Lasagna is a delicious Italian dish that is made by layering sheets of pasta with sauce, cheese, and other fillings. When making lasagna, it’s important to stack and layer the ingredients properly so that the lasagna holds together and cooks evenly. Proper stacking and layering leads to lasagna with perfectly cooked noodles, luscious sauces, and gooey cheese.
What is Lasagna?
Lasagna is a type of pasta made of wide, flat sheets. Traditional lasagna sheets are made from durum wheat flour and water and can come plain or pre-cooked. Pre-cooked lasagna noodles have been parboiled or oven-baked before packaging so they require less time to cook when making lasagna. Lasagna noodles are layered with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients like vegetables or meat, then baked until everything is hot and melty. Common lasagna fillings include tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, ground beef or sausage, spinach, mushrooms, and herbs like parsley or basil. The many layers of lasagna noodles, sauce, and cheese create a hearty, comforting casserole dish.
Why Layer and Stack Lasagna?
Layering is an essential part of lasagna preparation for several reasons:
- It allows the sauce to permeate the noodles so they become tender.
- Stacking creates multiple thin layers rather than one thick slab.
- It distributes the fillings evenly throughout the lasagna.
- Layering helps the lasagna hold its shape when cut and plated.
Proper layering technique is needed to ensure the lasagna cooks through evenly and all the ingredients meld together nicely.
How to Stack and Layer Lasagna
When stacking lasagna, there are some guidelines to follow:
Use the Right Pan
Choose a baking pan that will fit the amount of lasagna you are making and hold it sturdily. For a 9×13 inch pan size, an aluminum disposable lasagna pan or a ceramic baking dish work well. Make sure the pan is oven safe up to the temperature you’ll be baking the lasagna.
Spread a Thin Layer of Sauce on the Bottom
Start by ladling a spoonful or two of sauce across the bottom of the pan. This creates a protective barrier to keep the first layer of noodles from drying out and sticking.
Place Noodles Lengthwise
Cover the sauce with a single layer of lasagna noodles, laying them lengthwise in the pan. If using pre-cooked noodles, they can overlap slightly. With raw noodles, leave a small gap between each one to allow room for expansion. Arrange noodles until the bottom of the pan is covered.
Add Sauce and Ingredients
Spoon an even layer of sauce over the noodles, spreading to coat them. Next, scatter chunks or spoonfuls of the additional lasagna fillings you are using, like ricotta, meat sauce, vegetables, etc.
Sprinkle Cheese
Top the fillings with a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the Layering
Continue layering noodles, sauce, fillings and cheese until you’ve reached the top of the pan. Each layer should be evenly distributed for best results.
Finish with Extra Cheese
End with a final layer of sauce and lots of mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt and become stringy and gooey as the lasagna bakes.
Avoid Overfilling
Don’t overfill and overload the lasagna layers. This can make the lasagna bake unevenly. Sauce and other juicy fillings can seep out over the sides too.
Cover it Tightly
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. This seals in moisture and heat so the lasagna layers steam and tenderize.
| Lasagna Layering Guide | |
|---|---|
| Pan bottom | Spoonfuls of sauce |
| Layer of noodles | Spread of sauce |
| Filling ingredients | Sprinkling of cheese |
| Noodles | Sauce |
| Fillings | Cheese |
| Repeat layers as needed | Top with sauce and cheese |
| Aluminum foil cover | Bake |
Baking the Lasagna
Once your lasagna is layered and stacked, it’s ready for baking. Place in a 350 F preheated oven. Bake covered with foil for about 50 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before cutting so the layers have time to set.
Tips for Layering Lasagna
Here are some handy tips for properly layering lasagna:
- Stagger the noodles – Start each layer by slightly overlapping and offsetting the noodles to strengthen the stack.
- Crush the noodles – Break uncooked noodles into smaller pieces for easier layering.
- Moisten the noodles – Dip dry noodles in the sauce before layering to keep them from drying out.
- Spread ricotta – Drop blobs of ricotta then spread into an even layer before adding sauce.
- Layer meats – Spread meats in an even layer rather than chunky clumps.
- Distribute vegetables – Scatter chopped veggies across layers rather than clumping.
- Shred cheese finely – Finely grated cheese layers smoothly; large shreds disrupt layers.
- Weigh it down – Place a sheet of foil on top, tuck it in tightly, and rest cans on top to compact lasagna layers before baking.
Lasagna Layering Mistakes
Here are some common lasagna layering mistakes to avoid:
Too Much Filling Between Layers
Loading up thick layers of cheese or other fillings between the noodles can disrupt the lasagne’s structure. Keep fillings light and evenly spread in thin layers.
Too Many Noodles
Using too many noodles can make the lasagna dry and dense. Keep just 1-2 noodle layers per layer of filling.
Skimping on Sauce
Not enough sauce leads to dry, crunchy noodles. Generously coat all noodles with sauce as you layer.
Soggy Noodles
Letting noodles soak too long in wet sauce or overcooking causes mushy, soggy pasta. Be sure to drain boiled noodles and handle them gently while layering.
Ricotta Clumps
Layers of ricotta cheese should be smooth and spreadable. Avoid big clumps of ricotta that disrupt the layers.
Thick Cheese Layers
Heaping piles of cheese rather than a fine, even coating can make cheese layers too thick and greasy.
Gaps Between Noodles
Spaces between noodles can lead to cracks and collapse of the lasagna layers. Place noodles closely together.
Weak Structure
If lasagna seems runny, mushy, or falls apart when cut, the layering and stacking technique likely needs improvement.
Special Diet Lasagna
Lasagna is very adaptable to special diets:
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice flour, quinoa, or lentils. A gluten-free “no boil” noodle works well. Layer as directed.
Vegetarian Lasagna
Omit the meat and use plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, or tofu. Add extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Vegan Lasagna
Use vegan cheese like Daiya or Follow Your Heart brands. Omit the ricotta and add extra veggies or sauce layers.
Low Carb Lasagna
Replace noodles with large slices of grilled or roasted eggplant or zucchini. Assemble in layers as directed.
Make-Ahead Lasagna
To make lasagna in advance:
- Assemble the lasagna but leave off the final cheese layer. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days.
- Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Top with cheese layer.
- Bake as directed, extending covered baking time by 10-15 minutes if refrigerated.
- Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Pre-baked lasagna also freezes well up to 3 months:
- Cool lasagna completely first.
- Cover pan tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Freeze until solid then remove from pan and seal in freezer bag.
- Thaw overnight in fridge. Bake in a 375 F oven until hot, about 45 minutes.
Lasagna Recipes
Now that you know how to properly layer lasagna, try these delicious recipes:
Classic Meat Lasagna
Made with an easy meat sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and herbs.
Vegetarian Lasagna
Layers of roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, spinach, and cheeses.
White Lasagna
A creamy white sauce is used instead of tomato sauce for a tasty variation.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, spinach, and Parmesan cheese flavors.
Lasagna Rolls
Noodles are spread with filling, rolled up, and baked in tomato sauce.
Low Carb Eggplant Lasagna
With grilled eggplant replacing the pasta for fewer carbs.
Conclusion
Layering and stacking lasagna properly ensures you’ll get beautifully assembled lasagna with great noodle texture and evenly distributed fillings. Be sure not to overfill between noodle layers and prevent sauce from getting the noodles soggy. With the right pan size, layering order, and baking time, you’ll get picture-perfect lasagna every time. Let your imagination run wild with fun new fillings and flavors while following the foundation of proper layering.