Creamy Ham and Cheese Lasagna with a Golden Broiled Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra touch of flavor, consider mixing a pinch of ground nutmeg or garlic powder into the white cheese sauce before assembling the lasagna. This subtle addition enhances the savory notes of the ham and adds a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Additionally, if you prefer a bit of texture, you can lightly toast the diced ham in a pan with a touch of butter before layering it; this caramelizes the edges of the ham and intensifies its smoky flavor throughout the dish.

When preparing the pasta sheets, cook them for two minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This undercooking ensures that the pasta remains firm and does not become mushy as it absorbs the liquids from the cheese sauce during the baking process. After draining the pasta sheets, lay them flat on parchment paper sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; this prevents them from sticking together and tearing while you assemble the layers of your lasagna.

Variations

• Spicy Herb Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and dried oregano to the white cheese sauce layers for a subtle kick and herbal aroma.
• Spinach and Ham Lasagna: Layer in well-drained sautéed spinach alongside the diced ham to add a vibrant color and earthy flavor to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it is covered tightly to retain moisture.

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped individual portions in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until heated through.

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To preserve the moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before sealing the lid.

If you plan to freeze the lasagna, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Label each package with the date for easy tracking.

This lasagna is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time. You can fully assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the total baking time to account for the cold temperature of the dish. This makes hosting or weekday meal planning incredibly stress-free.

Serving ideas

To serve this rich and creamy lasagna, pair it with a light, crisp side dish that cuts through the density of the cheese and ham. A simple green salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad works wonderfully.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, also make excellent accompaniments, adding a pleasant charred flavor and a vibrant color contrast to the plate. The freshness of these sides balances the decadent nature of the main course.

For a complete dining experience, serve the lasagna alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or artisanal sourdough. These breads are perfect for scooping up any extra creamy cheese sauce left on the plate.

When plating, use a sharp chef's knife to cut the lasagna into clean squares, and lift each slice carefully with a wide spatula to maintain the beautiful layers. Garnish each portion with an extra sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Ham and Cheese Lasagna with a Golden Broiled Crust

Prep 15 minCook 30 minRest 15 minTotal 1 hServes 6

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna sheets, cooked
• 2 cups diced ham
• 3 cups creamy white cheese sauce, store-bought or made ahead
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin coat of butter to prevent sticking. Gather all your prepared ingredients, including the cooked pasta sheets, diced ham, and creamy white cheese sauce, so that the assembly process is smooth and organized.
2. Ladle about one-half cup of the creamy white cheese sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even, thin layer. Lay three cooked lasagna sheets side-by-side over the sauce, trimming the edges if necessary to fit the dish perfectly.
3. Evenly scatter half of the diced ham over the first layer of lasagna sheets. Pour about one cup of the creamy white cheese sauce over the ham, spreading it gently to cover the meat. Place another three cooked lasagna sheets on top, pressing down lightly to compact the layers.
4. Scatter the remaining diced ham over the second pasta layer. Pour another cup of the creamy white cheese sauce over the ham, spreading it evenly. Lay the final three cooked lasagna sheets over the top, aligning them carefully to cover the entire surface of the dish.
5. Pour the remaining creamy white cheese sauce over the top layer of pasta sheets, spreading it to the very edges to prevent the pasta from drying out. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire surface to create a generous, uniform layer.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until bubbling. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is deeply golden-brown. Let rest for 15 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

460

Protein

21 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

27 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

3.5 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.