French Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

French Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce 🍖🧀

This French Ham & Cheese Lasagna is a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of tender lasagna sheets, savory ham, and a rich, creamy Mornay sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this elegant casserole is indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of gooey cheese, salty ham, and velvety béchamel makes it an unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Let’s dive into how to make this luxurious French-style lasagna step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant & Comforting : A refined yet comforting dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
2. Creamy & Cheesy : The Mornay sauce adds a luscious, cheesy layer that ties everything together.
3. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste.
5. Perfect for Entertaining : Great for feeding a crowd or serving at dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the Lasagna:

• 6 large fresh lasagna sheets (or dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions ) 🍝
• 6 slices deli ham , cut into halves or quarters 🍖
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan ) 🧀

For the Mornay Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🥣
• 4 cups whole milk , warmed (microwave or heat gently on the stove ) 🥛
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese 🧀
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but enhances the cheese flavor )

Optional Add-Ins:

• Dijon mustard : Spread a thin layer on the ham for extra tanginess.
• Spinach or sautéed mushrooms : Add veggies for extra nutrition and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Mornay Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter .
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a golden paste (this is called a roux ).
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk , a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer (about 5–7 minutes ).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese , salt , pepper , and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Place 3 lasagna sheets side by side to cover the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread a layer of Mornay sauce over the lasagna sheets, followed by half of the ham slices . Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
4. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of lasagna sheets, Mornay sauce, ham, and cheese.
5. Top with the final layer of lasagna sheets and cover generously with the remaining Mornay sauce . Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
   • Tip : If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
2. Slice into portions and serve warm.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Pasta : Fresh lasagna sheets cook faster and have a softer texture, but dried noodles work just as well if pre-cooked.
2. Enhance the Flavor : Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the Mornay sauce for a subtle kick.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day . Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
5. Switch Up the Cheese : Use Comté, Emmental, or Fontina for a different flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

This French Ham & Cheese Lasagna pairs beautifully with:

• Green Salad : Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
• Garlic Bread : Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, white wine, or a glass of lemonade for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~400 kcal
• Protein : ~20g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This French Ham & Cheese Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a dinner party, this lasagna delivers on flavor and elegance. The combination of tender lasagna sheets, savory ham, and velvety Mornay sauce creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your lasagna sheets, shred that cheese, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.