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Halloween Ghoulish Lasagna

This spooky Halloween lasagna features layered pasta, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a smoky tomato sauce, all assembled with playful ghoulish details like olive eyes and paprika accents. The dish is baked until bubbling and golden, with a bubbly, cheesy texture and fun, creepy presentation that’s perfect for a festive table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles must be al dente after cooking
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese creamy and mild
  • 16 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded, for melting and topping
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce rich and smoky base
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced thin for eyes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor and eerie color
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Ladle or large spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma should be warm and inviting as the onions soften and turn slightly golden.
  3. Add tomato sauce to the skillet, then stir in sliced black olives and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, thickening slightly and developing a smoky aroma.
  4. Spread a thin layer of the spicy tomato sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Layer with noodles, then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and mozzarella.
  5. Sprinkle thin slices of black olives across the top to resemble spooky eyes, and sprinkle a little more smoked paprika for an eerie, smoky effect. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden around the edges. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned in spots, creating a bubbling, cheesy crust.
  7. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier without falling apart.
  8. Slice the lasagna into squares, revealing the layered, cheesy, and smoky interior with playful eye accents. Serve warm and enjoy the spooky, savory flavors!

Notes

Feel free to add extra spooky details, like swirls of black pepper or chili flakes, to enhance the Halloween theme. Resting the lasagna is key to clean slices and perfect presentation.