Making lasagna ahead of time can make hosting a dinner party or feeding a crowd much easier. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, has several delicious lasagna recipes that can be prepared in advance. Here is what you need to know about making Ina Garten lasagna ahead of time.
Can you assemble Ina Garten lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Ina Garten lasagna ahead of time. Her lasagna recipes like the Vegetarian Lasagna or Easy Cheesy Lasagna can be assembled 1-2 days in advance. Construct the lasagna by layering the noodles, sauce, cheese and other fillings. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Tips for assembling lasagna ahead
- Use dry noodles that require no pre-boiling when assembling raw.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Layer ingredients according to recipe, spreading sauce to cover each layer of noodles.
- Cover assembled raw lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 days until ready to bake.
- Allow refrigerated lasagna to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Can you prep Ina Garten lasagna ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all of the lasagna ingredients 1-2 days ahead of assembling and baking the lasagna. Here are some tips:
Tips for preparing lasagna ingredients in advance
| Ingredient | Storage Tips |
|---|---|
| Noodles | Store dry, uncooked noodles in airtight container at room temperature. |
| Cheese | Grate or slice cheese, store tightly covered in refrigerator. |
| Meat sauce | Simmer sauce, allow to cool, and refrigerate in airtight container for 1-2 days. |
| Vegetables | Wash, chop, and store vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions in refrigerator in sealed bags. |
| Herbs | Wash and chop fresh herbs, store in sealed bag with paper towel to absorb moisture. |
Can you bake Ina Garten lasagna that was assembled ahead?
Yes, lasagna that has been assembled 1-2 days in advance only needs to be baked when ready to eat. Follow the recipe directions for baking temperature and time. Some tips for baking pre-assembled lasagna:
- Allow refrigerated lasagna to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cover with foil to prevent over-browning if baking time is over 40 minutes.
- Add 15-20 minutes to the suggested baking time in the recipe.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife to check if noodles are tender.
- Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking before cutting and serving.
What are the best Ina Garten lasagna recipes for making ahead?
Here are some top Ina Garten lasagna recipes that are ideal for assembling ahead:
Vegetarian Lasagna
This delicious veggie lasagna can be assembled up to 2 days ahead. Features zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, basil.
Easy Cheesy Lasagna
Simple meat lasagna with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan. Can be assembled and refrigerated 1-2 days in advance.
Lasagna Supreme
Hearty lasagna with Italian sausage, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, eggs, mozzarella. Allows for advance assembly and prep.
Lazy Lasagna
No boil noodles make assembly easy. Meat sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, eggs allow for advance prep and assembly.
How far in advance can you make Ina Garten lasagna?
Most Ina Garten lasagna recipes allow you to assemble the lasagna 1-2 days before baking. The Vegetable Lasagna and Easy Cheesy Lasagna can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Others like Lasagna Supreme and Lazy Lasagna can be assembled 1 day ahead.
Ingredients for the lasagna can also be prepped 1-2 days in advance. The meat sauce, toppings like mushrooms and spinach, herbs, and cheeses can all be prepared ahead of time.
Timeline for Making Ina Garten Lasagna Ahead
| Days Before Serving | Preparation Tasks |
|---|---|
| 2 Days Before | Make meat sauce, prep vegetables and herbs, grate cheese |
| 1-2 Days Before | Assemble lasagna and refrigerate |
| Day of Serving | Bake lasagna until hot and bubbly |
What are tips for freezing Ina Garten lasagna?
For longer term advance prep, Ina Garten’s lasagna recipes can also be frozen:
Tips for Freezing Lasagna
- Assemble lasagna in a disposable aluminum pan to go directly from freezer to oven.
- Allow lasagna to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add 15-20 extra minutes to suggested baking time.
Conclusion
With some advance preparation, Ina Garten’s flavorful lasagna recipes can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for meals later on. Prep vegetables, make sauce, and grate cheese 2 days before assembling the lasagna. Refrigerate assembled lasagna 1-2 days before baking. Or freeze lasagna after assembly for up to 3 months. Follow the recipe carefully for prep ahead, storage, and baking to ensure delicious lasagna on the table.