Mediterranean Layered Sweet Potato Apple & Cranberry Lasagna with Brie & Pecan Crunch

Mediterranean Layered Sweet Potato Apple & Cranberry Lasagna with Brie & Pecan Crunch is healthy & tasty. It is prepared in 1 hour and 20 minutes, so it is good to prepare as a comforting dinner or festive side dish. It contains sweet potatoes, apples, dried cranberries, Brie cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, butter, and heavy cream. Mediterranean Layered Sweet Potato Apple & Cranberry Lasagna with Brie & Pecan Crunch is served with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, creamy pumpkin soup, and roasted chicken. We would easily store this lasagna in the fridge or freezer, so we could make it in advance.

STATS:

• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Serving size: 1 portion
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Cooking time: 55 minutes
• Serving: 8
• Course: Main
• Preparation time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

INGREDIENTS:

• Half tsp dried thyme
• 2 medium sliced apples
• One cup dried cranberries
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces sliced Brie cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Half cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Half tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 large sliced sweet potatoes
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Half cup heavy cream
• Fresh thyme

INGREDIENT NOTES:

APPLES:

• Include apples to provide natural sweetness and a fresh, fruity taste to the lasagna. They will also provide a slightly firm texture to balance the soft sweet potatoes & creamy cheese. We would also utilize firm pears instead if required.

SWEET POTATOES:

• Utilize sweet potatoes to prepare this lasagna, and they will provide a soft & tender texture. They will also provide a naturally sweet taste to balance the creamy cheese & tangy cranberries. We would also utilize butternut squash or thinly sliced potatoes instead if required.

DRIED CRANBERRIES:

• Add dried cranberries to provide a sweet & tangy taste to the lasagna. They will also balance the richness of the Brie cheese & sweetness of the maple syrup. We would also utilize dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins instead if required.

BRIE CHEESE:

• Utilize Brie cheese to prepare this lasagna, and it will provide a smooth & creamy texture. It will also provide a mild, buttery taste to balance the sweetness of the apples & cranberries. We would also utilize Camembert, reduced-fat cream cheese, or suitable vegetarian soft cheese instead if required.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, grease the dish with a little butter and heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them evenly, then cut the apples into thin slices.
3. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in the dish, then season them with salt, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Make layers with sliced apples, dried cranberries, and Brie cheese, then repeat the steps.
5. Pour the heavy cream on the stack and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Mix chopped pecans with melted butter, maple syrup, and dried thyme in the small bowl.
7. Now, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly on the mozzarella and cover the dish with foil to bake for 35 minutes.
8. Bake the lasagna for another 20 minutes without the foil, then cool it for ten minutes.
9. Lastly, garnish the dish with fresh thyme and serve warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

SALADS:

• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Apple Walnut Salad
• Spinach and Cranberry Salad
• Greek Tomato Salad

VEGETABLES:

• Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Roasted Asparagus
• Balsamic Roasted Beetroot

BREAD AND ROLLS:

• Garlic Bread
• Whole-Wheat Dinner Rolls
• Rosemary Focaccia
• Crusty Sourdough Bread

SOUPS:

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup
• Roasted Tomato Soup
• Vegetable Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup

PROTEIN DISHES:

• Herb-Roasted Chicken
• Grilled Lemon Chicken
• Baked Salmon
• Garlic Butter White Beans

SIDE DISHES:

• Cranberry Orange Sauce
• Roasted Green Beans
• Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Wild Rice Pilaf

TIPS:

• Thinly slice the sweet potatoes and apples so they cook evenly and perfectly.
• Include firm apples to hold the shape well and keep the it from getting mushy.
• Cover the dish while baking it initially to keep the sweet potatoes tender.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Store the cooled lasagna in a closed box for four days.

FREEZER:

• Freeze the portions separately in a container for three months.

FAQs:

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the layers a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Should I leave the Brie cheese out of this recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute the Brie with Camembert or another cheese that melts well.

Do frozen sweet potatoes work well in this dish?

• Yes, but use fresh sweet potatoes so they can be easily sliced into equal pieces.

What should I include instead of heavy cream?

• Evaporated milk is another option you can use.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 420 kcal

Iron: 1.8 mg

Total carbs: 42 g

Vitamin A: 12,000 IU

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 230 mg

Net carbs: 37 g

Protein: 12 g

Sodium: 390 mg

Potassium: 580 mg