Skinner Lasagna Recipe - How to Make this Classic Italian-American Dish

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Skinner lasagna, sometimes called East Coast lasagna, is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with a rich ricotta filling instead of meat. This easy homemade recipe recreates the delicious layered lasagna that Momma Skinner used to make, without the hassle of tedious assembly.

Overview of Skinner Lasagna

Skinner lasagna gets its name from a Boston restaurant chain started by three Italian-American brothers with the last name Skinner. Their homemade lasagna became popular in the 1950s-60s and featured a ricotta cheese filling instead of meat.

Key Features of Skinner Lasagna:

• Tender curly edge lasagna noodles
• Rich, creamy ricotta filling
• Savory tomato sauce
• Melted mozzarella cheese
• Robust Italian-American flavor

Ingredients

To serve 6, you will need:

Cheese filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan, grated
• 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 12 oz mozzarella, shredded

Instructions

Make the filling:

1. Mix together ricotta, egg, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside.

Assemble the lasagna:

1. Spread 1⁄2 cup sauce in a 9x13” baking dish.
2. Top with 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1 cup sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.
3. Repeat layers once more.
4. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.

Bake:

1. Cover dish tightly with foil.
2. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more.
4. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Tips for Perfect Skinner Lasagna

• Use high-quality whole milk ricotta for best flavor.
• Drain excess liquid from ricotta so filling isn't watery.
• Cover with foil while baking to keep noodles tender.
• Allow lasagna to rest before serving for cleaner slices.

How to Serve

Serve Skinner lasagna with:

• Garlic bread or salad
• Green beans or roasted veggies
• A robust Chianti wine
• Tiramisu for dessert

Conclusion

With its classic ricotta filling and savory tomato sauce, this easy Skinner lasagna recipe delivers quintessential Italian-American comfort food. The rich, creamy cheese filling and tender curly noodles bake up into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole. Mangia!

FAQs

What's the difference between Skinner and regular lasagna?

Skinner lasagna uses a ricotta cheese filling while traditional lasagna is made with ground meat.

What cheese works best?

Whole milk ricotta and part-skim shredded mozzarella give the best taste and texture.

Can I assemble ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, then bake as directed.

What sides go well with this?

Garlic bread, salad, roasted veggies or sausage are perfect pairings.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Yes, cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.