Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna Recipe

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Introduction:

Love lasagna but want to take it up a notch? This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna is a savory, creamy, and ultra-indulgent version of the classic Italian favorite. Instead of traditional marinara, it’s layered with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, smoky bacon bits, and gooey cheese that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s the perfect dish for those who crave bold, rich flavors in their comfort food.

Origin:

While lasagna originates from Italy, this version is a modern, American-style comfort food twist. By replacing tomato sauce with a creamy white sauce and adding bacon, it draws inspiration from Alfredo-style pasta and Southern casserole traditions — resulting in a lasagna that’s both indulgent and family-friendly.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

🧀 For the White Parmesan Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

🥓 For the Bacon Mixture:

  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
  • Optional: 1 lb ground chicken or turkey for added protein

🧱 For Lasagna Layers:

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles, boiled or oven-ready
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional layer)
  • ½ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes in the sauce
  • A sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder between layers
  • Use Gruyère or Fontina for a more gourmet cheese flavor

Instructions:

Step 1 – Make the Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Cook until thickened, 4–5 minutes.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Step 2 – Prepare Bacon Mixture:

  1. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. In the remaining fat, sauté chopped onion until golden (add ground meat now if using and cook through).
  3. Combine with the bacon pieces. Set aside.

Step 3 – Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large baking dish (9×13”), spread a thin layer of sauce.
  3. Layer noodles, sauce, bacon mixture, a few spoonfuls of ricotta (if using), and shredded mozzarella.
  4. Repeat for 3–4 layers, finishing with sauce and extra mozzarella + Parmesan on top.

Step 4 – Bake:

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  3. Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.

Tips for Success:

  • Use oven-ready noodles to save time and prevent soggy layers.
  • Don’t overcook the white sauce — stir constantly until just thickened.
  • Add ricotta only in thin layers to keep texture balanced.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking to hold its shape when serving.

Serving Recommendations:

  • Pair with:
    • Garlic bread or focaccia
    • Light arugula or Caesar salad
    • A glass of chilled white wine (like Chardonnay) or sparkling water with lemon
  • Great for:
    • Sunday family dinners
    • Holiday gatherings
    • Potlucks or meal prep (freezes well in portions)

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg

Nutrition can vary depending on cheese and bacon choices. Use low-sodium bacon or light cheeses to reduce salt and fat content.

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