Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Lasagna – Comfort Food That Everyone Can Enjoy

Looking for a hearty, allergy-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This gluten-free, dairy-free lasagna is just the thing! With its creamy cashew mushroom sauce and flavorful layers, this recipe has become a family favorite. The best part? No one ever misses the cheese! It’s a great dish to take to a friend with food allergies, and with a simple adjustment (leaving out the sausage), it can easily be made vegan.

This lasagna is not just delicious—it’s packed with nourishing ingredients. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, while spinach adds a boost of iron and fiber. The cashews bring a creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy, making this dish comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re serving your family or supporting a friend in need, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit.

Looking for more meal ideas for friends with dietary restrictions? Check out these special diet-friendly recipes to make meal-giving easy and thoughtful! Plus, don’t miss these care tips for delivering meals and supporting a friend in need.

What You’ll Need for This Lasagna

This recipe comes together with a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand:

• Vegetable broth: For the creamy sauce and sautéing.
• Garlic and mushrooms: The savory base of the filling.
• Cashews: Soaked and blended into a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
• Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and flavor.
• Gluten-free lasagna noodles: Oven-ready noodles save time.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade recipe.
• Sausage (optional): Italian sausage adds bold flavor, but you can leave it out for a vegan option.

How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Lasagna

This lasagna has three components: a savory meat sauce, a creamy cashew mushroom filling, and perfectly layered noodles. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds, and you can even make it ahead of time!

1. Prepare the Cashew Cream
   Soak raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours for the creamiest results (overnight is even better). In a time crunch? Place the cashews in a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with water, and microwave for about 2 minutes. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to soften before blending.. This softens them, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce. Blend the soaked cashews with vegetable broth until smooth, then set aside.
   
   TIP: Soaking cashews for 4 hours or overnight is the best way to achieve a super smooth, creamy texture for sauces and desserts, as it softens them thoroughly and makes blending easier, even with a standard blender. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method—like microwaving cashews in water for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 10 minutes or pouring boiling water over them for 15 minutes—works well for most recipes. While the texture may not be as creamy, it’s a great shortcut, and this is how I do it.
   
2. Make the Meat Sauce
   Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain the fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes while you prepare the creamy mushroom filling.
3. Create the Mushroom Filling
   Sauté garlic with a splash of vegetable broth until fragrant, then add mushrooms, tamari, and thyme. Cook until the mushrooms release their liquid. Stir in the cashew cream.
   Add chopped spinach, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
   
   
4. Layer the Lasagna
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish:
   Spread a layer of meat sauce.
   Add a layer of noodles.
   Cover with half the mushroom filling.
   Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. We skip the cheese altogether in this recipe promise me you won’t miss it. If you want it just top with a dairy-free mozzarella cheese.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

With two dairy-free eaters and one gluten-free family member, this lasagna has become our go-to recipe—and no one feels like they’re missing out! The creamy cashew sauce and rich, savory layers make it just as comforting and delicious as a traditional lasagna. My kids love it so much, they ask for it again and again!

So go ahead and give it a try—your family (and friends) will thank you! And if you have a favorite gluten-free or dairy-free recipe, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

More Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipes

• Strawberry Crumb Bars – Bursting with fresh berries and topped with a golden crumble, these bars are the perfect allergy-friendly dessert.
• Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Mix in a Jar – A thoughtful gift or just a pantry-ready treat! Easy to mix, bake, and enjoy when comfort is needed most.
• Turkey Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – Packed with protein and veggies, this nourishing, colorful casserole skips the cheese but keeps all the flavor. Great for meal prep or sharing.
• Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie – Classic comfort food made allergy-friendly with rich, savory layers you won’t even miss the dairy or gluten.

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