Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy comfort food dinner, this Creamy Ham and Cheese Lasagna is a delicious alternative to traditional tomato-based lasagna.
Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory diced ham, creamy white sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan are baked until golden, bubbling, and beautifully cheesy.
It’s an excellent family dinner recipe, a practical way to use leftover cooked ham, and a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Details | Information |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Oven Temperature | 190°C (375°F) |
| Category | Main Course |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna combines savory ham with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella.
The white sauce makes every layer incredibly creamy while the cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust on top.
It’s also an excellent make-ahead dinner recipe. You can assemble the casserole in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
For holiday leftovers, this recipe offers a delicious way to transform cooked ham into a completely different family meal.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Lasagna noodles | 12–15 sheets |
| Cooked ham | 3 cups, diced |
| Shredded mozzarella | 4 cups |
| Grated Parmesan | 1 cup |
| Dried parsley | 1 tbsp |
For the Creamy White Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
Don’t overcook them because they will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the noodles and carefully lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
Make the White Sauce
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for approximately 2 minutes.
This creates the roux and removes the raw flour flavor.
Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly.
Add the heavy cream.
Continue cooking for approximately 5–7 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce becomes smooth and noticeably thickened.
Season the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of white sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place approximately 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Add a layer of diced ham.
Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the ham.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used.
Finish with a final layer of noodles.
Spread the remaining white sauce over the top.
Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Sprinkle with dried parsley.
Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
If you prefer a more deeply browned crust, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Rest Before Serving
Remove the lasagna from the oven.
Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
This resting period helps the creamy layers set and makes the lasagna much easier to serve.
Best Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the noodles. Al dente noodles maintain their structure during baking.
Cook the roux properly. Give the butter and flour a couple of minutes to cook before adding the milk.
Whisk continuously. This helps prevent lumps in the white sauce.
Use freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan generally melt more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t skip the resting period. Cutting the lasagna immediately can cause the sauce and cheese to run out of the layers.
Best Ingredient Options
Ham
Smoked ham provides a delicious savory flavor.
Honey-baked ham adds a subtle sweetness that works beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
You can also use leftover roasted ham from a holiday meal.
Cheese
Mozzarella creates a classic stretchy cheese layer.
Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor to the white sauce and topping.
For a more sophisticated flavor, replace some of the mozzarella with Gruyère or sharp white cheddar.
Milk
Whole milk produces the richest and creamiest sauce.
For the best texture, avoid replacing all of the whole milk with skim milk.
Recipe Variations
Ham, Spinach and Cheese Lasagna 🌿
Add a layer of sautéed spinach between the ham and pasta.
Make sure the spinach is well drained before adding it so the lasagna doesn’t become watery.
Ham and Broccoli Lasagna 🥦
Add small steamed broccoli florets between the layers for extra vegetables.
Gourmet White Lasagna
Replace half of the mozzarella with Gruyère for a richer, nuttier flavor.
A little sautéed mushroom can also add wonderful depth.
Chicken and Ham Lasagna
Replace some of the ham with cooked shredded chicken for a hearty combination of proteins.
What to Serve With
Because this lasagna is rich and creamy, fresh and lighter sides work particularly well.
Try serving it with:
- Crisp green salad
- Lemon vinaigrette salad
- Balsamic garden salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Roasted green beans
A simple salad with an acidic dressing is especially useful for balancing the richness of the cheese sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This lasagna is excellent for preparing ahead.
Assemble the entire casserole according to the recipe.
Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
Bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if necessary because the casserole starts cold.
Storage
Allow leftover lasagna to cool properly.
Transfer individual portions to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
For individual portions, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover loosely and microwave for 60–90 seconds, checking and continuing in short intervals until heated through.
For larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 175°C (350°F) for approximately 20–25 minutes.
Freezing
You can freeze this lasagna either before or after baking.
Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
For the best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the noodles: Soft noodles can become mushy during baking.
Making a thin sauce: The white sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before assembling.
Skipping the roux: Properly cooking the butter and flour creates the foundation for a smooth white sauce.
Adding cold dairy too quickly: Gradually whisking the milk into the roux helps prevent lumps.
Cutting too soon: Allowing the lasagna to rest gives the layers time to stabilize.
Using overly salty ham: Taste the sauce before adding additional salt because ham and Parmesan can already contribute significant saltiness.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
| Calories | ~485 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~28 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32 g |
| Protein | ~26 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes.
Use oven-ready noodles, but make sure there is plenty of white sauce between the layers.
You can also add approximately ½ cup extra milk to the sauce to provide additional moisture for the noodles.
Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely. This recipe is an excellent way to turn leftover cooked ham into a new family dinner.
Dice the ham into small, evenly sized pieces for easier layering.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. You can replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk for a lighter sauce.
The finished lasagna will be slightly less rich.
Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Cheddar provides a stronger flavor.
For the best melting texture, consider using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella.
Why is my white sauce lumpy?
Lumps usually occur when the milk is added too quickly or the roux isn’t whisked properly.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously.
If necessary, strain the sauce before assembling the lasagna.
How long should the lasagna rest?
Allow it to rest for approximately 15 minutes after baking.
This gives the creamy sauce time to settle and makes slicing much easier.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ham and Cheese Lasagna is the perfect combination of tender pasta, savory ham, rich white sauce, and golden melted cheese.
It’s comforting enough for a cozy family dinner while being impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, and special gatherings.
With its make-ahead convenience and generous yield, it’s a fantastic addition to any easy dinner recipe collection.