Lasagna is a dish rich in tradition and made with love. Nonnas have been preparing lasagna for centuries, creating regional variations that are passed on for generations. While the popular Italian-American version comprises layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese, order the dish in Naples and it will contain little meatballs and hard-boiled eggs. In Genoa, the red sauce is often substituted with basil pesto.
At the end of the day, no matter what variation youre making, this humble baked Italian pasta dish is nothing more than a fancy casserole. However, that doesnt mean haphazardly throwing together the ingredients in any old pan will do. Theres a right and a wrong way to bake it, according to the experts. One of which happens to be chef Michael Symon. And after more than 30 years in the kitchen, Symon still reveres his mothers cooking as the best, especially her 30-layer lasagna, which Symon has already requested for his last meal.
And when hes making lasagna his moms way, theres only one size dish that gets the job done. Regardless of its filling, Symon says lasagna should be baked in a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan so the dish cooks evenly and each serving looks as good as it tastes.
Size. The standard dimensions for lasagna pans are 9 x 13 inches and around two to three inches deep. That being said, you may want a smaller pan if you’re just cooking for yourself or one other person. You also may prefer to get an extra deep pan if you like to make your lasagna with more layers.
The right sized baking dish makes for thick and hearty lasagna
In an interview with Food and Wine, Symon stated that a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, which feeds six to eight people, is the best size for lasagna because, “it keeps the ingredients condensed so the final product is nice and thick, versus each layer being spread thinly in a larger pan.” Properly balancing the components is one way a great lasagna sets itself apart. Even layers of alternating ingredients create a more pleasing mouthfeel and cook evenly. And stacking them up in a deep 9 x 13-inch dish will ensure that each and every serving is packed with layer after layer of flavor.
And if youre committing to making a lasagna, you want to get it right from start to finish. So in addition to the proper pan size, Symon shared some of his moms other tips for constructing the perfect lasagna, which begins with using quality ingredients. While many of us have gotten in the habit of using no-bake noodles to save time, Symon warns that the shortcut “compromises the texture” and suggests making the pasta sheets from scratch or boiling the traditional, ruffle-edged lasagna noodles of our childhood.
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FAQ
How deep is lasagna pan?
What is the ideal depth for a lasagne dish?
What size dish to use for lasagna?
What is the best tray size for lasagna?
How do you cook lasagna in a deep dish?
This classic lasagna recipe is layered in a deep dish and baked at 350 degrees F. Delicious! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Can one eat lasagna?
Lasagna can be eaten, but we must know what the person needs, or better. If you seek weight loss, or control the consumption of pasta and cheese. If you are looking for weight loss, it is advisable to replace the layers of pasta with vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, helping to balance the nutritional value.
What temperature should lasagna be cooked at?
The internal temperature of the dish in which your Lasagna is being prepared must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you can be certain that it has been cooked thoroughly.
How do you layer lasagna?
There’s no “right” way to layer lasagna! If you follow the basic structure and make sure the noodles are covered in sauce, you’re good to go. When using no-boil noodles, use slightly more sauce as they absorb more moisture. Thanks for reading our article!