Decadent Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Butternut squash lasagna elevates comfort food to an art form, blending rustic charm with gourmet flair.

Autumn’s golden vegetable takes center stage in this mouthwatering masterpiece that redefines classic Italian cuisine.

Silky layers meld together, creating a sensory journey of rich, velvety flavors.

Creamy cheeses and tender squash dance across your palate, delivering unexpected culinary magic.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of warmth and sophistication that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Seasonal ingredients whisper stories of comfort and indulgence, inviting you to savor every carefully crafted bite.

Grab your apron and let this recipe become your new dinner favorite.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive refrigerated lasagna by covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or extra sauce to keep the dish moist and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked lasagna for up to 3 months. Wrap securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to lock in freshness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Portion and Portion: Slice lasagna into individual servings before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain the dish's structure when transferring from storage to plate. Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts that keep layers intact.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 50 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Butternut Squash: Choose a firm, heavy squash with deep orange color and smooth skin for best flavor and texture.
• Onions: Select firm, glossy onions without soft spots or sprouting for a sweet, caramelized roast.

• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for smooth, rich flavor control.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: Pick bright green, fragrant leaves with no wilting or browning.
• Milk: Select whole milk for a creamy, luxurious sauce consistency.
• Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense, aromatic warmth.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for creating smooth, lump-free sauce.

• Fontina Cheese: Choose aged fontina with a deep, nutty flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Select fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for creamy melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic, sharp taste.
• Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles to simplify preparation process.

Must-Have Items for Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Baking Sheets: Large, flat metal trays for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for creating creamy sage sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for blending cheese mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Rectangular dish for layering and baking lasagna.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour and creating sauce.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering lasagna during baking.
• Oven: Necessary for roasting vegetables and baking lasagna.

How to Make Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F. Spread butternut squash and onions on separate baking sheets, drizzling with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast these veggie treasures until they turn golden and melt-in-your-mouth tender, about 18-20 minutes. Dial down the heat to 350°F for the next phase.

• Craft a Magical Sage Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, tossing in fresh sage leaves until they dance with fragrance. Dust with flour and whisk until silky smooth. Gently pour in milk, stirring with love until the sauce transforms into a creamy dream. A pinch of nutmeg adds a whisper of warmth.

• Assemble the Cheese Symphony

Blend fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan into a dreamy mixture. Reserve a portion for the crowning glory on top of your lasagna masterpiece.

• Build Layers of Deliciousness

Lovingly grease a baking dish. Start with a blanket of bechamel sauce, then layer lasagna noodles. Spread bechamel, cheese blend, and roasted vegetables in a mouth-watering dance. Repeat the layers, creating a culinary landscape of flavors.

• Bake to Perfection

Tent the lasagna with foil and bake until bubbling with excitement. Remove the foil for a final broil, creating a golden, crispy crown. Let the dish rest for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and settle into a harmonious feast.

Helpful Hints for Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Swap Seasonal Vegetables: Replace butternut squash with other autumn favorites like pumpkin, acorn squash, or sweet potatoes for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lasagna completely up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, ricotta, or blue cheese to customize the flavor profile and make the dish your own personal masterpiece.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb noodle replacement for those with dietary restrictions.

Presenting Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Complement the rich, creamy lasagna with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy greens will balance the hearty, cheesy pasta dish perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Slice some warm, rustic bread to mop up the delicious sage sauce and capture every last drop of flavor. Toasted garlic bread works wonderfully as a side.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir. These wines will enhance the butternut squash and sage flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh sage or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and extra aromatic notes to the lasagna.

Elegant Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s butternut squash lasagna combines rich autumnal flavors with classic Italian comfort. Layers of creamy squash, herbs, and cheese create a hearty main course perfect for seasonal gatherings you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (0.5 kg)
• 4 cups whole milk (960 ml)
• 1 cup grated fontina cheese (100 g)
• 1 cup grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese (100 g)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (100 g)
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1 onion, halved and sliced
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (28 g)
• 10 sage leaves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (8 g)
• Kosher salt
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Roasting Vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread butternut squash and onions on separate baking sheets, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Roast for 18-20 minutes until edges caramelize and vegetables become tender.
2. Creating Bechamel Sauce: Reduce oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a saucepan, add sage leaves, and cook briefly. Whisk in flour until mixture turns golden. Gradually pour milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens, then season with nutmeg.
3. Cheese Preparation: Combine fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in a bowl, lightly dusting with flour. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
4. Layering Lasagna: Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread initial layer of bechamel sauce, then create first pasta layer. Distribute one-third of remaining sauce, sprinkle cheese mixture, and arrange half the roasted vegetables.
5. Final Assembly and Baking: Repeat layering process for second complete layer. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2 minutes to achieve golden, crispy top.
6. Serving: Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes to set layers. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired, then slice and serve.

Notes

• Roast Vegetables Carefully: Caramelize edges without burning by spreading squash and onions in single layers, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Master Bechamel Technique: Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that serves as the lasagna’s creamy foundation.
• Cheese Binding Trick: Lightly dust cheese mixture with flour to help ingredients meld together and prevent separation during baking.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg