Lasagna Manfredi
A hearty, cheesy lasagna featuring breakfast links for a unique twist, rich with garlic, Parmesan, and a velvety ricotta sauce—perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast links ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 lb Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Mozzarella cheese sliced ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 2 cups evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 medium onion chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the breakfast links thinly.
- Place the links in a skillet with minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; brown over high heat.
- Drain the browned links on a paper towel.
- Set the cooked links aside for later use in the lasagna.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breakfast links while browning them. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese. Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture. To save time, you can also use no-boil lasagna noodles, which eliminate the need for pre-cooking. Explore more Italian recipes for variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lasagna Manfredi with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Christmas Cookies for dessert. For a heartier side, consider Baked Zucchini Sticks, which complement the richness of the lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Manfredi contains roughly 1825 calories, with 63g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), and calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven, or increase the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the breakfast links?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can use Italian sausage, ground beef, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, especially if using pre-seasoned sausage.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagna noodles from sticking, toss them with a little olive oil after draining. You can also layer them with parchment paper until you're ready to assemble the lasagna. This will help keep them separate and easier to work with.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).