Cozy Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe: Autumn on a Plate

Crafting a delectable butternut squash lasagne promises a culinary adventure that will warm your soul.

Layers of velvety roasted squash nestled between delicate pasta sheets create a comforting meal.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, bringing robust flavors to your table.

Creamy ricotta and earthy herbs complement the sweet, caramelized squash perfectly.

Cheesy goodness melts into every nook and cranny of this hearty dish.

Autumn’s bounty shines through in this elegant yet approachable recipe.

Each forkful tells a story of comfort and creativity waiting to be savored.

Why Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne Is Worth It

• Boost Veggie Intake: Packed with nutritious butternut squash, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes, this lasagne transforms healthy ingredients into a delicious meal that sneaks extra vegetables onto your plate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this hearty lasagne offers a satisfying blend of flavors that appeals to both adults and kids with its rich, cheesy layers and warming sauce.
• Flexible Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead by chilling the lasagne for hours before baking, making it an ideal dish for busy households or those wanting to plan meals in advance without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Gourmet Twist on Classic: Elevates traditional lasagne with sophisticated ingredients like Gruyere cheese and fresh thyme, transforming an everyday pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience that feels special and indulgent.

What’s Inside Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and hearty vegetable that forms the base of the lasagne sauce.
• Red Pepper, Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that add depth and flavor to the dish.
• Mushrooms, Spinach: Additional vegetables that provide extra nutrition and texture.

• Tomatoes, Tomato Puree: Create a rich and tangy base for the vegetable sauce.
• White Sauce Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Milk, Mustard: Combine to create a creamy and smooth white sauce.

• Gruyere Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a rich, melty, and satisfying cheese layer in the lasagne.
• Sugar, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Lasagne Sheets: The classic pasta used to create layers in this comforting dish.

Simple Steps For Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne

Step 1: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Warm a large skillet with olive oil and gently cook diced butternut squash, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and minced garlic. Let the vegetables dance and soften for 4-5 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Build Robust Sauce Base

Introduce sliced mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, tomato puree, a touch of sugar, fragrant thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Allow the ingredients to meld and create a rich, hearty sauce.

Step 3: Simmer and Enhance

Cover the skillet and let the sauce gently simmer for 20-30 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors. Fold in fresh spinach leaves during the final moments, letting them wilt and add vibrant green color.

Step 4: Craft Creamy White Sauce

• Melting butter
• Whisking in flour
• Gradually adding milk
• Stirring in smooth mustard
• Blending in nutty Gruyere cheese

Step 5: Assemble Layered Lasagne

• Vegetable sauce
• Lasagne noodles
• Creamy white sauce
• Scattered mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Chill and Rest

Refrigerate the assembled lasagne for 6 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and meld together.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake lasagne for 45 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges become crispy.

Best Advice For Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne

• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast vegetables beforehand to caramelize and intensify their natural sweetness, adding more complexity to the lasagne.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the lasagne a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop richer taste profiles.
• Veggie Swap Flexibility: Replace mushrooms with zucchini or eggplant for varied texture and nutrition without compromising the dish's integrity.
• Cheese Variety Boost: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding pecorino or fontina for unique, robust flavor layers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets and substitute wheat flour with cornstarch in white sauce for celiac-friendly adaptation.

Cool Ways To Make Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace Gruyere and mozzarella with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk for white sauce and add extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional lasagne sheets with gluten-free pasta or zucchini ribbons. Use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for white sauce thickening.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate ground turkey or lentils into vegetable mixture for added protein. Choose lean meat alternatives to keep the dish nutritious and filling.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Add smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes to vegetable sauce. Include kalamata olives and swap some mozzarella with feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.

Sides That Match Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, earthy flavors of butternut squash and mushrooms.
• Serve with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagne's creamy, heavy texture and cut through its richness.
• Match with Crisp Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, layered lasagne.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a simple side of roasted Brussels sprouts or caramelized root vegetables to echo the squash's warm, autumnal notes.

Store Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne The Smart Way

• Transfer cooled lasagne to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain layered structure.
• Wrap lasagne securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for tracking.
• Place individual slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating throughout.
• Preheat oven to 180C, cover lasagne with foil to prevent drying.

Mary Berry Butternut Squash Lasagne Common Questions

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or pumpkin for similar results.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This lasagne is completely vegetarian and packed with nutritious vegetables.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagne in advance and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

• What cheese alternatives work well?

If Gruyere is unavailable, you can use Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar as a replacement in the white sauce.

Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 85 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this butternut squash lasagne, where layers of creamy squash, rich cheese, and delicate pasta create a symphony of autumn flavors. Hearty and sophisticated, this dish promises a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) butternut squash, chopped into small cubes
• 68 sheets lasagne
• 250 grams (9 ounces) mozzarella, chopped into small cubes
• 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) Gruyere cheese, grated
• 225 grams (8 ounces) chestnut mushrooms, sliced

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 1 red pepper, halved, deseeded, and diced
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 x 400 grams cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 75 grams (2 1/2 ounces) butter
• 75 grams (2 1/2 ounces) plain flour
• 900 milliliters (1 1/2 pints) hot milk
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté butternut squash, bell peppers, onions, and garlic in heated oil for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
2. Incorporate mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture, creating a rich and robust base for the lasagne.
3. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors, then fold in fresh spinach leaves.
4. Prepare a velvety white sauce by whisking butter, flour, milk, mustard, and Gruyere cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Construct layers in an ovenproof dish, alternating between vegetable sauce, lasagne sheets, and mozzarella cheese, creating a harmonious and visually appealing composition.
6. Refrigerate the assembled lasagne for 6 hours, allowing flavors to intensify and ingredients to settle.
7. Preheat oven to 200°C and bake the lasagne for 45 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that indicates perfect doneness and caramelization.

Notes

• Enhance squash flavor by roasting before sautéing to deepen caramelization and sweetness.
• Create a vegetarian version by substituting mushrooms with lentils or extra vegetables for protein boost.
• Reduce cooking time by preparing filling and sauce components a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld overnight.
• Prevent soggy lasagne by letting dish rest 10-15 minutes after baking, allowing layers to set and absorb excess moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg