Ghostly Lasagna

Ghostly Lasagna

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Craving a Halloween dinner that brings both fright and delight? This Ghostly Lasagna is layered with creamy cheese, hearty vegetables, and a classic tomato sauce—all crowned with adorable mozzarella ghosts that float eerily over every slice. It’s the kind of spooky-meets-savory meal that turns an ordinary October night into a festive feast.

This lasagna isn’t just for looks. With rich ricotta, tender spinach, and bubbling mozzarella between perfectly al dente noodles, every bite delivers comfort food bliss. It’s a hit at Halloween parties and family dinners alike, with kids especially loving the ghostly surprise perched on top.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this eerie dish to life, you’ll want to have the following tools on hand:

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is essential for even cooking and layering the lasagna without spillage.
  • Large Pot: You’ll need this for boiling the lasagna noodles to a perfect, non-mushy texture.
  • Mixing Bowls: These are crucial for prepping your ricotta-spinach mixture and cheese layers ahead of time.
  • Spatula or Silicone Spoon: Ideal for spreading sauces and fillings evenly between each layer.
  • Sharp Knife or Cookie Cutter: To carve out your mozzarella ghost shapes; this adds the festive touch.
  • Parchment Paper (Optional): Useful if you want to shape and prep the ghosts ahead, then chill until ready to assemble.

Having the right equipment makes each step smoother and ensures your lasagna ghosts stand tall and spooky!


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Ingredients for the Ghostly Lasagna

Each component in this lasagna plays a role in flavor and festivity:

  • Lasagna Noodles – The foundation for your layered masterpiece.
  • Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and binds the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (Blocks and Shredded) – Melts beautifully in the layers and sculpts into ghostly toppers.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Brings sharp, salty depth to each bite.
  • Frozen Spinach (Thawed & Drained) – Sneaks in nutrients and adds color.
  • Egg – Helps bind the ricotta and spinach mixture.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder – Boosts flavor throughout the filling.
  • Marinara or Tomato Sauce – A rich base that balances acidity and sweetness.
  • Black Food Gel or Olive Paste – For ghost faces!
  • Salt & Pepper – For seasoning every layer just right.

How To Make the Ghostly Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Boil your lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, thawed spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

Start with a base layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Add noodles, a layer of ricotta-spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat until you reach the top layer.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella Ghosts

Slice mozzarella blocks into ghost shapes using a knife or cookie cutter. Place them on top of the final noodle layer. Use black food gel or olive paste to add tiny spooky faces.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and the ghosts just start to melt (but not disappear!). Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.


Serving Up Screams and Storing Leftovers

Ghostly Lasagna is best served warm and fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the ghosts are still smiling. Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete spooky spread.

Leftovers? Wrap slices in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to a month—just reheat in the oven to keep the texture intact.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the ghost faces stick?

Use a small dab of water to help the black food gel or olive paste adhere to the mozzarella. Apply with a toothpick for precision.

Can I make it vegetarian?

This version is already vegetarian-friendly! No meat needed.

What if I don’t have a ghost cutter?

No problem—a small sharp knife works just fine. Use a paper stencil to guide your ghost shapes.

Can I use fresh spinach?

Absolutely. Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out the moisture before adding it to the ricotta.

How do I avoid watery lasagna?

Make sure the spinach is fully drained and the ricotta isn’t overly wet. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also helps it set.


Want More Lasagna & Casserole Ideas?

If you loved this spooky twist, you might also enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy punch, or our Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you’re in a meatier mood.

Looking for more vegetarian options? Try the comforting Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup or the extra cheesy Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

And if you’re into salads that pair perfectly with lasagna, don’t miss the Italian Grinder Salad.

For more festive and creative dishes like this, follow my recipes on Pinterest at LadyPlate.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your Halloween recipe boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, let me know how it went! Did your ghosts come out spooky or cute? Did you add a twist with different fillings? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear all about it!


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Ghostly Lasagna

Ghostly Lasagna


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Ghostly Lasagna brings Halloween fun to the dinner table with its spooky mozzarella ghosts and delicious layers of ricotta, spinach, and marinara. It’s festive, flavorful, and makes the perfect family-friendly meal for October evenings or party spreads.


Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

8 mozzarella slices (cut into ghost shapes)

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

3 cups marinara sauce

Black food gel or olive paste (for ghost faces)

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat to cool.

2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara. Add a layer of noodles, then ricotta mixture, then shredded mozzarella, and repeat until dish is filled.

5. Top final layer with marinara and ghost-shaped mozzarella slices.

6. Add black gel or olive paste eyes to mozzarella ghosts.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is slightly golden.

8. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use parchment paper to keep boiled noodles from sticking while prepping other ingredients.

Squeeze spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your layers.

Chill mozzarella ghosts before baking to help them hold their shape in the oven.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Halloween, spooky, mozzarella, vegetarian, lasagna

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