Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that combines layers of soft noodles, creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a twist on the traditional lasagna, making it a healthier and lighter option without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
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Why Make This Recipe
Making Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic meal with added nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium, making this dish a healthy choice. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy weekdays. Plus, everyone loves lasagna!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Creating Cottage Cheese Lasagna is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to assemble your delicious layers and bake them to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 9 sheets lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of marinara sauce, then mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, marinara sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Lasagna
To serve Cottage Cheese Lasagna, simply slice it into squares and plate it warm. You can add a fresh salad or garlic bread as side dishes. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired and sprinkle with fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Lasagna
If you have leftover Cottage Cheese Lasagna, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna
- For a more robust flavor, try adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the layers.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time on cooking.
- Make the lasagna a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping cottage cheese for ricotta cheese or adding cooked ground meat for extra protein. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cottage Cheese Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Lasagna?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
3. What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Lasagna?
Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Ingredients
For the filling and sauce
- 3 cups Marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade
- 2 cups Cottage cheese High in protein and calcium
- 1 Egg Helps bind the filling
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese For flavor and texture
For the lasagna
- 9 sheets Lasagna noodles Use regular or no-boil noodles
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully on top
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing the onion and garlic
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced Adds flavor to the sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Boosts the flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Optional but recommended for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of marinara sauce, then mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, marinara sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
