Ham and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food? Meet Ham and Cheese Lasagna—a twist on the beloved classic that’s unbelievably creamy, savory, and delightfully cheesy. Each bite is layered with tender noodles, velvety béchamel, smoky ham, spinach, and two kinds of cheese for a dish that’ll win hearts at the table every single time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ham and Cheese Lasagna starts with simple, quality staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for taste, texture, and gorgeous color—don’t skip a thing!

• Butter: The golden base for béchamel, delivering richness and that signature creamy mouthfeel.
• All-purpose flour: Key for thickening the sauce; just enough to make it luscious without heaviness.
• Milk: Whole milk works best, adding silky texture and mellowing the savory notes of the cheeses and ham.
• Salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg: Classic béchamel seasonings—nutmeg ties everything together with warm, subtle depth.
• Italpasta Lasagne Noodles: Go for no-boil or traditional noodles pre-cooked until just pliable; structure and easy layering are essential here.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps wilt the spinach beautifully.
• Baby spinach: Fresh leafy greens add color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness that balances all the cheese.
• Baked ham, chopped: Choose a smoky, quality ham for hearty flavor—you can use leftovers or a thick deli cut.
• Gruyere cheese, shredded: Melts smoothly, giving each bite creamy, nutty, Swiss-inspired deliciousness.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top, Parmesan creates a crisp, bubbly finish you’ll love.

Variations

One of the best things about Ham and Cheese Lasagna is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you have dietary needs, favorite veggies, or a fridge full of possibilities, this is a recipe that loves to be customized!

• Swap the Greens: Use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula if you’re out of spinach—just be sure to wilt and squeeze dry as you would with spinach.
• Try Different Cheeses: Smoked mozzarella, provolone, or sharp cheddar can join or replace Gruyere for new flavors in every layer.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add extra layers of roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute rice flour for the béchamel to make this dish suitable for gluten-free guests.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Build a Silky-Smooth Béchamel

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add the flour, and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes until it forms a bubbly roux but hasn’t browned. Slowly whisk in the milk, keeping everything smooth and lump-free, then bring to a gentle boil. Simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats your spoon—this takes about 10 minutes. Finish with salt, pepper, and nutmeg for layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the garlic; let it sizzle for just a minute for fragrant aroma. Toss in the spinach and stir until just wilted—this should only take 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze out as much liquid as possible to keep your lasagna from turning watery.

Step 3: Layer It Up!

Start by spreading a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then top with a third each of the spinach, ham, Gruyere, and more béchamel. Repeat for two more layers—noodle, spinach, ham, cheese, sauce—building those irresistible stacks. Top the final noodles with the remaining béchamel and a generous shower of Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the lasagna tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes—or until golden, bubbling, and irresistible. Let the Ham and Cheese Lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together beautifully when serving.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Lasagna

Garnishes

For a dazzling finish, sprinkle the top of your Ham and Cheese Lasagna with extra grated Parmesan and a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or basil. A little cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds color and a gentle kick that beautifully complements the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with simple sides that let its flavors sing. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or classic garlic bread for effortless elegance and hearty satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual squares garnished with microgreens for a modern touch, or bake mini lasagnas in ramekins for a dinner party wow-factor. For a casual crowd, let guests help themselves from a bubbling casserole—family-style always brings warmth to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ham and Cheese Lasagna keeps incredibly well! After cooling, store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—they’ll reheat perfectly for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This lasagna is freezer-friendly, too. Freeze whole, baked lasagna or individual portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for instant comfort.

Reheating

For perfect reheating, cover and warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, pop a serving in the microwave, loosely covered, on medium power—just be careful not to overdo it, so the cheese stays creamy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ham and Cheese Lasagna is sheer comfort food magic—a crowd-pleasing bake that’s cozy, memorable, and wonderfully satisfying. Give it a try on a chilly evening or for your next gathering, and see just how quickly it disappears from the table. You’re going to love every decadent, creamy bite!

Print