Homemade Lasagna Sheets Recipe (Easy to Make by Hand)
I had heard so many times that homemade pasta tastes better than store-bought, and I wanted to find out if that was true. One day, I watched a pasta-making video on YouTube and thought, why not give it a try?
I had to adjust the ingredients because the flour I was using absorbed moisture differently, but the result was worth it. Homemade pasta really does taste better, especially because of the flavor the eggs add to the dough.
I’ve been sharing this recipe since 2016, and many readers have told me it was their first time making pasta at home. You don’t need a pasta machine or special flour to make these lasagna sheets. Just three ingredients, a rolling pin, and a little patience.
I’ll show you how to make the dough, roll it thinly, and cook the sheets. I’ll also explain how I use them without boiling first when making my classic beef lasagna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need three ingredients for these homemade lasagna sheets.
- All-purpose flour: This is what I use. Different brands absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the dough slightly while kneading. You don’t need semolina flour for this recipe.
- Eggs: They bring the dough together and give homemade pasta its rich flavor, especially from the yolks.
- Salt: A little salt to season the dough.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Sheets
Step 1: Make the dough
In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the eggs and mix until the ingredients start coming together, then knead the dough for at least 3 minutes.
The dough will feel a little firm, and that’s normal. It won’t be as soft or smooth as bread dough.
If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry and won’t come together, add one to two tablespoons of water as needed. You want a dough that holds together without sticking to your hands.
Step 2: Let the dough rest
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and leave it for 30 minutes.
Don’t skip this step. The dough will become more pliable and easier to roll after resting. It still won’t feel exactly like bread dough, and it doesn’t have to.
Step 3: Roll the dough thinly
Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough in half.
Keep one half covered while you roll the other. Roll the dough as thinly as you can. You should almost be able to see your fingers through it when you lift it. This is the thickness I aim for when making lasagna sheets.
Step 4: Cut the sheets
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the rolled dough into sheets that fit your lasagna dish.
Repeat with the remaining dough. One thing I like about making lasagna sheets at home is that I can cut them to fit my baking dish instead of trying to arrange store-bought sheets around the edges.
Step 5: Let the sheets dry
Leave the cut sheets uncovered for about 30 minutes.
I prefer doing this even when I’m not planning to boil the sheets. It gives the surface time to dry slightly before the pasta goes into the lasagna.
Step 6: Boil the lasagna sheets
Bring a large pan of salted water to a full boil. Add the lasagna sheets one at a time to help prevent them from sticking together. Cook for about 5 minutes, then drain.
Five minutes gives the sheets the cooked texture my family enjoys. If you prefer your pasta firmer or al dente, you can start checking it after about 2 minutes. The thickness of your sheets will also affect how quickly they cook.
What Should Homemade Pasta Dough Feel Like?
When you first start kneading, the dough will be a little firm. Don’t expect it to feel like soft bread dough.
After resting for 30 minutes, it should be more pliable and much easier to roll. It may not look perfectly smooth, and that’s fine.
If the dough is too dry to come together, add a little water. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a little flour. Make these adjustments gradually because different brands of flour absorb moisture differently.
Do Homemade Lasagna Sheets Taste Better Than Store-Bought?
I think they do, and flavor is the biggest difference I’ve noticed. The eggs, especially the yolks, give homemade pasta a richer taste. I also like being able to choose the flour I use.
I wouldn’t say the texture is completely different from store-bought lasagna sheets when cooked. But when the homemade sheets are layered with meat, sauce, and cheese, I can taste the difference they make to the finished dish.
Do You Need to Boil Fresh Lasagna Sheets?
Not always.
I’ve used these sheets without boiling them when making my classic beef lasagna, and they cooked well. The pasta absorbed moisture from the sauces as the lasagna baked.
I prefer to let the cut sheets dry for about 30 minutes before assembling the lasagna. Then I make sure the sheets are covered with enough sauce, including around the edges.
The parts covered with sauce become tender as they cook. If some areas are left without enough moisture, they may remain dry.
If you’re not sure whether your lasagna has enough sauce, I recommend boiling the sheets first. It’s the method I usually use.
How Many Lasagna Sheets Do You Need?
This recipe makes approximately 8 lasagna sheets, depending on how you cut the dough.
When I make my classic beef lasagna in a 9×9-inch baking dish, I use 8 sheets, placing 2 sheets in each of the 4 pasta layers. This gives me enough pasta for the whole lasagna.
If you’re using a larger 9×13-inch baking dish, I recommend doubling the recipe so you have enough dough to cut the sheets to fit your pan. The exact number of sheets will depend on their size and how many layers you want.
My Tips for Making Lasagna Sheets
- Don’t skip resting the dough. Those 30 minutes make a big difference when you’re rolling by hand.
- Use flour when rolling. Lightly dust your work surface to prevent sticking, but don’t add more than you need.
- Roll the sheets thinly. I roll mine until I can almost see my fingers through the dough.
- Add sheets to boiling water one at a time. This helps keep them from sticking together.
- Adjust cooking time to your preference. My family likes the sheets cooked for about 5 minutes, but you may prefer them firmer.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Lasagna Sheets
If you’re preparing the sheets ahead of time, keep them separated so they don’t stick together.
For freezing, a common method is to place parchment paper between the sheets and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. They can generally be cooked from frozen, although they may need a little more time.
I haven’t personally tested freezing this particular recipe, so I can’t give you an exact cooking time for frozen sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t there any water in the recipe?
The eggs provide the moisture for the dough. However, depending on the flour you’re using, you might need one or two tablespoons of water if the dough is too dry.
Why do my lasagna sheets stick together when boiling?
Make sure the water is already boiling before adding the pasta. I add the sheets one at a time and avoid crowding the pan.
Can I use this dough to make other pasta shapes?
Yes. You can use the dough to make other pasta shapes, including ravioli, tortellini, or long pasta strips.
What to Make With Homemade Lasagna Sheets
My favorite way to use these sheets is in my classic beef lasagna. I’ve made it with the sheets boiled first and also with the sheets added directly to the lasagna.
You can use them in your favorite lasagna recipe, adjusting the sheet size to fit your dish.
If you try making these homemade lasagna sheets, let me know how they turned out. I’d love to hear whether it was your first time making pasta!
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Homemade Lasagna Sheets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large whole eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the eggs and mix until the ingredients come together. Knead for at least 3 minutes. The dough should hold together without being sticky. If it’s too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water as needed.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough in half and keep one half covered while working with the other.
- Roll the dough very thinly, until you can almost see your fingers through it.
- Cut into sheets that fit your baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Leave the sheets uncovered to dry for about 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add the sheets one at a time and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your preferred texture.
- Drain the sheets and use them in your lasagna recipe.
Notes
- The dough will feel a little firm before resting and become more pliable afterward.
- Different flour brands absorb moisture differently, so adjust with small amounts of flour or water only when needed.
- For firmer, al dente sheets, begin checking after about 2 minutes of boiling.
- You can use the sheets without boiling when assembling a lasagna with enough sauce to cover the pasta, including the edges.
- Double the recipe when making lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bet it tastes particularly fresh and delicious! Thumbs UP for you, Muna.
Thanks Angie! Homemade pasta tastes so fresh you almost don’t want to buy from the store 🙂
The lasagna will definitely taste fresh because these sheets are homemade! 🙂
It’s true, everything homemade has a better taste 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I would love to make my own lasagna sheets since ready made are a little expensive.
Definitely worth the time making and quick as well
Would love to experiment other pasta shapes and dishes
Thank you Tania for your kind words.
How we cook this fresh lasanga .. should we boil it first?
Hi Nour, as mentioned in the recipe, you have to boil the lasagna sheets for 5 minutes and then use it in making any of your favorite lasagna dishes.
Hi, is this recipe enough for a 13 x 9 size lasagna? Or double it? Thanks!
Hi, it’s best to double the recipe for that size of pan.
This was great. I just want to know is there a way I can store this for later. Like for example I want to make a big batch and then use it as I go along.
Tastes wonderful by the way 🤗
Hi Jolandie, thanks for trying my recipe 🙂 … You can freeze the lasagna sheets for up to 3 months. Place a wax or parchment paper between each lasagna sheet and place them in a freezer bag.
Do the sheets change dimensions after drying and cooking? can I cut them the size of my dish and expect them to be larger or smaller after cooking?
The sheets will not shrink when dry but will expand after cooking them.
Can I add these to lasagna that I make ahead of time and it still turn out the same? I’m nervous they would soak up the sauce and become gummy. I typically prepare the pan of lasagna earlier in the day, and then bring to room temp and bake closer to dinner. Will that work with these?
It should be ok.
My first time making noodles and lasagna. This recipe is working great for me!
Thanks for your feedback 🙂
This really worked great for me. Made it twice. Got very good sheets the first time itself. My family loved it.
Thank you for the feedback 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
So am I alright to add all the sheets at once? The site doesn’t explain whether or not the sheets would stick together during the boiling process.after they’ve dried.
Hi, the lasagna sheets shouldn’t stick together while boiling. Make sure to add the sheets to boiling water!
I usually don’t boil the lasagna before cooking if i make it the night before, even if the instructions on the box require so. I just add a little more sauce and cook it covered for a while and it turns out well. Do you think I could do the same with this recipe?
Hi Reem, if you put enough sauce to cook the lasagna I guess it will work the same.
I tried this yesterday and my husband LOVED it so did i. I’ve now requested for him to buy us a pasta machine because we will no longer be purchasing from the store
I’m so happy that you and your husband loved the recipe 😊, your feedback means a lot!
I’ll try the recipe but I’m so annoyed by all the adds showing up
WOw! How awesome is this!!! And to think I would just go to the store and buy them already pre-made!
I’ve never made my own lasagna but I would love to try! It always seems intimidating for some reason. I need to just let it go, and give it a try 🙂
I felt the same in the beginning but now it’s a whole different story, do give it a try 🙂
Lasagna is one of my favorite dinners! This recipe is a bit different than mine, so I will have to give it a try.
I have to admit I have never made lasagna sheets before but I am sure they make all the difference. Will have to give this a try!
The lasagna looks so rich and fresh. I know homemade pasta is always better but I have never tried. You make it seem easy so i may give it a go.
My kids are huge lasagna fans but I’ve never made the sheets from scratch before. Time to remedy that!
Let the kids help you make it, they will have fun!
I have to try this! I love making lasagna with homemade sauce. I think it would be miles better if I added my own noodles, too!
I need a pasta maker in my life. I’ve been wanting one forever. Will check it out for sure.
You can try making these sheets without a pasta maker, you’ll be surprised how simple it is 🙂
Wow I always see lasagna recipe but not lasagna sheets! I will give this a try… it will absolutely make it 100% homemade lasagna.
Yum! I love lasagna! I’ve been wanting to try my hand at homemade pasta, but it always seemed overwhelming. Thanks for breaking it down so well!
I have a feeling that you will enjoy making these lasagna sheets 🙂
I’ve never made my own lasagna sheets before and can’t wait to try!
I never thought aout making my own lasgna sheets. THis eems like a nice family proect. I would love to try this with my kids one weekend.
It’s far much better than the store-bought, and it is so easy to make.
I am so happy to know how to make this lasagna sheet, now I can make it any time I want. Thank you so much!
You are welcome Gervin 🙂
This is perfect timing! I am planning to make lasagna for our meal today and you are definitely right! There is nothing better than homemade pasta!
Thank you! With homemade lasagna sheets, you can shape them any way you want to fit your baking pan 🙂
My family has been wanting lasagna for a while now. I keep forgetting to pick up the ingredients. I have always wanted to try making the noodles myself too. I’m glad to have seen this. I’ll have to give this a try.
Wow I didn’t know it was this easy to make home made pasta! I definitely want to make these sheets to go in my mama’s lasagne recipe.
I have to admit I’ve never thought of making my own lasagna sheets – what an amazing idea!
I have never made these by hand. I always buy them and then make the lasagna. I could definitely do this. Thanks. Love lasagna but this macaroni with béchamel. OMG!
I made the lasagna sheets and they were amazing. Easiest, best recipe I’ve ever used. It’s a keeper.
Thank you so much for your feed back, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
For some reason i dont see how much water do you add when you make a dough.
Hi,
There is no water in this recipe, the wet ingredient is the eggs. Hope this helped!
I love this pasta recipe! Made lasagna sheets the other night and they came out absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks for trying the recipe Sarah, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
If I use Semolina is the amount the same, 1.5 cups?
I didn’t use semolina as a substitute in this recipe. Semolina has a different texture and takes a different amount of liquid. Making lasagna sheets with semolina is a different recipe. Hope this helped!
Can I use the no boil method using this noodle?
Hi Hazel, you can if you have enough sauce in the recipe to cook the lasagna sheets.
This was a perfect recipe. Discovered i was out of lasagna noodles and had already made the sauce, so i found this recipe online. My family really liked this, it was so tender and delicious, and really easy as well. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Thank you for your feed back Jay, I feel proud when my readers make their own pasta at home, I hope you had fun making it 😊