Does Anyone Want Lasagna Cupcakes?

Food is an ever-evolving art and science. It is said that change is good, that it can help make simple food turn into something spectacular. Even cupcakes are not immune to it. Who would have thought that cupcakes could actually get better? From being a sweet pastry, cupcakes are now going to the direction of savory.

A good example would be lasagna cupcakes. Lasagna cupcakes are just individually prepared lasagna, shaped into cupcakes. What makes it unique is its versatility. You can use almost anything to make it. For example, a catering company called Heirloom-LA has 18 standard flavors for their lasagna cupcakes. They have the usual mac and cheese, bologna, and beef stroganoff.

For those who’d like to try it a home, then here’s a recipe that you can use. Of course, you can replace the wonton wrappers with the real lasagna, but if you’re short on time (and cutting space), then this would be good enough.

Lasagna Cupcakes

Ingredients:
favorite pasta sauce
1 lb hamburger meat
8 wonton wrappers
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
3 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
4 ounces ricotta cheese ( half reserved for frosting if desired)
8 cherry tomatoes, for garnish
8 small basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. To start the lasagnas: Cook hamburger meat, season to taste, drain.
3. Reserve 8 tablespoons of Parmesan and 8 tablespoons of mozzarella—this will be the topping. The remaining cheese will be used in the lasagnas (note you can vary the amount of cheese to taste keeping in mind that the parmesan is salty, the mozzarella is sweet as well as salty and helps to hold the lasagnas together, and the ricotta is sweet and creamy).
4. Start assembling the lasagnas. Line each cupcake mold with a round wonton wrapper. Put a little Parmesan, a little mozzarella, and a little ricotta into each mold. Top with a little meat and a spoonful of sauce. Repeat layers of wonton wrappers, cheeses, meat and sauce, creating 6 layers in all, and ending with sauce. Sprinkle each lasagna with reserved Parmesan and mozzarella.
5. Bake until the lasagnas are nicely browned, about 20 minutes. Serve warm garnished with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.