Cheesy, gooey…mmmm…lasagne. Quite possibly the world’s most beloved dish. No wonder so many different countries lay claim to it. The British allege they found the recipe in a medieval cookbookused in the kitchens of Richard II in the 14th century. The Greek argue its name originates from the Greek word “lasagnum”, meaning dish or bowl. And as if pizza wasn’t enough, those persuasive Italians have moulded common knowledge to believe it’s all theirs.

All of this tug-of-warring has resulted in a multitude of versions of the dish. In fact, word is there are about 182 thousand ways to make lasagne.

Out to celebrate this variety – and maybe put an end to all of the bickering - is the Lilly Street Lasagne Bake-Off. What began 14 years ago as a good-natured argument over which neighbour’s recipe was best, has now turned into an annual competition attracting between 60-70 entries. For one day each November, hopefuls submit their finest lasagne dishes to a blind taste testing panel, who, by the end of the day, crown two winners: one for current Lilly Street residents, and one for the general public.

Some follow the traditional Italian method with fresh sheets of lasagne, nestled between alternating layers of ragú and béchamel sauce, topped with parmesan. Others take the American route of stuffing in as much cheese as possible. Attempting to catch the judges off-guard are the daring ones who submit Mexican lasagne or seafood lasagna. All entrants are wary of the Bake-Off veterans, such as three-time winners Giovanni and Maria de Cecco, whose lasagne is made entirely from their own vegetable patch.

So head on down and enjoy the street party vibe of the event, and sample dishes for yourself. Who knows, maybe it will inspire you to put forward your own lasagne recipe next year – and you could take home the Bake-Off 2012 crown. Just promise to share the recipe with us!

Where: Lilly Street, South Fremantle
Hours: Sat, 19 November
Price: Free