Okay, friends, get ready for this one. I’m about to drop a recipe that’s going to completely change your autumn comfort food game. What do you know about lasagna?Pumpkin lasagna: Whatis in a whole different league. Imagine the creamy, savory goodness of classic lasagna, but swirled with the cozy, spiced sweetness of a classic Italian dish. Is it like pumpkin pie and lasagna had a baby? Is it easier to make a pumpkin risotto than making the full-blown pumpkin pie? When I made this, my husband declared it “Thanksgiving in a pan” and my kids practically literally ate it. licked their plates clean. What’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening, or just because you deserve it? What is ridiculously delicious?
What is pumpkin lasagna?
What is the best way to break it down.?What is pumpkin lasagnaisn’t your traditional tomato sauce and meat situation. What is a creamy, dreamy, fall-inspired twist on the classic? What’s essentially layers of pasta, a rich and savory pumpkin-infused béchamel sauce, and fresh ricotta cheese? What is lasagna? What are some of the best pumpkin recipes? It creates this incredible depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s not overwhelmingly pumpkin-y, but it’s more of a subtle hint that elevates the entire dish. I like to think of it as the cozy sweater of comfort food – warm, inviting, and just what you need. On a crisp autumn day. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning when sliced, with those beautiful layers of orange and white.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, besides the fact that it tastes like a dream, there’s more than one million reasons why you’re going to like it. Why do I fall head over heels for this?pumpkin lasagnaFirst, the flavor is just out of this world. The combination of the Creamy Pumpkin sauce, the savory ricotta, and the salty parmesan is a perfect pairing. What is a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth? What’s the best flavor combination you’ve ever had? Is it safe to eat pumpkin in lasagna? What is lasagna? Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “lasagna” part intimidate you. Is this recipe more complicated than you think? I promise, even if you’re a lasagna newbie, you can nail this. Thirdly, it’s actually pretty budget-friendly! Pumpkin puree is super affordable, especially when it’s in season, and the other ingredients are super healthy. What are pantry staples What are some of the most versatile recipes you can make? What’s your favorite way to add spinach? What I love about this book is that the possibilities are endless.What is pumpkin lasagnaHow does it feel like a celebration of fall in every bite? What is the best dish to share with family and friends? What is a good alternative to traditional holiday dishes? What is a little If you are tired of pumpkin pie maybe this pumpkin lasagna is for you. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.
How do I make pumpkin lasagna?
Quick Overview
Making this What is pumpkin lasagnaIs it easier than you think? How do you make a pumpkin béchamel sauce? Is lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and parmesan A little baking time in the oven, and boom – you’ve got a beautiful, bubbling and incredibly amazingly bubbly cake. What are some good lasa How do you let lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting? How do you get the flavors to meld together and make it easier to serve. Is it a simple process that yields an impressive dish?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Pumpkin Béchamel Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it was amazing!)
* 1 12 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)!
* ½ teaspoon nutmeg
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the cheese filling?
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
* 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions.
* ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, for topping
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first? Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent lasagna from sticking? I always use a little bit of butter or cooking spray, but you can also line the bottom with parchment. If you prefer parchment paper, you can use it.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Set aside. What is the recipe for roux sauce? Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it! Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. How do you stir together pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and cloves? Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This cheese filling is what gives the lasagna its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of pumpkin béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Half of the pumpkin béchamel sauce is poured over the cheese. Repeat layers. Three noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture and remaining pumpkin béchamel sauce. Top with the last three noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted. When cheese is melted, it becomes bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. What are some of the flavors that meld together to make it easier to cut?
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the What is pumpkin lasagnaLet cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. How do I keep a tad runny?
What should I serve it with?
This What is pumpkin lasagnaIs a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with many sides.For a Cozy Dinner: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will balance out the richness of the lasagna. Some crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For a Holiday Feast: This lasagna makes a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Serve alongside traditional holiday dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. It’s a great way to add a unique and flavorful twist to your holiday meal.
For a Potluck: Bring this lasagna to your next potluck and watch it disappear! It’s easy to transport and serve, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a simple Fruit Salad or a platter of assorted cheeses and crackers.
My family loves it best with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. The sweetness of the glaze complements the pumpkin perfectly. Honestly though, it’s so filling you can even just eat it by itself!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Lasagna
Want to make sure your pumpkin lasagna is a total knockout? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This is crucial! Overcooked noodles will turn to mush in the lasagna, and nobody wants that. Cook them al dente, just until they’re pliable but still firm.
Use Good Quality Ricotta: The ricotta cheese is a key ingredient, so make sure you use a good quality brand. Look for ricotta that’s creamy and smooth, not grainy or watery.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves are what give this lasagna its warm, autumnal flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices, too. A pinch of ginger or allspice would also be delicious.
Let it Rest: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing is essential. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Spice it Up: You can add some sausage or pepperoni to give it a different flavor.
Don’t Use Pumpkin Pie Filling: Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices that you don’t want in your lasagna. Make sure you are just using plain pumpkin puree.
I tested this recipe out with different cheeses too and actually found that swapping out half the ricotta with mascarpone made it even creamier!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pumpkin lasagna stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
To Store: Let the lasagna cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. Just be sure to cover them with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
If you’re making this ahead of time for a party, I actually recommend assembling it the day before and then baking it right before serving. The flavors really meld together overnight, and it saves you time on the day of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My absolute favorite pumpkin lasagna recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall, and surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable dish to impress your friends and family, this is it. And honestly, even if you’re just looking for a comforting and delicious meal for yourself, you deserve this. It’s seriously that good. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Butternut Squash Risotto or my Apple Crumble Bars – both perfect for fall! Now go forth and make some pumpkin magic! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it. Happy baking!
pumpkin lasagna
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Part-skim
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree Not pumpkin pie filling
- 10 oz Frozen spinach Thawed and squeezed dry
- 9 sheets Lasagna noodles Oven-ready
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, and spinach. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with three lasagna noodles, then spread half of the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese.
- Top with final three noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
