sheets, then top it with the rest of the Mornay sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese on top for that perfect golden crust!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Now it’s time for the oven dance! Preheat it to 200°C. Once heated, pop your lasagna in and bake for about 20 minutes.

Keep an eye on it—look for that lovely golden-brown surface bubbling away. When it’s ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is fabulous, trust me! Your family will be begging for seconds!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to use fresh lasagna pasta for the best texture.
• Prep the Mornay sauce ahead of time to save on busy nights.
• Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Don’t skimp on the seasoning—nutmeg and black pepper enhance flavor greatly.
• Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner serving.

Equipment Needed for Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

• Blender: Essential for making that silky Mornay sauce. A food processor works too!
• Gratin dish: A large one is ideal for layering. Any baking dish will do if you don’t have it.
• Vegetable peeler: Handy for peeling the onion quickly.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping the sides and serving the lasagna.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, especially if you’re a beginner!

Variations of Ham & Cheese Lasagna

• Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ham for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted veggies for a vibrant, meatless dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets or thin slices of zucchini as your pasta layers for a delightful twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between layers for a spicy sensation.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the Mornay sauce for extra flavor depth.
• Beefy Goodness: Replace the ham with cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier version.

Serving Suggestions for Ham & Cheese Lasagna

• Fresh Salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Serve lovely, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up all that delicious Mornay sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine or a light red complements the flavors beautifully.
• Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color.

FAQs about Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Can I make this Ham & Cheese Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven before dinner, and you’ll have a delightful dish with minimal effort.

What types of cheese work best in this recipe?

While Emmental and raclette are fantastic choices, feel free to get creative! Mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar can add delicious flavors. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well.

How can I make the Mornay sauce healthier?

For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk or almond milk. You can also cut back on butter and flour for a sauce that still tastes great but has fewer calories. Substitutions can be surprisingly good!

Is this lasagna gluten-free?

This recipe, as written, contains traditional lasagna sheets. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or fresh zucchini slices—both work beautifully in this comforting dish.

How do I store leftover Ham & Cheese Lasagna?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy when reheating!

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a bubbling dish of Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce to your family. The joy on their faces when they take that first bite is priceless. It’s a dish that transforms an ordinary day into a special occasion. With layers of warmth, flavor, and love, you not only nourish your loved ones but also create lasting memories around the dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process. Trust me, the smiles and compliments will make every effort worth it!

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