Indulge in Ultimate Comfort: The Best Creamy Ham Lasagna Recipe

Discover a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with our incredibly creamy and rich Ham Lasagna. This recipe is generously layered with savory ham, a luscious sauce, and an abundance of gooey cheese, making it an absolute showstopper at any dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a brilliant solution for transforming your leftover ham, especially after holidays like Easter or Christmas, into something truly spectacular. Prepare to elevate your culinary experience and create a dish that will quickly become a cherished family favorite.

Our Ham Lasagna stands apart from traditional versions with its uniquely creamy texture and rich flavor profile. We start with perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, which serve as the foundation for a decadent sauce. This sauce is lovingly crafted with finely chopped ham and tender mushrooms, elevated by the luxurious addition of cream cheese for an unparalleled richness. Layers of shredded Monterey Jack cheese melt beautifully, complementing a delightful mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese that adds depth and a classic lasagna essence. This harmonious blend of ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and comforting warmth.

For those who adore the light and fluffy texture of cottage cheese in their lasagna, this recipe is a dream come true. However, if your palate prefers the slightly tangier and firmer consistency of ricotta cheese, feel free to make that substitution; the result will be equally magnificent. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste while still delivering that signature creamy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Lasagna Recipe

This Creamy Ham Lasagna offers a fantastic departure from standard lasagna recipes, providing a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The incredible creaminess is simply unbeatable, making it a truly satisfying dish for the entire family. Its rich and hearty nature means that leftovers reheat wonderfully, often tasting even better the next day. To balance its decadent qualities, we highly recommend serving this ham lasagna with a crisp green salad, lightly dressed to cut through the richness. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or simply when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish.

Ham Lasagna

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep:
30 mins

Cook:
45 mins

Total:
1 hr 15 mins

Servings:
12

Ham Lasagna is a sumptuously creamy and rich dish, packed with savory ham and a generous amount of cheese. It offers a delightful departure from traditional lasagna and is an exceptional way to utilize leftover ham, transforming it into a hearty, family-friendly meal. We believe it’s the ultimate way to make the most of your Easter or holiday ham.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 (8-ounce) package white mushrooms, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
3 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/2 to 3 cups diced ham (fully cooked)
1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
1 large egg
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a slightly smaller one to prepare it for the lasagna layers.
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the mushrooms are lightly browned and have released their moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper during this step.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir continuously and cook for 1 minute, ensuring the flour is thoroughly mixed in with the vegetables to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, add the cream cheese chunks and whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly blended into the sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and the diced ham. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), the large egg, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
To start assembling the lasagna, spread approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared ham sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds flavor to the base.
Carefully lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles side by side over the layer of ham sauce. Ensure they cover the bottom of the dish as much as possible.
Evenly spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the top of the lasagna noodles.
Next, spread one-third of the ham mixture on top of the cottage cheese layer.
Generously sprinkle one-third of the shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese over the ham mixture.
Place 3 more lasagna noodles over the cheese layer. Spread the remaining half of the cottage cheese mixture over these noodles.
Follow this with half of the remaining ham mixture and half of the remaining shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.
Finish the lasagna with the final 3 noodles, topped with the rest of the ham mixture, and then generously sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. For best results and to prevent sticking, spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before placing it over the cheese.
Bake the lasagna for 30 minutes with the foil cover. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the lasagna is heated through.
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set, making for cleaner slices.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on ingredients used and preparation methods.

Tips for Perfect Ham Lasagna

Crafting the perfect Ham Lasagna is all about attention to detail. For the ham, while leftover Easter or Christmas ham is ideal, you can also use quality store-bought cooked ham, diced into small, even pieces. Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente before layering, as they will continue to cook in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce. Overcooked noodles can lead to a mushy lasagna. When it comes to cheese, don’t skimp on quality. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. If you love a little extra spice, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This Ham Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time. For longer storage, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake from frozen (adding about an hour to the total baking time, ensuring it’s fully heated through before uncovering for the last 15 minutes).

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

While a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic pairing for Ham Lasagna, consider other options to create a full and balanced meal. A side of warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables would add a healthy and vibrant contrast. For a more indulgent meal, a creamy potato gratin or a lighter cauliflower mash could also be wonderful accompaniments. A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would beautifully complement the rich flavors of the lasagna.

Customizing Your Ham Lasagna: Variations to Explore

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing for many delicious variations. To add more vegetables, consider incorporating a layer of sautéed spinach (ensure it’s well-drained) or finely diced bell peppers into the ham sauce. For a different cheese experience, swap Monterey Jack for provolone, white cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses. If you prefer a smokier flavor, a touch of smoked paprika can be added to the sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or sage, which pair wonderfully with ham. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles, ensuring they are cooked according to package instructions. You can even create mini lasagnas in individual ramekins for portion control or a charming presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Lasagna Recipe

Ultimately, this Creamy Ham Lasagna offers a comforting and richly satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. It’s the perfect solution for utilizing leftover ham, transforming it into a luxurious dish that feels entirely new. The combination of savory ham, tender mushrooms, and a trio of creamy cheeses enveloped in a smooth sauce makes every forkful a delightful experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this ham lasagna promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and deliciousness. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

More Ham Recipes

Another great leftover ham recipe is this Mac and Cheese with Ham. This hearty and cheesy dish is another fantastic way to reinvent your holiday ham. The rich, creamy macaroni and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory chunks of ham, creating a truly comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken