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Spooky Halloween Lasagna

This Halloween-inspired lasagna features layers of wide noodles, smoky tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all assembled with playful chaos in mind. Carved cheese faces add a spooky touch, and the bubbling, golden top creates a festive centerpiece. It’s a fun, messy dish perfect for Halloween gatherings, combining comfort with creative flair.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 sheets wide lasagna noodles preferably sturdy, can substitute with zucchini slices for paleo
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese or mascarpone for extra richness
  • 2 cups smoky tomato sauce add balsamic vinegar for depth if desired
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for melting and gooeyness
  • a few drops black food coloring or squid ink black food coloring or squid ink to create spooky black layers
  • 1 cup spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers thinly sliced vegetables for added flavor and texture
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil fresh basil can be used as a substitute
  • ½ teaspoon oregano for added herb flavor
  • pinch red pepper flakes red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat

Equipment

  • Large baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Whisk & spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna sheets until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with dried basil, oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
  3. In another bowl, stir the tomato sauce with a few drops of black food coloring or squid ink to give it a spooky black hue, mixing until evenly colored.
  4. Thinly slice your vegetables of choice — spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers — and set aside for layering.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the black tomato sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, creating a spooky base layer.
  7. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping for an even layer.
  8. Spread a generous layer of herbed ricotta over the noodles, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta for gooeyness.
  10. Add a layer of your sliced vegetables for texture and color, then splash with more black tomato sauce.
  11. Repeat the layering process — noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, vegetables, and sauce — until you’ve filled your dish, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
  12. If you want to carve spooky faces, use a sharp knife to carefully cut shapes into the cheese layer now, creating jack-o'-lantern or ghost faces.
  13. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until bubbling, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges.
  14. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld.
  15. Slice the lasagna into squares with a sharp knife, revealing the colorful, layered inside, and serve with a fun Halloween touch — like plastic spiders or flickering candles.

Notes

For extra spooky effects, use edible black food coloring or squid ink in the sauce. Carve faces carefully in the cheese layer before baking for a fun, festive look. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and cheese combinations for variety.