The Number Of Layers You Need For Perfectly Balanced Lasagna Every Time

A balanced lasagna is a very specific art form. Not too dense and not too top-heavy — the goal is an evenly cooked and artistically layered dish. The sort of meal that whisks diners away to the Leaning Tower of Pisa without actually resembling it. So, with such high hopes in mind, how many layers should you be adding? Tasting Table caught up with Matthew Cutolo, a third-generation Italian-American chef at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, to find out. "Typically, you should aim for a range of about four to five layers," he says. "I don't like to go more than that because it's just too much then. You want a well-balanced, well-constructed lasagna."

Start with a small amount of sauce (it's a strict rule never to lay the sheets first). Then, alternate between pasta and filling, which could be anything from bolognese to bechamel or vegetables. After repeating this step four or five times, you've hit the golden mark. With a savvy approach to layering, you'll soon accrue a whole bunch of lasagna recipes you'll keep coming back to. It really is all about the details.

It's not just about how many layers you add. The thickness of pasta sheets can make or break a lasagna, sometimes literally. It's the difference between a soggy mess and a firm dish that would wow even Gino D'Acampo. There's no one size fits all, and the average width sits somewhere between six and nine centimeters. 

In a classic lasagna bolognese recipe, you might want firmer sheets to support the heavier minced meat or to cope with more generous amounts of sauce. In general, thicker pasta absorbs moisture better and retains a firmer structure. With lighter fillings, you could safely opt for delicate, thinner sheets without fear of an untimely collapse. Just keep in mind that there's a positive correlation between thickness and increased cooking time. The wider your pasta sheets, the longer the lasagna will be in the oven, and the thinner, the more careful you must be of over-cooking. If it's getting a little too brown, cover it in foil to prevent burning.

It's amazing how versatile and varied a simple lasagna recipe can be. It's not as classic, but if you're feeling fun, why not experiment with different pasta shapes to try in your next lasagna? You don't have to stick to sheets alone. Creativity is the fastest way to find your own favorite approach. Ultimately, lasagna has unlimited variations; it's the sort of family recipe passed down through generations. Be bold.