Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna

This Creamy Ham & Cheese Lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, replacing the classic tomato sauce with a rich, creamy white sauce. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ham, creamy béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan come together in a bubbling, golden casserole. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for a family dinner or weekend gathering.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Lasagna

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups cooked ham, thinly sliced or diced
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy White Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and lay them flat so they don’t stick together.
2. Make the white sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan. Remove from the heat once the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Start layering: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of white sauce across the bottom.
6. Add noodles: Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
7. Add the filling: Spread some ham over the noodles, followed by mozzarella, Gruyère or Swiss cheese, and another layer of creamy sauce.
8. Repeat: Continue layering noodles → sauce → ham → cheese until all the ingredients are used.
9. Finish: Top with the remaining white sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
10. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
11. Rest: Let the lasagna stand for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the noodles because they will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest white sauce.
• For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms or spinach and add them between the layers.
• If your ham is salty, taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
• Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps create neat, beautiful layers.

🥦 Easy Variations

Ham & Spinach: Add sautéed spinach between the layers.

Ham & Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and add them to the filling.

Three-Cheese: Use mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère for a richer cheese flavor.

Broccoli Ham Lasagna: Add steamed broccoli florets for a hearty vegetable version.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Pair this creamy lasagna with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. A simple lemony salad also helps balance the richness of the cheese sauce.

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