Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne is a twist on the traditional Italian classic. Instead of the usual béchamel sauce, he uses creme fraiche which brings a creamy, tangy richness to the dish. This lasagne isn’t just comforting; it’s layered with deep flavors, like a creamy hug in every bite. The tangy creme fraiche works beautifully with the savory meat sauce, creating a balance that you’ll find hard to beat. It’s indulgent but fresh, with a bit of a modern spin on a timeless favorite.
Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make this lasagne, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- Lasagne sheets – Jamie often uses fresh sheets for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture but dry works just as well.
- Ground beef or pork (or both). This forms the base of your sauce. It’s rich and savory, packing a lot of flavor into each layer.
- Onions and garlic – Essential aromatics to kick off your sauce and give it depth.
- Carrots and celery – For added sweetness and earthiness in the sauce.
- Canned tomatoes – A must for the sauce base, adding that juicy tomato goodness that pairs so well with the creamy elements.
- Herbs – Oregano, basil and thyme are commonly used for that herby warmth.
- Creme fraiche – This is what makes Jamie’s lasagne stand out. It’s less rich than heavy cream but its tanginess adds a unique depth to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese – For the cheesy topping that turns golden brown and crispy.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, of course.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need anything too fancy, just the basics:
- A large ovenproof dish. To layer everything and bake it to perfection.
- A frying pan – For browning the meat and sautéing your veggies.
- A saucepan – For simmering the sauce and creating the perfect base.
- A spoon or spatula. For stirring and assembling the lasagne.
- A grater – For the Parmesan cheese (unless you grab pre-grated but fresh is always better).
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne
- Prep your ingredients – Start by finely chopping your onion, garlic, carrots and celery. This is the base for your sauce. Grate the Parmesan cheese and get your creme fraiche ready. If you’re using fresh lasagne sheets, have them ready to go.
- Cook the meat – Heat some olive oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and let it brown nicely for a few minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables – While the meat cooks, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots and celery to the pan. Stir them around for a few minutes until softened.
- Add tomatoes and herbs. Once the vegetables are tender, add the canned tomatoes and your choice of herbs. Let this simmer for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the lasagne – Preheat your oven. In a large ovenproof dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Then layer your lasagne sheets over the sauce. Add a generous dollop of creme fraiche, spreading it out evenly. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Top it off – Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagne. This will form a golden, crispy crust as it bakes.
- Bake it – Place the lasagne in the oven and bake at around 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it and when the top is golden and bubbly, you know it’s done.
- Serve and enjoy – Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets properly. Slice it up and serve with a simple side salad for a perfect meal.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne was a game-changer for me. First off, the creme fraiche instead of béchamel is such a brilliant swap. It makes the dish creamy but not overly heavy. I also learned that layering the ingredients carefully really matters. each bite should have a bit of everything: the sauce, the pasta and that rich, tangy creaminess. It’s easy to get tempted to pile on more sauce or cheese but the balance is key.
Also, don’t rush the simmering time for the sauce. Letting it bubble away slowly makes a massive difference in flavor. I could really taste the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the meat after it had time to develop.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne
Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne is already a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and rich layers but there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some ideas to tweak the recipe based on what you’ve got in your kitchen or to suit different dietary preferences.
1. Herbs And Spices
- Fresh Basil & Oregano: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic twist. You can also try fresh oregano for that perfect Mediterranean vibe. It will elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the creamy richness.
- Nutmeg & Cinnamon: For a warm, comforting undertone, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to your sauce. Just a tiny dash goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
2. Vegetarian Variation
- Swap the Meat: If you’re vegetarian or simply want a lighter version, try using roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers in place of the meat. A blend of mushrooms can add that earthy, savory note.
- Tofu or Tempeh: Crumbled tofu or tempeh can replace ground meat if you want a plant-based option that still gives you that meaty texture.
3. Cheese Choices
- Add More Layers of Cheese: Jamie’s recipe uses mozzarella but you can up the cheese game with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan or even blue cheese. Ricotta will make it creamier while Parmesan adds sharpness and depth.
- Go Dairy-Free: For dairy-free options, you can use vegan mozzarella and a dairy-free cream alternative in place of crème fraîche. Almond or oat-based products work surprisingly well.
4. Meat Lovers Twist
- Sausage or Bacon: Instead of the traditional beef or pork mince, you can add crumbled Italian sausage or crispy bacon for an extra punch of flavor.
- Bolognese Layer: For even more richness, layer a classic bolognese sauce under the creamy mixture. It adds that slow-cooked, umami depth.
5. Extra Veggies
- Spinach and Kale: Add a few handfuls of spinach or kale to the sauce for a nutrient boost. These greens wilt down beautifully and blend into the creamy layers, making the dish feel even more hearty.
- Carrot & Celery: Finely grated carrots and celery can be sneaked into the sauce to add texture and sweetness without anyone noticing.
These tweaks allow you to make the lasagne your own.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Lasagne is one of those dishes that seems to get better as it sits. Here’s how to store your leftovers so they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible:
1. Cooling
Always let your lasagne cool down to room temperature before storing it. Placing hot lasagne straight into the fridge can cause condensation and make the texture soggy.
2. Storage Containers
Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors. You can either keep it in the dish you cooked it in as long as it’s covered with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap or transfer it to a separate container.
3. Refrigeration
Lasagne typically lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you’re keeping it for longer than that, freezing is a better option.
4. Freezing Leftovers
Lasagne freezes remarkably well. If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the lasagne into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. This will protect it from freezer burn.
- You can freeze it either before or after baking but for convenience, freezing it after cooking and cooling is usually easier.
- To reheat frozen lasagne, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
5. Reheating
To reheat, use the oven if possible. Cover the lasagne with foil to keep it moist and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can remove the foil in the last few minutes to allow the top to crisp up.
For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out and heat in 1-minute intervals until it’s hot.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne?
The rich and creamy nature of Jamie Oliver’s Creme Fraiche Lasagne makes it a satisfying meal on its own but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the whole experience. Here are some ideas:
1. A Fresh Green Salad
- A simple green salad with arugula, baby spinach or mixed greens is the perfect contrast to the heaviness of the lasagne. A light lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing adds a tangy kick that cuts through the creaminess.
2. Garlic Bread Or Crusty Loaf
- You can never go wrong with garlic bread to scoop up those extra creamy layers. If you prefer something less greasy, a nice crusty loaf of sourdough will work wonders. Just slice and serve it warm, with a little butter if you like.
3. Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes or beets are perfect companions. Their natural sweetness complements the savory richness of the lasagne.
- Roasted broccoli or cauliflower with a bit of olive oil and sea salt adds a lighter, slightly crispy texture to balance the creamy lasagne.
4. Steamed Asparagus Or Green Beans
- Tender green beans or asparagus bring a nice crunch and freshness that contrasts the soft, gooey lasagne. You can simply steam them and drizzle with olive oil, lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt.
5. Wine Pairings
- Red Wine: A bold red like Chianti or Merlot works beautifully with the creamy, cheesy layers of lasagne. The acidity in the wine helps balance the richness of the dish.
- White Wine: If you prefer white, try something with a bit of body, like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. Their fruitiness and acidity complement the creamy sauce and the savory elements in the lasagne.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Crème Fraîche Lasagne In Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking.
What Can I Substitute For Crème Fraîche In Jamie Oliver’s Lasagne?
You can use sour cream, ricotta, or mascarpone as alternatives for crème fraîche.
How Long Should I Bake Jamie Oliver’s Crème Fraîche Lasagne?
Bake it for about 30-35 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the top is golden and bubbly.
