Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly rich, Acorn Squash Lasagna is a unique twist on the traditional Italian classic. This fall-inspired recipe layers velvety roasted acorn squash with tender lasagna noodles, a luscious homemade béchamel sauce, and a trio of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—for a dish that's equal parts hearty and elegant. A touch of nutmeg in the béchamel and optional fresh sage garnish elevate the flavors with warm, earthy notes. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is a stunning blend of seasonal ingredients and classic lasagna flavors. Ready in about 90 minutes, this acorn squash lasagna serves six generously and is destined to be your go-to comfort food during cooler months.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the acorn squashes in half and remove the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes or until the flesh is soft. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 egg. Set this cheese mixture aside.
To make the béchamel sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually add 3 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of nutmeg and additional salt and pepper to taste. Set the béchamel aside.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the mashed acorn squash, one-third of the béchamel, and one-third of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers (noodles, squash, béchamel, ricotta) one more time.
For the final layer, top with the remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the béchamel, and the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh sage leaves for flavor and presentation.
Serving size | 3883.8 grams (3883.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5552 |
Total Fat 223.20g | 286% |
Saturated Fat 114.50g | 573% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.10g | |
Cholesterol 926mg | 309% |
Sodium 5794mg | 252% |
Total Carbohydrate 727.10g | 264% |
Dietary Fiber 95.50g | 341% |
Total Sugars 55.10g | |
Protein 247.70g | 495% |
Vitamin D 376IU | 1879% |
Calcium 6085mg | 468% |
Iron 33mg | 181% |
Potassium 10361mg | 220% |
Source of Calories