If you’re a fan of both pizza and lasagna, then you’re in for a treat with Pizzagna! This delicious combination brings together the best of both worlds, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or special gatherings. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 6 No Boil lasagna sheets
- 1 jar of preferred pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup pepperoni slices
- ¾ cup Canadian bacon or cooked pizza sausage
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat: Dice the pepperoni and Canadian bacon slices. Alternatively, you can use cooked sausage or any other preferred pizza toppings.
- First Layer: Pour about half a cup of pasta sauce into the baking dish and spread it out evenly on the bottom.
- Layer the Lasagna Sheets: Lay two of the lasagna noodles in the dish, leaving a little room between them as they will expand while cooking and absorb liquid from the sauce.
- Add Sauce: Spoon a thin layer of sauce onto the lasagna sheets.
- Add Cheese and Meat: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and pizza meat onto the lasagna sheets.
- Repeat Layers: Cover with two more lasagna sheets and repeat the layering process with sauce, cheese, and meat. Finish with two more lasagna sheets.
- Final Layer: Finish the final layer with a little more sauce, lots of cheese, and meat.
- Add Extra Sauce: Pour extra sauce around the sides of the assembled Pizzagna to ensure all sides of the pasta sheets are covered.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven on the middle rack. Bake the Pizzagna covered for 35 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking: After 35 minutes, remove the foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the Pizzagna cool for at least 10 minutes. Cut and serve.
Notes:
Since we are using No Boil lasagna sheets, they need plenty of moisture to cook properly. Ensure they have enough liquid around them for the best results.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the Pizzagna rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your Pizzagna with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Slice Neatly: Use a sharp knife to cut the Pizzagna into neat squares or rectangles. This will help each serving hold its shape.
- Complementary Beverages: Serve with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, or a cold beer to complement the flavors.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Pizzagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Pizzagna. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: To maintain the texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the Pizzagna with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Prevent Drying Out: When reheating, especially in the oven, add a little extra pasta sauce on top to keep the Pizzagna moist.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Pizzagna fresh out of the oven or as leftovers without compromising on taste or texture!
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, zucchini, ricotta cheese.
- Instructions: Sauté vegetables and layer with lasagna sheets, sauce, and cheese.
2. Meat Lover’s Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon.
- Instructions: Cook and crumble meats, then layer with lasagna sheets, sauce, and cheese.
3. Four Cheese Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, provolone.
- Instructions: Layer cheeses with lasagna sheets and sauce.
4. Margherita Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, tomato-basil sauce.
- Instructions: Layer tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella with lasagna sheets and sauce.
5. BBQ Chicken Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: BBQ sauce, shredded chicken breast, red onions, cilantro.
- Instructions: Layer BBQ sauce, chicken, onions, and cheese with lasagna sheets.
6. Hawaiian Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Canadian bacon, pineapple chunks, mozzarella, cheddar.
- Instructions: Layer lasagna sheets with sauce, Canadian bacon, pineapple, and cheese.
7. White Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, spinach, mushrooms.
- Instructions: Layer Alfredo sauce, chicken, spinach, and mushrooms with lasagna sheets and cheese.
8. Spicy Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Jalapeños, spicy Italian sausage, crushed red pepper flakes.
- Instructions: Layer lasagna sheets with spicy sauce, sausage, jalapeños, and cheese.
9. Mexican Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: Salsa, pasta sauce, ground beef or chorizo, black beans, corn, cheddar, Monterey Jack.
- Instructions: Layer lasagna sheets with salsa, meat, beans, corn, and cheese.
10. Seafood Pizzagna:
- Ingredients: White sauce or marinara, cooked shrimp, scallops, crab meat, mozzarella, Parmesan.
- Instructions: Layer lasagna sheets with sauce, seafood, and cheese.
FAQs:
1. Can I use regular lasagna sheets instead of no-boil sheets?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna sheets, but you will need to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the dish.
2. Can I make Pizzagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the Pizzagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How can I make Pizzagna gluten-free?
Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and ensure that your pasta sauce and any additional ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze Pizzagna?
Yes, Pizzagna freezes well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months.
5. What can I serve with Pizzagna?
Pizzagna pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a cold beer also complements it nicely.
6. Can I add vegetables to my Pizzagna?
Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté them before layering for the best texture.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Pizzagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
8. What if my Pizzagna is too dry?
If your Pizzagna turns out dry, it might be because the lasagna sheets didn’t have enough moisture to cook properly. Add extra sauce around the edges before baking and make sure the lasagna sheets are fully covered with sauce.
9. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, provolone, cheddar, or any other favorite cheese to suit your taste.
10. How can I make Pizzagna spicy?
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use spicy Italian sausage to give your Pizzagna a kick. Adjust the amount of spice to your preference.
Pizzagna combines the best of pizza and lasagna, offering a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a variety of ingredients and customizable options, you can easily tailor it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying leftovers, Pizzagna is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making this unique fusion dish a staple in your home!