How Many Layers Lasagna Should Have (And in What Order)

In my over 50 years of cooking, I have probably made lasagna well over 500 times. After much experimentation and trial and error, I have honed in on that “perfect” system for myself. While you will have to figure out your own exact style and methodology, this article will give you the tools you need.

The standard number of layers in lasagna is 3 to 5. It all depends on your choice, the number of people you will be feeding, and the size pan you are using. The correct layering order is sauce, then cooked noodles, then cheese, then meat (if desired), then sauce, then noodles, and repeat.

The rest of the article will provide all the details you need to create that perfect lasagna for your needs.

How Many Layers Should Lasagna Have?

The number of layers that lasagna has depends on a number of different things.

• Your personal preference: How thick do you like your lasagna?
• The number of people you will be feeding: If you are only going to serve lasagna to a couple of people, then just 2 layers would probably be enough; if you are feeding a family of four, then you will probably need 4 layers; but, if you are feeding 10 or more, you may want to make 6 layers in a larger pan or 2 of the smaller pans.
• The size pan you are using: If you are using an 8 or 9-inch square pan, then 2 or 3 layers will fit nicely; if using a 9×13-inch pan, 3 or 4 layers will fit perfectly; but, if you are using a 9×13 inch deep dish lasagna pan, there is enough room for up to 5 layers of lasagna.

Even if you are only preparing lasagna for one or two people, but you like a thicker lasagna, then you can adjust the number of layers without making extra lasagna by simply making the lasagna in a smaller dish with multiple layers.

What Is The Correct Way To Layer Lasagna?

The correct way to layer lasagna is, again, your personal preference, but the bottom layer should always be sauce. If you put noodles on the bottom of the pan, it is likely the noodles will stick to the pan and burn.

The way that most recipes direct the layering to be done is as follows:

1. Start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan.
2. Top that with a layer of noodles.
3. On top of the noodles, add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture.
4. Then top the ricotta layer with more sauce.
5. Continue layering in that order.
6. Mozzarella is the traditional cheese for topping lasagna, but any kind of cheese will be delicious.  
7. Then top with a layer of cheese, usually mozzarella and parmesan cheese. 

Does It Matter What Order To Layer Lasagna?

It doesn’t really matter what order to layer lasagna as long as the first layer is the sauce and the final layer on top is cheese. Putting sauce as the first layer acts as a barrier between the pan and the first layer of noodles to keep the noodles from sticking to the pan and possibly scorching or burning.

In fact, many people add additional ingredients to lasagna besides the basic ingredients of the sauce, lasagna noodles, and cheese. The most popular extra ingredient for lasagna is vegetables, usually a combination of onions, peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Can You Layer Lasagna Wrong?

There isn’t really a wrong way to layer lasagna as long as you start with the sauce and end with cheese. Plus, there are different types of layers besides the traditional layers that can be added wherever you want them. A good example of this is adding a layer of vegetables, usually a combination of onions, peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. But Brussels sprouts and asparagus are also delicious when added to lasagna.

Are 2 Layers Enough For Lasagna?

Two layers are enough if you are making a small batch of lasagna. Most cooks say that anywhere from 2 to 5 layers in lasagna are enough and are more or less standard.

But there are many ways to adjust the number of layers. If the amount of lasagna you are making is not enough for the large pan you normally use and which would result in only 2 layers for the current batch, just use a smaller pan so that you can make 3 or 4 layers instead of 2.

Should Lasagna Sheets Overlap?

Lasagna sheets should overlap when you are layering the lasagna, but only a small overlap, not more than ¼ to ½ inch, or you will have gummy pockets in the lasagna. But, if you are using pre-cooked or fresh lasagna sheets, just place them side by side without overlapping so that they can cook throughout and not result in some undercooked areas.

Should You Put Lasagna Sheets In Raw?

If you are using fresh lasagna sheets or the pre-cooked version of lasagna noodles, then you do not have to pre-cook the noodles. But, if you are using dry noodles, then they must be pre-cooked for 10-15 minutes before adding them to your lasagna. They must be covered in liquid to cook properly.

What Kind Of Cheese Is Best On Lasagna?

Mozzarella is the traditional cheese for topping lasagna, but any kind of cheese will be delicious. In fact, cheddar is one of my favorites because cheddar is so much more flavorful than mozzarella, which is one of the milder-tasting cheeses. 

But don’t forget to add the parmesan, whether you use mozzarella, cheddar, or another type of cheese.

At What Temperature Should You Bake Lasagna?

Lasagna should be baked and covered in a preheated 375℉ oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size pan you use and how thick the lasagna is. Lasagna should not be baked uncovered because that increases the chance that the lasagna will be dry. But remove the lid or the foil cover during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time to allow the cheese to brown.

Should You Spray The Bottom Of A Lasagna Pan?

It will not create problems to spray the bottom of the lasagna pan, but it is unnecessary because the first layer of the batch of lasagna should always be sauce which will keep the lasagna from sticking to the bottom of the pan without having to add cooking spray.

Should You Cover Lasagna When Baking?

Lasagna should be baked covered so that it will not dry out. But, it should be uncovered about halfway through the baking time to allow the cheese to brown.

How Long Should You Leave Lasagna In The Oven?

It is best to only leave the lasagna in the oven during the time it is baking. Leaving lasagna in the oven after it has finished baking will dry it out. It is better to plan your cooking time so that it can be served shortly after it has finished baking so that you don’t have to try to keep it warm, which could cause it to dry out.   

Should Lasagna Sit Before Cutting?

It is better to wait about 10 minutes after taking the lasagna out of the oven before cutting it to serve. It will cut and hold together better after about 10 minutes. But don’t wait too long, or it will begin to cool, and lasagna is much better hot while the cheese is melted.

Is Lasagna Better Cooked The Day Before?

While lasagna doesn’t necessarily taste better if cooked the day before, it can definitely be made and put together up to 3 days before you want to serve it and covered and refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.

Making lasagna from scratch involves several different steps, so making it ahead of time and then baking it right before your meal is an excellent idea.

Related What Dessert Goes With Lasagna? | 13 Yummy Options.

What Is The Best Way To Store Lasagna?

Lasagna stores well, and if stored properly, it is as good when reheated as it was on the day it was made. The secret is to wrap the container of lasagna well in at least 2 layers of foil or put it into an airtight container for storage.

Lasagna can be kept in the refrigerator for at least 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can Lasagna Be Frozen?

Lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months if stored under the right conditions, and there are two different methods to freeze it. One method is to assemble the lasagna, and once it is layered, freeze the unbaked lasagna. Or, you can go ahead and bake the lasagna and freeze what is left after your meal. Let’s discuss both methods.

To freeze unbaked lasagna, follow these steps:

1. Use a foil pan or any pan that can go from freezer to oven.
2. Assemble the lasagna as though it were being baked immediately.
3. If the pan has a lid, make sure the lid is on securely.
4. If using a pan that does not have a lid, cover it with foil and then wrap the entire pan in another layer of foil.
5. Label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To freeze previously baked lasagna, follow these steps:

1. Allow the container of lasagna to cool completely.
2. Put the leftover lasagna in a pan that is the right size for the amount. Extra space in the container will cause freezer burn.
3. If put into a foil pan, wrap the pan in at least 2 layers of heavy foil. If put in an airtight container with a lid, make sure the lid is fastened securely.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum texture and flavor. It will still be good after 3 months if frozen properly, but after 3 months, the flavor and texture will begin to degrade.

What Is The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Lasagna?

1. The best way to thaw frozen lasagna is to remove it from the freezer directly to the refrigerator and allow it at least 24 hours to thaw.
2. Remove the wrappings and leave one layer of foil over the lasagna.
3. Place the thawed pan of lasagna into the oven at 350℉ just until heated through.
4. Test to see if it is heated by inserting a knife into the center of the lasagna to check for spots that are not heated all the way through.

Lasagna can also be thawed in the microwave as long as it has been placed into a microwave-proof container.

PRO TIP: Do not reheat lasagna more than once, as it can become tough and chewy. Only reheat the amount that you think will be eaten at any one time. Also, previously frozen lasagna should not be refrozen.

How To Tell If Lasagna Has Gone Bad?

Bacteria grow very quickly at temperatures between 40℉ and 140℉, so any lasagna that has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours should be discarded right away.

To tell whether your lasagna has gone bad, check for these 3 things:

1. The odor of the lasagna will be off, and the lasagna will smell bad.
2. The appearance of the lasagna will be different.
3. Mold may appear.

If any of these indicators are present, just discard the lasagna immediately without tasting it.

Final Bite

Lasagna is one of those dishes that are so versatile they are perfect for many different types of meals. A big pan of lasagna is so hearty and filling on a cold winter day at home with the family; a large, steaming dish of lasagna covered with a thick layer of cheese is an amazing main course for a party or holiday meal; and what could be a more welcoming sight than a huge container of lasagna at any pot-luck dinner.

Lasagna has always been a favorite in my household and is one of my go-to dishes to take to potluck meals. When you are short on time, it is much easier to make the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time and refrigerate them, or go ahead and put the lasagna together ahead of time and refrigerate so that it is ready to bake when you need it.

Thanks for stoppin’ by!

Jelly Grandma