Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Effortless Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Barefoot contessa roasted vegetable lasagna represents the ultimate comfort food for passionate home cooks seeking vibrant, nourishing meals.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully crafted layer, transforming simple ingredients into a stunning culinary experience.

Robust vegetables caramelized to perfection create a deeply satisfying foundation for this classic Italian-inspired creation.

Luscious cheese melts between tender roasted slices, promising an indulgent dining adventure that feels both elegant and homey.

Fragrant herbs and rich marinara sauce elevate each bite with complex, harmonious notes that tantalize the palate.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, inviting you to savor every delectable forkful.

This recipe guarantees a memorable meal that connects comfort with sophisticated flavor profiles: dig in!

Celebrate the Layers of a Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Celebrate the Layers of a Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
  • Savor Vegetable Versatility: This lasagna transforms ordinary roasted aubergine and courgettes into a stunning, flavor-packed dish that elevates simple vegetables to gourmet status.
  • Craft Creamy Cheese Comfort: The luxurious blend of ricotta, goat's cheese, and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety texture that wraps each layer in indulgent, smooth deliciousness.
  • Master Effortless Layering Technique: The simple step-by-step assembly makes this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, turning complex Italian cuisine into an achievable weeknight meal.
  • Enjoy Make-Ahead Magic: This lasagna can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or busy families who want a delicious, stress-free dinner solution that impresses without last-minute fuss.

All the Essentials for a Veggie Lasagna Masterpiece

Vegetables:
  • Aubergine, Courgettes: Fresh, medium-sized vegetables with smooth skin, great for roasting and adding depth to the lasagna.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances vegetable flavor and provides a subtle, warm undertone.
Cheese Group:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth and rich base for the filling.
  • Goat's Cheese: Tangy cheese that adds a distinctive flavor and creamy texture to the mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese with a nutty flavor that provides a salty and sharp accent.
Sauce and Seasoning Group:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional flavor.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for brushing vegetables, ensuring even roasting and preventing dryness.
  • Oregano: Dried herb that adds an earthy, Mediterranean flavor to roasted vegetables.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together and provides structure.
  • Basil: Fresh herb that introduces a bright, aromatic element to the cheese mixture.

A Stepwise Guide to Building a Flavorful Lasagna

A Stepwise Guide to Building a Flavorful Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Vegetables

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange vegetables in single layers:
  • Eggplant slices
  • Zucchini strips
Brush each vegetable generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with:
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Roast for 25 minutes. Scatter minced garlic over vegetables and roast additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and lower temperature to 350°F.

Step 2: Soften Lasagna Noodles

Fill large bowl with hot water. Add boiling water to reach 140°F. Submerge lasagna sheets for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

In mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Goat cheese
  • Eggs
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Layer Lasagna Masterpiece

Spread marinara sauce on bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish. Create layers:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Lasagna noodles
  • Cheese mixture

Repeat layering process until ingredients are used.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place baking dish on parchment-lined tray. Bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy hot.

Chef Insights for a Roasted Veggie Lasagna

  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Roast vegetables at high heat to caramelize edges and concentrate their natural sweetness, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Smart Sheet Strategy: Trim lasagne sheets precisely to fit your baking dish, preventing awkward overlapping and ensuring even cooking throughout.
  • Cheese Blend Magic: Whisk ricotta and goat cheese together until silky smooth, eliminating lumps and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  • Prep Ahead Perfection: Assemble the entire lasagna a day before serving, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime stress-free.
  • Moisture Management: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.

Keep Your Lasagna Fresh for Every Bite

  • Freezer Storage: Pack individual lasagna portions in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy tracking. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil for extra protection against ice crystals and flavor loss.
  • Refrigerator Preservation: Transfer cooled lasagna to shallow, airtight glass containers to maintain texture and prevent moisture absorption. Stack portions carefully to maximize space and keep layers intact. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
  • Reheating Technique: Restore crispy edges by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying. For quick single servings, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even heating.

Creative Variations on a Vegetable Lasagna

  • Mediterranean Garden Lasagna: Swap aubergine and courgettes with bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add fresh Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary for an authentic southern European flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Veggie Lasagna: Incorporate crumbled tofu or tempeh into the ricotta mixture. Include grilled portobello mushrooms and spinach for extra protein and nutrient density. Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory undertone.
  • Spicy Southwest Vegetable Lasagna: Replace marinara with chipotle tomato sauce. Mix in roasted corn, black beans, and green chiles. Use pepper jack cheese instead of goat's cheese for a fiery kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for added heat.
  • Winter Root Vegetable Lasagna: Use roasted butternut squash, parsnips, and carrots instead of original vegetables. Add sage and nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. Top with crispy sage leaves and extra aged Parmesan for depth of flavor.

The Grand Finale of a Veggie Lasagna Journey

Barefoot Contessa’s roasted vegetable lasagna transforms simple ingredients into an Italian masterpiece that celebrates Mediterranean garden flavors.

Layers of tender roasted aubergine and courgettes nestle between creamy ricotta and tangy goat’s cheese, creating harmonious culinary poetry.

Ina Garten’s signature touch elevates this classic dish with balanced herb-infused richness that beckons sophisticated palates.

Parmesan’s salty notes dance alongside marinara’s subtle sweetness, promising a dining experience beyond typical pasta preparations.

Seasonal vegetables provide unexpected depth, making each forkful a delightful exploration of texture and nuanced flavor profiles.

Crystal-clear passion radiates through carefully crafted techniques – passion that whispers: savor this moment, share this recipe, sprinkle comments like herbs, and spread deliciousness across your world.

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Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Barefoot Contessa’s roasted vegetable lasagna blends Mediterranean flavors with comfort-driven richness. Layers of caramelized zucchini, eggplant, and roasted tomatoes mingle with creamy ricotta and herbs, creating a wholesome dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 680 grams ( pounds) aubergine, unpeeled, sliced 6 millimeters (¼ inch) thick
  • 340 grams (¾ pound) courgettes, unpeeled, sliced 6 millimeters (¼ inch) thick

Cheese and Eggs:

  • 450 grams (16 ounces) whole-milk ricotta
  • 225 grams (8 ounces) garlic & herb goat’s cheese, room temperature
  • 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 100 grams (1 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
  • 450 grams (1 pound) fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 160 milliliters (⅔ cup) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1½ teaspoons black pepper
  • 280 grams (10 ounces) lasagne sheets
  • 15 grams (½ cup) fresh basil, chopped
  • 1.1 liters (40 ounces) marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 190°C (375°F). Cover three baking trays with parchment paper, ensuring vegetables can spread evenly.
  2. Slice aubergine and courgettes, then arrange them in a single layer on prepared trays. Generously coat with olive oil, using a pastry brush to ensure complete coverage on both sides.
  3. Season roasting vegetables with oregano, salt, and pepper. Place trays in preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes until edges start to caramelize.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic over roasted vegetables and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and lower temperature to 175°C (350°F).
  5. Create a water bath in a large bowl by mixing hot tap water with boiling water to reach 60°C (140°F). Submerge lasagne sheets, gently swirling to prevent sticking, and let soak for 15 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, goat’s cheese, eggs, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Blend ingredients thoroughly using a low-speed mixer.
  7. Coat the bottom of a 23×33cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with marinara sauce, creating an even base layer.
  8. Begin layering lasagna by alternating roasted vegetables, softened lasagne sheets, and ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ensuring each section is evenly distributed.
  9. Top the final layer with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  10. Place baking dish on a parchment-lined tray to catch any potential drips and bake for 60-70 minutes until surface turns golden brown and edges become crispy.
  11. Remove from oven and allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
  12. Slice and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

  • Savour every bite by roasting vegetables until they caramelize, releasing deep, rich flavors that transform the entire dish.
  • Skip boiling pasta sheets by using no-boil varieties, which absorb sauce beautifully and save precious preparation time.
  • Customize your lasagne’s architecture by trimming sheets precisely, creating uniform layers that promise perfect texture in every forkful.
  • Whip ricotta and goat’s cheese together until silky smooth, guaranteeing a luxurious, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
  • Meal planning becomes effortless with this make-ahead wonder; assemble the night before and bake when hunger strikes, letting convenience meet deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 652
  • Sugar: 11.0g
  • Sodium: 1,080mg
  • Fat: 41.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 17.6g
  • Carbohydrates: 39.1g
  • Fiber: 5.9g
  • Protein: 31.5g
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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