Ina Garten’s Cozy Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe for Fall

Butternut squash lasagna transforms ordinary comfort food into a luxurious culinary experience that surprises and delights.

Seasonal ingredients merge with classic Italian techniques, creating a robust and memorable dish.

Creamy layers tantalize taste buds with unexpected depth and complexity.

Rich textures interweave through each carefully constructed portion, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this lasagna breaks traditional recipe boundaries with elegant simplicity.

Hearty vegetables and smooth cheeses collaborate in a symphony of flavor that elevates weeknight dining.

Professional and home cooks will appreciate its nuanced preparation: get ready to impress:

Alternate Takes on Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Autumn Vegetable Fusion: Incorporate roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes alongside butternut squash for a hearty seasonal variation.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add crumbled Italian sausage or shredded chicken between layers to create a more substantial and protein-rich lasagna.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace sage with fresh rosemary and thyme, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegan Comfort Classic: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based cheese alternatives, use plant-based milk for bechamel, and add nutritional yeast for extra depth and cheesy flavor.

Concluding Thoughts on Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

Comfort meets elegance in Ina Garten’s butternut squash lasagna, a culinary masterpiece that elevates autumn dining.

Rich layers of roasted vegetables and creamy bechamel sauce create Mediterranean-inspired harmony on each plate.

Fontina and parmesan cheeses meld into a luxurious experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Sage-infused sauce whispers warmth through delicate noodle layers, promising epicurean delight.

Weekend chefs can master this gourmet dish with Garten’s precise instructions.

Soul-satisfying results await passionate home cooks ready to impress dinner guests – and you’ll want to snap a photo, share this recipe, drop a comment celebrating seasonal comfort food, and inspire fellow kitchen adventurers to recreate this magnificent meal.

Why Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna Warms the Soul

• Elevate Vegetable Roasting: The recipe transforms ordinary butternut squash and onions into caramelized, sweet flavor bombs by roasting them at high temperature, intensifying their natural sugars and creating depth of taste.
• Craft a Luxurious Cheese Symphony: Combining fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a creamy, rich cheese blend that melts perfectly, delivering a complex and indulgent texture throughout each lasagna layer.
• Master the Elegant Bechamel Technique: Sage-infused bechamel sauce adds sophistication and warmth, showcasing a classic French cooking method that elevates the entire dish with its smooth, velvety consistency and subtle herbal notes.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Butternut Squash: Sweet and hearty vegetable that provides a rich, creamy base for the lasagna. Choose a firm squash with no soft spots.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the roasted vegetable layer. Select a fresh, firm onion with no bruising.

• Fontina Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that create a luxurious texture and rich flavor. Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for best results.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and silky bechamel sauce. Whole milk provides the best richness and consistency.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth roux for the bechamel sauce and adds depth of flavor.

• Lasagna Noodles: Provides structure and layers to the lasagna. Use no-boil or traditional noodles based on preference.
• Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and adds a subtle flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the bechamel sauce and helps bind the cheese mixture.
• Sage Leaves: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor to the bechamel sauce. Use fresh sage for the most vibrant taste.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Nutmeg: Provides a warm, subtle spice to the bechamel sauce. Use freshly grated for the best flavor.

Method for Making Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Vegetables

Warm up the oven to 425°F. Scatter butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt. On another baking sheet, spread chopped onions. Roast both for 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden and vegetables become tender. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sage Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour and whisk until mixture looks smooth. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Blend

• Fontina cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Flour

Set aside of cheese mixture for topping.

Step 4: Layer Lasagna

• 1/3 of remaining bechamel sauce
• Half of cheese mixture
• Half of roasted vegetables

Repeat layering process.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover lasagna loosely with foil. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2 minutes to create a golden, crispy top. Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Advice for a Tasty Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

Rest and Settle: Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to help layers stabilize and flavors intensify. Cutting too soon will cause the layers to collapse and lose their beautiful structure.

Cheese Temperature Trick: Pull cheeses out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more seamlessly and create a luxurious texture.

Moisture Management: Pat roasted squash and vegetables dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the lasagna soggy. Removing surface moisture concentrates flavors and maintains a perfect layered consistency.

Strategic Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt levels in each component before assembling to build complex, balanced flavors throughout the dish. Small adjustments during preparation prevent bland or overly salty results.

Baking Sheet Brilliance: Use a rimmed baking sheet when roasting vegetables to catch any caramelized bits and prevent oven mess. Deeper edges help capture delicious cooking juices and make cleanup a breeze.

Storing Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your lasagna's flavor and texture by vacuum sealing individual portions. This technique locks out air completely, preventing freezer burn and maintaining the dish's original taste for up to 3 months. Cut lasagna into manageable serving sizes before vacuum sealing for easy future reheating.
• Glass Container Storage: Transfer cooled lasagna to glass containers with tight-fitting lids for optimal preservation. Glass containers prevent flavor transfer and allow you to see the contents easily. Stack containers carefully to maximize refrigerator space and keep the lasagna fresh for 4-5 days.
• Quick Wrap Technique: Wrap lasagna tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap, creating an airtight seal that prevents moisture loss. Double-wrap for extra protection if planning to freeze. Label containers with the date to track storage duration and ensure you consume the dish at its best quality.

Ina Garten Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s butternut squash lasagna brings Mediterranean warmth to classic Italian comfort. Rich layers of roasted squash, creamy béchamel, and herbed ricotta create a seasonal masterpiece perfect for autumn gatherings you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (0.5 kg)
• 1 onion, halved and sliced

Cheeses:

• 1 cup grated fontina cheese (100 g)
• 1 cup grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese (100 g)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (100 g)

Herbs, Fats, and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
• 10 sage leaves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 g)
• 4 cups whole milk (960 ml)
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• Kosher salt
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread butternut squash on one baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place onions on a separate baking sheet. Roast vegetables for 18-20 minutes until edges caramelize and become tender.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 minute to release aromatic oils. Gradually whisk in all-purpose flour until mixture becomes smooth and golden.
3. Slowly pour whole milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until bechamel thickens. Season with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Lightly dust with flour to help bind. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese mixture for final topping.
5. Grease a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-centimeter) baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup bechamel sauce across bottom. Layer lasagna noodles, creating first horizontal pasta layer.
6. Distribute one-third of remaining bechamel sauce over noodles. Sprinkle half the cheese mixture and arrange half the roasted vegetables evenly. Repeat layering process for second complete layer.
7. Cover lasagna loosely with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2 minutes to achieve golden, crispy top.
8. Allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps layers set and makes cutting easier. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired.

Notes

• Broiling creates a stunning golden-brown top with crispy, irresistible edges that make this lasagna visually impressive.
• Fontina cheese introduces a luxurious nutty smoothness that elevates the dish beyond traditional lasagna expectations.
• Vegetarian diners will celebrate this hearty, deeply satisfying alternative packed with robust flavor and complex textures.
• Roasting butternut squash intensifies its natural sweetness, developing caramelized notes that transform the entire recipe.
• Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking ensures perfectly structured layers and makes serving significantly easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 577 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg