Ghostly Lasagna

Ghostly Lasagna

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Make your Halloween dinner table hauntingly delicious with this Ghostly Lasagna. It’s the ultimate festive comfort food, layering rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, tender pasta sheets, and a surprise burst of spinach and ricotta. But what truly sets this dish apart is the playful marshmallow ghosts perched on top, bringing whimsy to every serving. It’s spooky, cheesy, and utterly delightful.

Perfect for Halloween parties, cozy October dinners, or simply getting the kids excited about dinner, this lasagna is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of the season. With every bite offering layers of flavor and fun, Ghostly Lasagna will quickly become a fall family favorite.


Why You’ll Love This Ghostly Lasagna

  • Seasonal Fun: It turns a classic dish into a festive Halloween centerpiece.
  • Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults can appreciate the delicious layers and the ghostly charm.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the day before your event and simply bake when ready.
  • Balanced Flavors: Creamy ricotta, savory spinach, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella make it irresistibly satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the layers, having the right tools at your side makes the prep process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essentials:

  • Large Baking Dish (9×13): A must-have to layer the noodles, sauces, and cheese.
  • Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining ricotta, spinach, and seasoning.
  • Medium Saucepan: Needed to warm or simmer the marinara sauce for depth of flavor.
  • Spatula or Large Spoon: Helps with even spreading of layers.
  • Sharp Knife or Kitchen Shears: For finely chopping spinach or trimming noodles if necessary.
  • Piping Bag or Small Spoon (for ghosts): Essential to sculpt your marshmallow or fondant ghosts onto the finished lasagna.

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Ingredients for the Ghostly Lasagna

Each ingredient brings essential flavor and texture to this spooky showstopper:

  • Lasagna Noodles – The backbone of this dish, providing that hearty, satisfying structure.
  • Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and smooth, it forms the base of the cheesy filling.
  • Fresh Spinach – Adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrition, plus it pairs perfectly with ricotta.
  • Shredded Mozzarella – Melts to gooey perfection and creates that golden bubbly top.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Boosts the cheesy depth and adds a salty edge.
  • Marinara Sauce – Brings acidity and robust tomato flavor to balance the richness.
  • Egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays layered and creamy.
  • Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder – Elevate every bite with warmth and flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper – Essential to bring out the best in every component.
  • Marshmallows or Fondant – Used to craft your adorable little ghosts.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips or Icing – For ghost eyes!

How To Make the Ghostly Lasagna

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Layer Like a Pro

In a 9×13 dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add noodles, ricotta-spinach mix, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat layers and finish with a thick topping of mozzarella.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Add the Ghostly Touch

Let the lasagna cool slightly. Use marshmallows or rolled fondant to create ghost shapes and place them on top. Use mini chocolate chips or icing for eyes. Serve warm with a smile!


Serving & Storing Ghostly Lasagna

Serve this lasagna fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still bubbly and golden. For a full spooky spread, pair it with roasted veggies or a Halloween-themed salad. The marshmallow ghosts are best added just before serving to keep their shape.

To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick future meal—just skip the ghost topping until serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make Ghostly Lasagna?

You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover and refrigerate before baking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! It’s already vegetarian if you use vegetarian cheese and marshmallows. Just double-check labels.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well if you want a lighter texture, though ricotta gives that creamy, traditional feel.

What can I use for gluten-free lasagna?

Try gluten-free lasagna noodles or even thin layers of grilled zucchini as a delicious alternative.

Will the marshmallow ghosts melt?

If added while the lasagna is hot, they may soften slightly. For best results, add them right before serving to keep their shape spooky and sharp.

Can I freeze it with the ghosts on top?

It’s best to freeze the lasagna without the ghost decorations. Add them fresh after reheating.


Want More Pasta Casserole Ideas?

If this Ghostly Lasagna got you in the mood for more hearty, comforting bakes, check these out:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Halloween or comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did your marshmallow ghosts hold their shape? Did you add any spooky twists?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make October delicious!

🔗 Follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate for daily inspiration, festive treats, and more Halloween dinner ideas.


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Ghostly Lasagna

Ghostly Lasagna


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Celebrate Halloween dinner with this Ghostly Lasagna, a spooky twist on the classic comfort food. Layered with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, gooey mozzarella, and topped with adorable marshmallow ghosts, it’s a festive pasta casserole perfect for family dinners, parties, and cozy October nights.


Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 egg

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

6 large marshmallows or fondant for ghost topping

12 mini chocolate chips or black decorating icing for eyes


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

5. Layer noodles, ricotta-spinach filling, shredded mozzarella, and more marinara. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella.

6. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until top is bubbly and golden.

8. Cool slightly before decorating with marshmallow or fondant ghosts.

9. Use mini chocolate chips or icing to make eyes. Serve warm.

Notes

For a fun variation, use beet juice or spinach juice to tint the pasta layers red or green for extra Halloween flair.

Don’t place the ghosts on a hot lasagna—wait until it cools a bit or they’ll melt!

You can assemble the lasagna 1 day in advance and bake when ready.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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