Description
A sophisticated vegetarian lasagna featuring paper-thin Brussels sprouts in rich, creamy béchamel-style cheese sauce
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Rest Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced paper-thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk (don’t substitute with low-fat)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (real Parm, not powdered)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (essential for restaurant-quality flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, but undercook by 1 minute since they’ll finish in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- While noodles cook, slice Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible—paper-thin is ideal for tender, sweet results.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook 2-3 minutes until light golden.
- Slowly add milk while whisking continuously—start with a splash, whisk well, then gradually add more to prevent lumps.
- Cook sauce 5-7 minutes, whisking frequently, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Layer in prepared baking dish: 4 noodles, half the Brussels sprouts, half the cheese sauce. Repeat layers, then top with remaining 4 noodles.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over top layer of noodles.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before cutting—this allows layers to set for clean slices.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 385
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Calcium: 450mg (45% DV)
- Vitamin C: 45mg (75% DV)
- Vitamin K: 85mcg (106% DV)
- Folate: 65mcg (16% DV)
This elegant lasagna provides excellent calcium and vitamins while being a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Notes:
- Slice Brussels sprouts paper-thin—thick slices stay tough and bitter
- Don’t skip the nutmeg in the cheese sauce—it’s what makes it taste professional
- Add milk slowly while whisking to prevent lumps in the sauce
- Let the lasagna rest 10 minutes before cutting for clean, beautiful slices
Storage Tips:
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; add 10-15 minutes to covered baking time
- Freezer: Freeze assembled unbaked lasagna up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking
- Leftovers: Store covered for up to 4 days; tastes even better reheated the next day
Serving Suggestions:
- Elegant dinner: With crusty bread and mixed greens salad
- Holiday meal: Perfect sophisticated vegetarian option for special occasions
- Wine pairing: Excellent with Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay
- Comfort meal: Satisfying enough to please meat-eaters too
Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):
Truffle Brussels Sprouts Lasagna: Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the cheese sauce for ultimate luxury
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Lasagna: Layer cooked chopped bacon with the Brussels sprouts for smoky richness
Mushroom Brussels Sprouts Lasagna: Add sautéed mushrooms to the Brussels sprouts layers for earthy depth
Caramelized Onion Brussels Sprouts Lasagna: Include sweet caramelized onions for incredible flavor balance
What Makes This Recipe Special:
This elegant Brussels sprouts lasagna uses classic French béchamel technique to create a luxurious cheese sauce that transforms simple vegetables into sophisticated comfort food. The paper-thin Brussels sprouts soften perfectly during baking, losing any bitterness while gaining sweet, nutty flavors that pair beautifully with the rich, nutmeg-scented sauce. This represents the perfect marriage of rustic comfort and refined technique.
