Christmas Lasagna

This was a really fun one to film because it put me in the Christmas spirit. This Christmas Lasagna gets its name from the red, white, and green layers. I love it when the dish color coordinates with the holiday!

I like to make lasagna during the holidays because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time. It also is one of those rare dishes that pleases my whole family. My kids aren't terribly picky eaters, but everyone gets a little particular here and there and it's so nice when I can serve a piping hot lasagna, fresh bread, and a green salad and everyone is happy.

Making this Christmas Lasagna is fairly straightforward. You just need to assemble each layer in a bowl and carefully assemble them in a large, deep baking dish. I like to prepare this in advance and keep it in the fridge. Then, I bake it the evening we want to eat it. It also reheats very nicely and can even be packed for lunches on the go.

I hope this delicious dish makes your holiday planning a little easier this season. Add it to your repertoire and everyone will be happy!

CHRISTMAS LASAGNA  

Everyone loves a festive red and green lasagna! This is a great casserole to get on the table on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Serves 8–10 

Ingredients 

Red Layer 

• 2 tbsp olive oil  

• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) 

• 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional) 

• 1 small onion, diced 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• Season the meat with 1 tsp salt, ½ pepper 

White Layer 

• 2 cups ricotta 

• 1 egg 

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella 

• ½ cup grated parmesan 

• 1 tsp garlic powder 

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning 

• ½ tsp Salt + ¼ tsp pepper 

Green Layer 

• 1 cup basil pesto 

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 

• ½ cup ricotta 

• ¼ cup parmesan 

Noodles + Topping 

• 12–15 lasagna sheets (no-boil or boiled) 

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella 

• ½ cup parmesan 

Instructions 

1. Prepare the Red Sauce: 

• In a large skillet, cook sausage or beef until browned (skip for vegetarian). 

• Add onion + garlic; sauté until soft. 

• Stir in marinara and simmer 10 minutes. 

2. Mix the White Layer In a Bowl:

• Ricotta 

• Egg 

• Mozzarella 

• Parmesan 

• Garlic powder 

• Italian seasoning Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. 

3. Mix the Green Layer in a Separate Bowl:

• Pesto 

• Spinach (well-squeezed!) 

• Ricotta 

• Parmesan 

4. Assemble the Lasagna: 

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 

Lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish. 

Layering the noodles, half the red sauce, a second layer of noodles, all the green sauce, a third layer of noodles, all the white sauce, the remaining noodles, and the remaining red sauce. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top before baking  

5. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake it 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing so it holds its layers. 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.