Name: a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise; 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced; 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 2 cups crushed tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1½ cups ricotta cheese; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh basil or dill, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; 9–12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you love Mediterranean flavors and crave a comforting, wholesome meal, this Golden Layered Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender roasted vegetables layered perfectly with rich tomato sauce, delicate lasagna sheets, and topped off with a luscious, tangy drizzle of creamy garlic herb cheese that brings everything to life in the best way possible. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create a dish bursting with flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender roasted vegetables infusing the dish with earthiness to the vibrant tomato sauce adding brightness, and of course, that luscious creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle finishing every bite with richness.

Zucchini: Thinly sliced lengthwise for even roasting and delicate texture.
Eggplant: Adds a meaty, tender base that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Red bell peppers: Bring a sweet and colorful pop to the layers.
Onion: Sliced thin to caramelize and add subtle sweetness.
Olive oil: Essential for roasting and bringing together all the Mediterranean flavors.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs for that fragrant aroma and taste.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, rich and slightly tangy.
Garlic: Used in the sauce and the cheese drizzle for an irresistible depth.
Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthy notes to the tomato sauce.
Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy base for the garlic herb cheese drizzle.
Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to balance the richness of the cream cheese blend.
Lemon juice: A bright hint of acidity that lifts the drizzle wonderfully.
Fresh parsley, basil or dill: These herbs bring freshness and vibrant green color to the cheese drizzle.
Lasagna sheets: No-boil or pre-cooked for easy layering.
Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for gooey, decadent finish.
Feta cheese: Crumbled over for salty tang and added texture.

How to Make a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by tossing thin slices of zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Spread them on a baking tray and roast for about 20 minutes until they are just tender. This roasting step deepens their flavors and softens their texture, creating that irresistible base layer for the lasagna.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a saucepan, gently heat some olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just enough to cling to the vegetables and pasta.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, finely grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, basil or dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the star of the show, bringing a luscious, tangy richness that perfectly atop each vegetable layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, then roasted vegetables, more tomato sauce, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring that every scoop is loaded with flavor and texture, finishing with a final generous drizzle of the cheese mixture on top.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven, allowing the lasagna to bake until bubbly and the cheeses melt and turn golden. This step ensures a perfectly cooked lasagna with melty cheese and a gorgeous golden finish.

How to Serve a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top not only adds a pop of fresh green color but also enhances the herbaceous notes in the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle. A few extra crumbles of feta on top offer delightful bursts of salty flavor that brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

To complement the hearty vegetable lasagna, serve it alongside a crisp Mediterranean salad featuring cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, perfect for sopping up any of that creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins, layering the vegetables and sauce with the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle inside each. Alternatively, drizzle extra sauce artistically across the serving plate for a restaurant-style presentation that wows your guests right from the start.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any remaining lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle intact to maintain its lusciousness.

Freezing

Want to save this for later? You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked lasagna in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. The creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle holds up well, keeping the flavors rich and vibrant.

Reheating

To reheat individual servings, cover loosely with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot throughout and cheese is melty again. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir gently and add a small splash of water if needed to keep the lasagna moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add more vibrant flavor, especially when used in the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle. Just use about three times the amount compared to dried herbs for the best taste.

Is this lasagna suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian-friendly, packed with wholesome vegetables and cheeses without any meat. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even those who usually prefer meat-based dishes!

Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

If you do not have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute, but the texture and flavor of the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle may vary slightly. Greek yogurt helps keep it creamy and tangy regardless.

How do I prevent the lasagna sheets from drying out?

Using no-boil or pre-cooked sheets and layering enough sauce and the creamy cheese drizzle between layers keeps the pasta moist and tender during baking. Covering the lasagna with foil while baking also helps retain moisture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With some tweaks, yes. You’ll want to replace the ricotta and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or tofu blends, and substitute the mozzarella and feta with vegan cheese. The creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle can be adapted with vegan-friendly ingredients too.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Layered Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna a with Creamy Garlic Herb Cheese Drizzle is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s vibrant, layered with fresh flavors, and comfortingly creamy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite. Don’t wait to try making this beautiful, delicious lasagna and experience how the creamy garlic herb cheese drizzle elevates every bite to pure joy!