How Many Layers Does Lasagna Have
Lasagna needs to have at least 3 layers in order to constitute a true lasagna. Most recipes have 3 or 4 layers. I like 6.Additional layers would require a deeper baking dish.
Make Ahead Method
Assemble as outlined but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen lasagna completely before baking.
Let chilled lasagna sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking. Add an additional 10 minutes to covered baking time.
Reheating Lasagna
To reheat leftover lasagna: Place it in a lightly greased, covered casserole dish. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes.
TIPS
Marinara Sauce: I recommend using Rao’s marinara sauce for this recipe, it’s very high quality, lasagna is a labor of love that deserves quality ingredients.
Cheese: Shred and grate the cheese from a block, avoid using packaged shredded/grated cheese for this recipe. Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese melts the best.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil lasagna noodles or fresh lasagna noodles can also be used for this recipe, neither of which need to be cooked first. Fresh lasagna noodles can be found in the deli section of the grocery store.
Casserole Dish: If your lasagna is very close to the top of your casserole dish, place a baking sheet underneath the casserole dish to catch any splatters of sauce, as it gets hot and bubbly toward the end.
Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze well.
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese, 2 cups
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- Combine the ricotta cheese mixture in a medium bowl and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients.