Cheesy Kids' Lasagna Delight
This delightful lasagna recipe, inspired by Emeril's Kid Cookbook, is perfect for little chefs eager to get their hands in the kitchen. With layers of creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and savory herbs, this meat-free delight offers a comforting taste that kids will love while being simple enough for them to help with. Spend quality time cooking together, and watch the smiles grow as you serve this cheesy masterpiece at the dinner table. Ideal for family gatherings and weeknight meals, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together—just be sure to save some for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
mozzarella cheese
4 cups (grated)
spices (Baby Bam)
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pasta sauce
5 cups (homemade or store-bought)
lasagna noodles
12 (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the center position.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Baby Bam seasoning, salt, dried parsley, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a large wooden spoon until well incorporated.
3
Spread 1 cup of your homemade or store-bought pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish.
4
Lay down 3 uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise, ensuring they do not touch or overlap.
5
Take 3/4 cup of the ricotta mixture and carefully spoon it over the noodles, spreading it out with a spatula to cover evenly.
6
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
7
Repeat the layering process three more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. For the final layer, spread the remaining sauce over the top noodles and sprinkle with the last cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
8
Carefully cover the casserole with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.
10
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts or pot holders. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Kids' Lasagna Delight?
It is a meat-free, kid-friendly lasagna inspired by Emeril's Kid Cookbook featuring layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and savory herbs.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
The oven rack should be placed in the center position.
How much ricotta cheese is needed for this recipe?
You will need 15 ounces of ricotta cheese.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs, beaten.
How much total mozzarella cheese is used?
A total of 4 cups of grated mozzarella cheese is required.
How much total Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What seasonings are included in the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes Baby Bam seasoning, salt, dried parsley, dried basil, and black pepper.
How much pasta sauce is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of pasta sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles beforehand?
No, this recipe uses 12 uncooked lasagna noodles.
What size casserole dish should be used?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this lasagna.
How much sauce should be spread at the bottom of the dish?
Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
How many noodles are used per layer?
Lay down 3 uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise for each layer.
How much ricotta mixture goes on each layer?
Use 3/4 cup of the ricotta mixture per layer, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
How much mozzarella is sprinkled over the ricotta in the layers?
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture in each layer.
How many times is the layering process repeated?
The layering process is repeated three more times after the initial base layer.
What goes on the final layer of the lasagna?
The final layer consists of the remaining sauce, the last cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
How long does the lasagna bake while covered?
Bake the lasagna covered for 1 hour.
How long does the lasagna bake uncovered?
After the initial hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Why is the lasagna baked uncovered for the last 10 minutes?
Baking uncovered allows the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.
How long should the lasagna rest after baking?
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Why is it important to let the lasagna rest?
Resting allows the flavors to meld together and helps the structure set for easier cutting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a meat-free recipe.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it is designed for little chefs to help with mixing and layering.
What is Baby Bam seasoning?
It is a specific spice blend used to add flavor to the ricotta mixture.
How much dried parsley is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What tools are suggested for removing the dish from the oven?
Use oven mitts or pot holders to carefully remove the hot casserole.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include kid-friendly, meatless, comfort food, and family recipe.