If you love lasagna but crave a fun, easy-to-serve twist, this Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine creamy layers of cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked noodles all bundled into individual spiralsโeach bite is a little bundle of comfort. Itโs a classic Italian dish made personal, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, and surprisingly simple to put together. These roll ups transform a traditional favorite into an inviting, shareable meal that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with just a handful of classic ingredients, each one playing a vital role. Youโll love how the flavors and textures work togetherโgooey cheese, robust sauce, and tender pasta are truly a match made in comfort food heaven.
- Lasagna Noodles: Traditional, wide pasta sheets are perfect for rollingโcook until just al dente so they hold their shape.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, mild cheese creates a luscious filling; drain excess moisture for best results.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that irresistible melty, cheesy topโfreshly shredded melts best.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the filling and the topping.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheeses together for a cohesive filling.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a flavorful, rich base and topping.
- Fresh Basil and Parsley: These herbs brighten the filling and add vibrant color right before serving.
- Garlic: A clove or two, minced, infuses the cheese filling with subtle warmth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the savory notes in the recipe.
How to Make Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling your lasagna noodles in generously salted water until theyโre just al denteโabout 8โ9 minutes. You want the noodles pliable but sturdy enough to roll without tearing. Drain them and lay them out flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, a beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy filling. The fresh basil and parsley add wonderful pops of color and herby flavor throughout the roll ups.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a generous spoonful of the cheese filling along each cooked noodle, making sure to cover edge-to-edge for the perfect bite in every roll. Starting at one short end, carefully roll up each noodle into a tight spiral, sealing in that delicious filling.
Step 4: Layer With Sauce
Pour about a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, creating a saucy foundation. Arrange the rolled noodles, seam side down, in the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara over the tops, ensuring every roll up is covered for maximum flavor and moisture as they bake.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the roll ups, then cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 25 minutes, uncover, and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let the Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe rest a few minutes before serving so everything sets beautifully.
How to Serve Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to finish these roll ups is with a shower of finely chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Not only do they add a burst of color, but fresh herbs lift the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe pairs perfectly with crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread. A simple green salad balances the cheesy richness, and crusty bread is ideal for mopping up extra marinara.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, arrange the roll ups in individual gratin dishes topped with extra herbs. Or, serve them family-style on a big platter with marinara spooned artistically alongsideโkids love picking out their own cheesy spiral!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment if you want to maintain those picture-perfect spirals.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the roll ups (without baking), cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding 10โ15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat roll ups in a covered oven-safe dish at 350ยฐF until theyโre warmed through and the cheese is bubbling. A splash of extra marinara will keep them deliciously moist, or you can cover with foil to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I add meat to the Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! Try stirring cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken into the ricotta filling or layering it with the marinara for extra heartiness.
Whatโs the best way to prevent noodles from sticking?
After boiling, lay the noodles flat on a clean towel or parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if youโre not assembling right away to keep them from clumping.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, simply swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available at most supermarketsโprepare them as the package instructs, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Is it possible to make the roll ups ahead of time?
Short on time? Assemble the Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
What cheeses can I use if I donโt have ricotta?
If ricotta isnโt on hand, try cottage cheese (well-drained) or even a mix of mascarpone and cottage cheese for a creamy, rich filling.
Final Thoughts
Thereโs something so special about serving up these Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe to family and friendsโtheyโre fun, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. If youโre looking to bring a little extra comfort and creativity to your table, I canโt recommend this recipe enough. Gather your simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a dish everyone will ask you to make again!
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