If you’re craving a comfort food that’s both creamy and packed with vibrant flavors, the Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is here to steal your heart and satisfy your appetite. This dish beautifully combines sweet, roasted butternut squash with the rich, buttery notes of Havarti cheese, layered lovingly between tender lasagna noodles and sautéed spinach. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a delightful mix of fresh, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in making your Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe a winning dish. From the creamy ricotta to the perfectly roasted squash, every element adds unique flavor, texture, and color to the final masterpiece.

9 lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil): The perfect base for layering, these noodles soften just right to hold everything together.
2 cups cubed butternut squash: Roasted to sweet tenderness, it adds a gorgeous golden hue and natural sweetness.
2 cups shredded Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, Havarti melts beautifully, giving the dish a luxurious texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds light creaminess and helps bind the layers with a smooth, delicately tangy touch.
2 cups fresh spinach: Wilted to perfection, spinach introduces freshness and a subtle earthiness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth and a hint of warmth to the roasted squash and spinach.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for roasting and sautéing, it enhances flavors and helps develop that lovely golden color.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that tie all the ingredients together beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring each flavor to life.

How to Make Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spraying your baking dish with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your lasagna won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

Toss your cubed butternut squash with the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until every piece is beautifully coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. When finished, the squash should be tender and caramelized, bursting with natural sweetness that will complement the creamy cheese layers wonderfully.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

While the squash roasts, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your fresh spinach and sauté just until it wilts, which only takes about 3 minutes. This step softens the leaves and adds a subtle richness that balances the sweetness of the squash perfectly.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Stir gently until the mixture is creamy and well-seasoned. This ricotta blend provides a smooth, tangy contrast to the other rich ingredients in your Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers

Now for the fun part! Start by spreading a layer of roasted butternut squash at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of wilted spinach and dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle shredded Havarti cheese over the ricotta to add creamy, melty goodness. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of noodles covered in sauce and a generous topping of Havarti cheese to encourage that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your lasagna tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to let the top turn golden and bubbly—this finishing step adds a mouthwatering texture that signals your dish is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of vibrant green and a fresh aroma that brightens each bite. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also lifts the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies. The crisp textures and zesty notes from the sides provide a lovely contrast to the creamy richness of the lasagna.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal-sized indulgence or cut into neat squares and plate with a spoonful of herbed ricotta on the side. Presentation with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers can make this humble dish feel like a star at any dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers surprisingly good, perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When properly thawed in the fridge overnight, it reheats just as delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for an additional 5 minutes to refresh the crispy, golden top. You can also use a microwave in a pinch, but the oven method preserves the dish’s texture best.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles for this Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a convenient option that saves time and still turn out tender once baked. Just be sure to layer them with enough moisture from the squash and cheese to allow proper softening.

Is it possible to substitute the Havarti cheese?

If Havarti isn’t available, mild mozzarella or fontina can be good substitutes since they melt well and maintain a creamy texture, but you’ll miss some of Havarti’s unique buttery flavor.

How sweet is the butternut squash in this dish?

The butternut squash adds a gentle natural sweetness that balances the savory cheeses and garlic, creating a beautifully harmonious flavor profile without being overly sweet.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. Just allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes of baking time if baking from cold.

Is this Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t include meat or meat-based ingredients. It’s a wonderful option for those seeking a hearty, meatless meal full of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Havarti Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. It’s comforting yet bright, simple yet special—perfect for impressing family or friends or simply treating yourself. I encourage you to give it a try and experience how easy it is to create a show-stopping meal with ingredients that celebrate the best of autumn’s bounty and creamy cheese bliss.