Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna: A Cozy, Comforting Classic

Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna: A Cozy, Comforting Classic

As a busy mom and food blogger, I’m always on the hunt for hearty, comforting recipes that are easy to put together but still taste absolutely incredible. That’s exactly what my Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is all about. This dish has become a staple in my household, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you today!

A few months ago, I was craving a classic lasagna, but I wanted to switch things up a bit. I had some leftover ham in the fridge that I needed to use up, and an idea started to form. What if I combined the savory, salty flavors of ham with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a traditional lasagna? The result was an absolute flavor explosion – and let me tell you, my family devoured every single bite.

This Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and comforting, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also great for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual dinner party with friends. The combination of the tender lasagna noodles, the rich and creamy cheese sauce, the savory ham, and the melty mozzarella on top is simply irresistible. I know you’re going to love it as much as we do!

Why This Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It!)

There are so many things to love about this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, but it tastes like it came straight out of a high-end Italian restaurant. The key is in the layers – each one is packed with flavor and texture that comes together in the most delicious way.

I also love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it to your family’s tastes by adding or swapping out different ingredients. And it reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy the leftovers all week long. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra ham you might have on hand.

But perhaps my favorite thing about this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is how comforting and satisfying it is. There’s just something about the combination of the creamy cheese sauce, the tender noodles, and the savory ham that is so incredibly cozy and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly night, or anytime you need a little extra comfort in your life.

Ingredients for Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna

To make this delicious Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles: I prefer to use the no-boil variety to save time, but you can use regular lasagna noodles as well.
• Ham: You can use leftover ham, or purchase a pre-cooked ham steak and dice it up. I like to use a honey-glazed or smoked ham for extra flavor.
• Cheese: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect creamy, cheesy filling.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This helps to create the luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
• Milk: Just a bit of milk helps to thin out the sauce and make it extra smooth and creamy.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic, onion, salt, and pepper adds tons of flavor.

Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, be sure to use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. The lower-fat versions can sometimes result in a watery or grainy filling.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun ways you can switch it up:

• Swap the ham for cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a classic lasagna flavor.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
• Use a combination of different cheeses, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
• Top it with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a delicious crunchy topping.
• Sprinkle on some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this delicious Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, the Parmesan, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Diana’s Tip: For a super smooth and creamy filling, be sure to let the ricotta come to room temperature before mixing it together.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then top with half of the ricotta mixture and half of the diced ham.
7. Repeat the layers of noodles, ricotta, and ham, then top with the remaining soup mixture and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. What I Messed Up At First: When I first made this recipe, I didn’t spread the soup mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, which led to some dry spots in the finished lasagna. Be sure to get full coverage for the best results.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna:

• Not pre-cooking the noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, be sure to boil them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna. This will ensure they cook through properly.
• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure to use a 9×13-inch baking dish and not overstuff it. This can lead to the lasagna not cooking evenly.
• Skimping on the sauce: The creamy sauce is what really makes this lasagna so special, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount.
• Letting it cool for too long: Be sure to let the lasagna rest for just 5-10 minutes before slicing. Any longer and it can start to dry out.

My Tested Substitutions

While this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is pretty perfect as-is, here are a few substitutions that I’ve tested and approved:

• Instead of ham, you can use cooked ground beef or Italian sausage. Both work beautifully in this recipe.
• For the cheese, you can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still taste delicious.
• If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but it will still create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

How to Customize This Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna

As I mentioned, this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also omit the noodles altogether and make it a low-carb “lasagna” with layers of thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead.
• To make it dairy-free, use non-dairy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version.
• For a spicier twist, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
• To feed a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake it in a large roasting pan. You can also make individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna

This Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is the perfect main dish for a cozy family dinner, but it’s also great for entertaining. I love to serve it with a fresh green salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. It’s also delicious as a make-ahead lunch or even a hearty breakfast – just reheat a slice and enjoy!

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is that it’s so easy to make ahead and store. You can assemble the entire dish in advance, then simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers all week long.

To make it ahead, simply assemble the lasagna as directed, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

Final Thoughts

I hope you and your family absolutely love this Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna as much as we do! It’s the perfect cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the add-ins and variations – this recipe is so versatile, and I know you’ll find a version that your loved ones will adore.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to dive into a cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. And don’t forget to follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration!