Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna

Cozy and creamy butternut squash lasagna roll-ups completely changed how I make weeknight comfort food These tender noodle spirals are filled with a sweet and savory butternut squash ricotta blend then swaddled in a silky béchamel sauce and showered with bubbling mozzarella They make the perfect vegetarian centerpiece for a fall dinner party a special weekend meal or a simple way to sneak extra veggies into a dish the whole family loves

When I first tried these I was looking for something festive yet easy for Thanksgiving My family devoured them and now they request them every season

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butternut squash purée: brings a sweet earthy flavor You get the best results from roasting and blending your own but canned works too Check the label for 100 percent pure squash
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess plus a bit of tang Look for whole milk ricotta for richness
• Parmesan cheese: intensifies the savory notes Freshly grated packs more punch than pre-shredded
• Egg: helps bind the filling to keep roll-ups intact
• Garlic powder: delivers subtle warmth Choose a fresh jar for bolder taste
• Salt and black pepper: balance sweetness and pump up flavors Taste and adjust as needed
• Dried sage or thyme: ties everything together Use fresh if available chop fine to blend well
• Butter and flour: form the base for the béchamel Choose unsalted butter for control
• Milk: whole or two percent delivers a velvety sauce Room temperature milk prevents clumping
• Nutmeg: gives the sauce classic warmth Use whole nutmeg and grate fresh if possible
• Mozzarella cheese: creates gooey topping Low-moisture melts beautifully and browns evenly
• Lasagna noodles: regular or oven-ready cooked just to al dente for best roll-ups
• Chopped parsley or basil: adds a touch of color and fresh finish Flat-leaf parsley holds up best after baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together butternut squash purée ricotta Parmesan egg garlic powder salt black pepper and sage until no streaks remain The mixture should be creamy and easy to spread Smooth filling gives even texture in every bite

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add the lasagna noodles stir once and cook until just flexible but still a bit firm to the bite Drain and arrange them flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled sheet to prevent sticking This makes rolling much easier

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat Once melted add flour and whisk constantly for one to two minutes You want a pale golden color with a slightly nutty scent Slowly pour in the milk whisking the whole time to avoid lumps Continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens about five minutes Add nutmeg and salt then stir in the Parmesan until smooth Remove from heat and set aside

Assemble the Roll-Ups:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Pour a thin layer of béchamel sauce about half a cup into the bottom of your baking dish For each noodle spread a few spoonfuls of filling along its length then gently roll up Place each roll seam side down in the dish Continue until all noodles are filled and arranged snugly Pour the rest of the béchamel evenly over the tops and scatter mozzarella cheese across each roll

Bake:

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven for twenty five minutes Remove the foil then bake another ten to fifteen minutes or until the cheese bubbles and starts to turn golden Let the roll-ups cool slightly before trying to serve This helps them hold together and keeps the sauce creamy

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One of my favorite elements is the béchamel sauce My grandmother taught me the simple trick of whisking constantly and adding milk slowly so it is always silky and never lumpy Last Thanksgiving my cousin showed up with homemade ricotta which made the whole dish feel extra special and sparked a lot of happy chatter at the table

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days If you plan to freeze assemble the roll-ups and wrap them tightly without baking Freeze up to two months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results Reheat individual portions covered in the oven at 350 degrees for about twenty five minutes or in the microwave until heated through Splash a bit of milk over the top if the sauce seems thick

Ingredient Substitutions

For the filling you can swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a milder flavor Dairy-free ricotta and non-dairy milk work beautifully if you need a vegan version Gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free flour blend keep this safe for those with sensitivities Try sweet potato purée instead of butternut squash for a twist

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these roll-ups with a bright lemony arugula salad or a mound of garlicky green beans Warm slices of garlic bread are the perfect side for scooping up sauce For a festive plate serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and caramelized onions They make a showstopping vegetarian main for Thanksgiving or Christmas

A Bite of Tradition

Lasagna in Italy is often layered flat but rolling up noodles stuffed with seasonal veggies elevates a comfort classic The creamy béchamel nods to Italian northern cooking while the flavors of sage and squash celebrate American harvest season This clever update keeps all the nostalgia with a fresh presentation

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use store-bought squash purée?

Yes, you can use pre-made butternut squash purée. Ensure it contains only pure squash, without added sugar or spices.

→ Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

You may use cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta for similar texture and flavor in the filling.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap regular lasagna noodles and flour for certified gluten-free versions to adapt this dish.

→ Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

→ What herbs work well as garnish?

Fresh parsley or basil both complement the flavors and add color to the finished dish.

→ What can I serve alongside lasagna roll-ups?

Pair with arugula salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a full meal experience.