When you crave something irresistibly crunchy on the outside yet warm, cheesy, and comforting on the inside, this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the rich flavors of classic lasagna transformed into delightful, hand-held rolls, coated in a golden breadcrumb crust and fried to perfection. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack to impress guests or satisfy your own pasta-loving soul. This recipe celebrates the best of Italian-American comfort food with a fun twist that’s bound to become a personal favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, wholesome, and each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden crust that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: The foundation to roll up all the tasty fillings tightly.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a mild tang to the cheese mixture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides stringy, melty goodness inside every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the cheese blend.
- 1 egg: Binds the cheese mixture together for perfect rolling texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with subtle aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a classic herbaceous note that’s essential for Italian flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other tastes beautifully without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that brightens the filling.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping): The perfect balance of tangy tomato sweetness, both inside the rolls and as a dip.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Prepares the rolls for breading and frying by helping the coating stick.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue between flour and breadcrumbs for an irresistible crust.
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs: Creates that crunchy exterior that everyone loves.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Provides a neutral base for frying without interfering with flavor.
How to Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thoroughly combined. This cheesy mixture is the heart of the rolls, packing every bite with luscious flavor and creamy texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface, then spread about two tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly onto each noodle. Add a small spoonful of marinara sauce over the cheese for an extra burst of tomato goodness. Carefully roll each noodle up tight, then place the rolls seam-side down on a plate. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to help them set and hold their shape during frying.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
Create your breading lineup with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This classic breading method ensures an even, crispy coating that locks in all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Bread the Rolls
Dip each lasagna roll first into the flour, then coat with the beaten eggs, and finally press gently but thoroughly into the breadcrumbs. Make sure every angle is covered to achieve the best crunch on frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry 2 to 3 rolls at a time, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re a beautiful golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the perfect frying temperature. Drain the fried rolls on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Serve these crispy delights garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and added flavor. A dusting of finely chopped Italian parsley can also bring a fresh brightness that complements the rich cheeses marvelously.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad tossed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance out their richness. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also add a wonderful complement to this indulgent treat without overpowering its classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls standing upright on a platter for a stunning visual that invites guests to grab and enjoy. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized pinwheels and serve with toothpicks alongside multiple dipping sauces such as spicy marinara, creamy Alfredo, or pesto aioli for extra fun and flavor variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fried lasagna rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They maintain great texture but are best reheated soon to enjoy their crispy coating at its finest.
Freezing
Before frying, you can freeze the assembled and breaded rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to one month. This makes it convenient to fry fresh whenever you want a quick, delicious snack.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat the rolls in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warm and crunchy. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the breading to become soggy, stealing away the magic of this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dried ones?
Fresh lasagna noodles can work, but be sure to cook them just enough to be pliable but firm, so they hold the filling well and don’t become too soft when rolling and frying.
Is it necessary to fry the rolls, or can I bake them instead?
If you prefer a lighter dish, baking the breaded rolls at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, offers a crisp shell without the deep-fried texture, though frying gives that unbeatable crunch.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble and bread the rolls ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, then fry or bake just before serving. This makes party prep worry-free and fun.
What kind of oil is best for frying these rolls?
Vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal. It fries the rolls evenly without adding unwanted flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan twist, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use chickpea flour or flax eggs for binding, though the texture and flavor will differ from the original Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make these Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe at home, they’ll become your go-to for impressing friends and indulging in something truly comforting and fun to eat. The crispy exterior coupled with the melty, flavorful filling is a winning combination that’s hard to resist. Don’t hesitate—grab those lasagna noodles and start rolling your way to cheesy, crunchy bliss today!
Print
Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls are a delicious twist on classic lasagna, combining creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese with a flavorful marinara filling, all wrapped in lasagna noodles, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Roll the Noodles: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly onto each noodle. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over the cheese filling. Carefully roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other.
- Chill the Rolls: Place the lasagna rolls seam-side down on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the rolls firm up and hold their shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This will make the breading process organized and easy.
- Bread the Rolls: Dip each chilled lasagna roll first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough to fry (around 350°F or a drop of breadcrumb sizzles immediately).
- Fry the Rolls: Carefully place 2–3 rolls at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried rolls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use store-bought marinara sauce and pre-cooked lasagna noodles to save prep time.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded rolls at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
