If you’re ready to experience Italian comfort food with an irresistible handheld twist, look no further than Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls. Imagine tender lasagna noodles wrapped around creamy herbed cheese, bathed in a crunchy golden crust, and served piping hot with tangy marinara on the side. These rolls pack everything you love about classic lasagna into one perfectly crispy, dunkable bite—making them impossible to resist whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun new weeknight treat. Bold flavors, a show-stopping texture, and pure, cheesy bliss: I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is that every ingredient plays a starring role in delivering that crave-worthy combination of gooey, savory, and crunchy. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need, along with tips for getting the most out of each component.
- 8 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained): These serve as the perfect vehicle for the creamy filling and get extra crispy when fried—cook them just to al dente so they’re easy to roll.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The base of that luscious, creamy filling—we want it whole-milk for richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that classic, satisfying cheese pull.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, nutty punch to the filling—you’ll notice every bite tastes just a little more savory and complex.
- 1 large egg: Important for binding the cheese mixture, so everything stays together inside the roll.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This pantry staple brings in herbal warmth and makes the lasagna rolls taste like your favorite pizzeria special.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra layer of savory, garlicky goodness, without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to highlight all those delicious cheeses.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth—freshly cracked if you can!
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (plus more for dipping): Split between the filling and the dipping sauce, this tangy tomato classic brightens every bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The first layer of breading, which helps the egg and breadcrumbs to stick and create that signature crust.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb coating, ensuring maximum crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs: Use these for a seasoned, ultra-crispy finish you won’t be able to resist.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the crispiest, most even fry.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green makes your plate extra inviting, with a pop of flavor and color.
How to Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls
Step 1: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until the mixture is creamy, dreamy, and fully blended—this is the flavor-packed center of our Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls, so taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
Lay your cooked lasagna noodles out flat on a clean surface, such as a large cutting board or countertop. This gives you room to assemble each roll neatly. If any noodles are sticking, a tiny drizzle of olive oil helps them separate easily without tearing.
Step 3: Layer and Roll
Spoon a little marinara sauce over each lasagna noodle, then spread a generous stripe of your cheese mixture down the length of each one. Starting from one end, roll the noodle up snugly—rolling firmly but gently, so the filling stays secure inside.
Step 4: Assemble the Breading Station
Next, set up a classic breading station with three shallow dishes: one filled with flour, another with your two beaten eggs, and a third with the Italian breadcrumbs. This triple-dip technique promises that extra thick, golden crust we all love in Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls.
Step 5: Bread Each Roll
Take each lasagna roll, dredge it in flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs—press lightly to make sure every bit is covered. The effort is worth it because this is how you get every inch perfectly crisp when fried.
Step 6: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Fill a deep skillet with 1-2 inches of vegetable oil and set it over medium heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F for the ultimate crunch. Carefully fry the rolls in batches for just 2-3 minutes per side, turning as they turn a deep golden brown. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to blot any excess oil before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over your Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls. The bright herbs not only make your plate pop, they add a fragrant layer that complements the melty cheeses and savory crunch perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna rolls with a fresh, zippy green salad, some garlicky beans, or even roasted vegetables. For classic comfort, a side of extra marinara for dipping is a must—it’s the perfect contrast to the crispy coating.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about turning this into the star of your next party platter! Arrange Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls stacked high on a wooden board with little bowls of extra sauce, or cut them in half and serve as bite-sized appetizers—just add toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make a show-stopping finger food or a fun, unexpected main course at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store your Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, though the crispy crust is at its prime shortly after frying.
Freezing
Want to prep in advance? Assemble and bread the uncooked rolls, then freeze them on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag and keep on hand for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or so to the cook time.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your rolls in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps bring back that crunchy texture, so it feels like you just made them fresh.
FAQs
Can I add meat or vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Try mixing in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed spinach and mushrooms with the cheese filling for extra protein or veggie power in your Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes! If you’d like a lighter version, simply place the breaded, assembled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and crisp. You’ll miss a bit of that signature fried crunch, but it’s still delicious!
Do these work for meal prep or parties?
They’re honestly perfect for both. Assemble and bread the Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls in advance, store in the fridge, then fry just before serving. They hold up beautifully, even if made ahead by a few hours for a party crowd.
How do I prevent the rolls from opening while frying?
Be sure to roll the noodles tightly and press the seam side gently into the flour when breading. If needed, you can secure each roll with a toothpick before breading and frying—just remember to remove them before serving!
What dipping sauces pair well besides marinara?
Marinara is the classic pick, but you can also try pesto, creamy Alfredo, or a garlic aioli for dipping. The cheesy, crispy rolls play well with so many bold and creamy sauces, so have fun experimenting!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something cheesy, crunchy, and destined to impress, you can’t go wrong with Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or the highlight of your next party, these rolls turn classic comfort food into a downright celebration. Give them a try and get ready for happy smiles all around!
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Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, featuring a crispy exterior filled with creamy cheese and marinara sauce. Perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer!
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly and Frying:
- 8 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assembly: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles. Spread marinara sauce and cheese mixture on each noodle. Roll tightly.
- Breading: Dip each roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to coat.
- Frying: Heat oil, fry rolls in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate before frying. Can also be baked for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different fillings like ground beef or spinach for variety.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
