How To Prepare Lasagna in Advance

Lasagna is a classic comfort dish that many home cooks love to prepare in advance. Whether you're planning for a busy week, organizing a holiday gathering, or simply trying to meal plan, learning how to make lasagna in advance will help you save time in your schedule.

When learning how to prepare lasagna in advance, you’re considering storage, timing, final prep, and baking. This meal prep method works well for anyone who enjoys hosting or simply wants a no-fuss dinner option.

Lasagna Assembly and Storage

Begin with prepping your ingredients. Once you them assembled, you can begin the layering process in an oven-safe baking dish. Not sure how to layer lasagna properly? Barilla provides a helpful step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Once your lasagna is assembled, cover the oven-safe baking dish tightly and place it in the freezer or refrigerator. Keep the temperature at or below 40°F to maintain food safety and preserve freshness.

How Long to Bake Lasagna

After preparing your lasagna in advance, bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F. If it's coming straight from the refrigerator, allow approximately 60 minutes of baking time. Cover the lasagna with foil for the first 45 minutes to prevent the top layer from drying out. Be sure to uncover it for the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Look for bubbling edges and melted cheese as a sign that your lasagna is done. After removing the lasagna from the oven, make sure you let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help maintain the shape and layers.

If you’re lasagna is coming straight from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. If you forget to defrost your lasagna, then add an extra 30-40 minutes to the cooking time and keep it covered with foil until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

Lasagna with Egg

When preparing lasagna with egg as a binding or filling ingredient, slightly extend your cooking time. Bake for around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Lasagna Preparation FAQs

Q: How Far in Advance Can You Make Lasagna Before Cooking It?
A: Lasagna can be prepared in advance without baking and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to three months.

Q: Can You Prepare Lasagna 2 Days Ahead?
A: If you are storing your lasagna in the refrigerator, then it is recommended to prepare it only up to 24 hours in advance. If you are storing your lasagna in the freezer, then it can be prepared up to 3 months in advance.

Q: How to Store and Reheat Lasagna?
A: Leftover or fully cooked lasagna should be separated into individual servings and then frozen. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For full details, check out Barilla's guide!