Did You Know 72% of Home Cooks Avoid Lasagna Because They Think It Takes Too Long?

I used to be part of that statistic too—until I discovered this magical Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce that comes together in under an hour. The secret? A silky Mornay sauce (that’s just a fancy way of saying béchamel with cheese, darling) that eliminates the need for tedious ricotta layering. Suddenly, weeknight lasagna feels as effortless as Sunday supper.

Picture this: ribbons of pasta cradling smoky ham and nutty Gruyère, all swimming in that golden, velvety sauce that makes every forkful feel like a hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes guests whisper, “You made this from scratch?” while you wink and nod, knowing it required barely more effort than assembling a sandwich.

Why This Ham & Cheese Lasagna Will Become Your New Comfort Food Obsession

There’s a reason Mornay sauce has been the darling of French kitchens since the 1800s—it transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. When paired with salty ham and the subtle sweetness of slow-cooked onions, it creates a symphony of flavors that’ll have you sneaking bites straight from the baking dish.

The Speed Factor: No pre-cooking noodles or waiting for layers to set—this lasagna goes from counter to table in 50 minutes flat
The Texture Trick: The Mornay sauce keeps every bite luxuriously moist, unlike dry ricotta-based versions
The Flavor Alchemy: Smoked ham adds depth while the Gruyère brings that irresistible stretchy-cheese-pull we all crave

Last Tuesday, I served this to my book club—between the clinking forks and requests for seconds, I realized this wasn’t just dinner. It was a culinary magic trick that made me look like I’d spent hours in the kitchen, when really I’d been sipping rosé while it bubbled away in the oven.

Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Print Recipe

A rich and comforting lasagna layered with ham, cheese, and a velvety Mornay sauce for a decadent twist on a classic.

Author: Trusted Blog

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
2 cups diced ham
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese to make the Mornay sauce.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles in the baking dish. Spread a third of the Mornay sauce over the noodles, then half the ham, and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and remaining cheeses.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce

There’s something so comforting about a bubbling lasagna fresh from the oven—especially when it’s layered with smoky ham, melty cheese, and a velvety Mornay sauce that ties it all together. This recipe is a twist on the classic, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna noodles (12 sheets) – I prefer the no-boil kind for ease, but traditional work just fine if you parboil them first.
2 cups diced ham – Leftover holiday ham or thick-cut deli ham both work beautifully here.
3 cups shredded Gruyère cheese – Its nutty, buttery flavor is perfect for Mornay, but Swiss or sharp cheddar can step in if needed.
1 cup grated Parmesan – Because no lasagna is complete without that salty, golden crust.
4 tbsp unsalted butter – The base of our luscious sauce.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour – To thicken the Mornay just right.
3 cups whole milk – Warm it slightly beforehand to avoid lumps in your sauce.
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg – A whisper of warmth that makes the sauce sing.
1 small yellow onion, finely minced – For a subtle sweetness in the sauce.
1 bay leaf – Infuses the Mornay with depth (don’t skip it!).
Salt & freshly ground black pepper – To taste, of course.
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) – Just a hint for those who like a gentle kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep your workspace. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. There’s nothing worse than lasagna sticking to the pan!
Make the Mornay sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent—about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Let it cook for just a minute to lose that raw flour taste.
Whisk in the milk. Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Drop in the bay leaf and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes).
Cheese, please! Remove the bay leaf, then stir in 2 cups of the Gruyère and half the Parmesan until melted. Season with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Taste and adjust—this sauce should be rich but balanced.
Layer with love. Spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Top with 4 lasagna noodles (they can overlap slightly). Follow with half the diced ham, a generous pour of sauce, and a sprinkle of remaining cheeses. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and a lavish blanket of cheese.

At this point, your kitchen should smell heavenly, and you’re just a bake away from perfection. But before we pop it in the oven, let’s talk about the golden rule of lasagna…

Conclusion

This Ham & Cheese Lasagna with Creamy Mornay Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of savory ham and velvety sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned cook.

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the cheesy magic happen! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it with us—we’d love to hear how it turned out. And if you’re craving more comforting pasta dishes, check out our recipe collection for more delicious inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère and Parmesan add a rich, nutty flavor, you can substitute them with Swiss, Fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a different twist.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, or microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry.