Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Name: Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 large sheets fresh lasagna pasta; 6 slices cooked ham; 50 grams onion, peeled and quartered; 50 grams unsalted butter; 55 grams plain flour; 600 grams semi-skimmed milk; 1 egg yolk; 0.5 teaspoon fine salt; 3 pinches ground black pepper; 3 pinches ground nutmeg; 140 grams grated Emmental cheese; 220 grams sliced raclette cheese or comparable melting cheese

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: January 23, 2026

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Introduction to Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

As a busy mom, I know how important it is to have recipes up our sleeves that can delight the entire family in no time. Enter my Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce! This dish is not only a comforting favorite, but it’s also packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this lasagna brings warmth to the table. Trust me, your loved ones will be lining up for seconds, and you won’t have to sweat the cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s easy to whip up, making dinner a breeze after a long day. The layers of creamy cheese and savory ham provide a delightful taste that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Plus, this dish feels luxurious without demanding a chef’s skills—perfect for busy lives like ours. You’ll create a meal that feels special in a flash!

Ingredients for Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Preparing a delicious Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce starts with gathering these lovely ingredients. You don’t need to stress about exact measurements just yet; those are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!

Fresh lasagna pasta: The foundation of any lasagna, fresh pasta offers a tender texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cooked ham: Adds a savory depth. I prefer using high-quality sliced ham for its rich flavor, but you can easily substitute it with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Onion: This aromatic ingredient enhances the Mornay sauce’s flavor, providing a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Unsalted butter: Essential for creating that heavenly creamy sauce. I find unsalted gives me more control over the saltiness of the dish.
Plain flour: This helps thicken the Mornay sauce. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free flour blends; they work like a charm!
Semi-skimmed milk: This makes the sauce feel silky and smooth. For a richer sauce, whole milk is a fabulous substitute.
Egg yolk: This adds richness and a touch of creaminess. You can skip it if you’re looking to make a lighter version.
Fine salt: A little seasoning goes a long way, drawing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ground black pepper: A pinch adds just the right amount of warm spice; feel free to adjust based on your family’s preference.
Ground nutmeg: It may sound unconventional, but it elevates the creamy sauce with subtle warmth and depth.
Grated Emmental cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving the dish its gooey texture. It’s perfect for that cheesy stretch we all love!
Sliced raclette cheese: Known for its superb melting quality, raclette takes this lasagna over the top. If you can’t find it, a similar melting cheese will do the trick!

How to Make Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making this Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Mornay Sauce

First, we start with the star of the show: the Mornay sauce. In a blender, toss in the peeled and quartered onions. Blend them on speed 5 for just 2 seconds. Scrape down the sides to ensure you’re capturing all that yummy onion goodness.

Next, add the butter, flour, semi-skimmed milk, and egg yolk along with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend this mixture until smooth. Now, here’s a nifty tip: Make sure it’s creamy! Once blended, cook the sauce in your blender for 8 minutes at 90°C on speed 4. This thickens it just right.

After the time’s up, throw in 100 grams of the grated Emmental cheese. Blend it for an extra minute at 90°C on speed 4 until all that cheesy goodness melts. Voila, you’ve created a rich, creamy sauce to dream about!

Step 2: Assemble the Lasagna

Time to assemble our delightful layers! Grab a large gratin dish and butter it generously to prevent sticking. Begin by spreading a thin layer of that creamy Mornay sauce at the bottom of the dish; this is your “foundation” layer.

Next, lay your first sheet of fresh lasagna pasta on top, trimming it if necessary to fit nicely in the dish. Now, it’s time for the fun part!

Step 3: Layering Ingredients

With your pasta in place, add about one-quarter of the Mornay sauce over the sheet. Lay down 2 slices of ham and sprinkle on one-third of the sliced raclette cheese. Ah, don’t you love the combination of flavors already?

Now, repeat this process. Add another layer of pasta, a third of the remaining sauce, 2 more slices of ham, and some more raclette cheese. Finally, for the last layer, you’ll use half of the remaining sauce, 2 slices of ham, and the last bit of raclette cheese. It’s like assembling the perfect cheesy tower!

Step 4: Baking the Lasagna

To finish this delightful creation, cover it with a final layer of lasagna sheets. Spread the remaining Mornay sauce generously on top. And for a cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining 40 grams of grated Emmental cheese over the top!

Now, it’s time for baking! Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that golden brown, bubbling surface—it’s the sign that the lasagna is perfectly done. And just like that, you’ve created a comforting meal that brings smiles all around!

Tips for Success

Make sure your lasagna sheets slightly overlap for optimal layering.
Use high-quality cheese for a richer taste—it makes a world of difference!
Let the lasagna sit for five minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Remember, leftovers taste even better the next day; perfect for lunch!

Equipment Needed

Blender: Essential for creating that smooth Mornay sauce. A handheld immersion blender works too if you want to minimize cleanup!
Gratin dish: A large dish is perfect for showcasing those delicious layers. You can also use any oven-safe baking dish in a pinch.
Measuring cups: Use these for accuracy when preparing your ingredients. If you don’t have any, just estimate with regular cups!

Variations on Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ham for sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a colorful twist.
Spinach Addition: Layer in fresh or sautéed spinach for an extra pop of color and nutrients, blending perfectly with the cheesy goodness.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with various melting cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack for new flavor profiles.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes between layers for a little heat; it’s sure to excite your taste buds!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Ham & Cheese Lasagna with a fresh mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a vibrant touch.
Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up that delicious Mornay sauce.
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors beautifully.
Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

FAQs about Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Got questions about making this scrumptious Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce? I’m here to help! Here are some common queries that might pop up.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled!

What if I don’t have fresh lasagna sheets? No worries! You can use dried lasagna sheets instead. Just remember to follow the package instructions for pre-cooking them, as they typically require a longer cooking time.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna? Yes! This Ham & Cheese Lasagna freezes very well. Cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in an airtight container for up to three months.

Is the Mornay sauce difficult to make? Not at all! The Mornay sauce is quite easy to whip up in your blender. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be amazed at how quick it is!

What can I serve with this lasagna? A fresh salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. You can also enjoy it with a glass of wine to elevate your meal!

Final Thoughts

Making Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce isn’t just about creating a meal; it’s about bringing happiness to the table. This dish has a magical way of transforming any day into a delightful occasion. The creamy layers, perfectly melted cheese, and savory ham create a harmonious blend that warms my heart. Sharing this with family and friends turns a regular dinner into a cherished gathering. I hope you enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do. Here’s to lovely meals that ignite laughter and love!