Chi-Chi's Christmas Eve Lasagna

Every home cook needs an amazing lasagna recipe in her back pocket, and this is the one to keep! It has become a Christmas Eve tradition in our family, but it’s a perfect make-ahead dinner for just about any occasion! My mother-in-law has a few secret ingredients that make this easy lasagna recipe so special. Aren’t holiday traditions the best? Whether it’s the food, the activities, or the decorations, the familiar customs that we look forward to each year are by far my favorite parts of the season. While this lasagna recipe is easy enough for just about any family supper, it’s also the dinner that my mother-in-law (known as “Chi-Chi” among the grandchildren) serves every year on Christmas Eve -- and the grandchildren can't get enough!

Notes*You can sub with a jar of regular Alfredo sauce if you can't find either of the brands that Chi-Chi likes.

**I prefer to use a block of mozzarella that I grate by hand, because I find that it melts better than the pre-shredded packaged cheese. Either option will work, though!

Cooking for a Smaller Family? Cut the ingredients in half and prepare the lasagna in an 8-inch square dish. You will have to cut or tear the lasagna noodles to fit the size of your dish, but that's fine! Cooking and baking instructions remain the same.

Want to Prep Ahead? This is the idea make-ahead dinner! Assemble the lasagna as instructed through Step 9. Cover tightly and keep in the refrigerator overnight or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the dish to sit on your counter for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, and then proceed with baking as instructed.

Preparation Time30 min

Cooking Time45 min

Cooking Vessel Size9 x 13 Baking Pan