These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are like a delicious hug for your taste buds! You take lasagna noodles, fill them with yummy cheese, pepperoni, and sauce, then roll them up.
It’s so much fun to make and eat! I love serving these with extra marinara for dipping. It’s pizza night at home in a new, exciting way that everyone enjoys! 🍕🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional flat lasagna noodles work perfectly here. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini slices for a lighter version.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Just blend it briefly to achieve a smoother texture.
Pepperoni: Standard slices bring that classic pizza flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey pepperoni or even diced veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms can give a nice taste.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce, but I prefer making my own with canned tomatoes and spices. This way you can control the flavor and it’s a fun twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that gooey texture. If you want something stronger, try mixing in provolone or fontina cheese for extra flavor.
How Do You Roll Lasagna Noodles Without Them Breaking?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky, but there’s an easy way to make it work! The key is to cook them al dente so they stay firm and won’t fall apart. Here are a few tips:
- After boiling, immediately lay the noodles flat on a towel to cool slightly. This helps them dry a bit and prevents sticking.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly but not too thick. An even layer makes it easier to roll without tearing.
- Start from one end and roll gently but firmly. Use your fingers to tuck in the filling as you go, ensuring a nice tight roll.
Practice makes perfect with rolling, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time! Your roll-ups will still taste amazing.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce (marinara or tomato-based sauce)
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh or dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 55 minutes. After some prep, you can relax while it bakes to cheesy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain them carefully and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This stops them from sticking together.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. This cheesy filling is going to make your roll-ups delicious!
3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
Grab your prepared baking dish and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking. Now take a lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over the top, and then place 2-3 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
4. Roll and Place:
Gently roll the noodle up from one end to the other. Make sure to keep it tight without tearing the noodle. Place the roll seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles until you have all your roll-ups ready to go!
5. Add Sauce & Cheese:
Now, spoon the remaining pizza sauce evenly over the top of all the roll-ups. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce and arrange additional pepperoni slices on top for a delicious garnish.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
7. Cool & Serve:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you want, sprinkle fresh or dried parsley on top for a finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups with extra marinara sauce for dipping if you like!
Bon appétit! Enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-filled bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat lasagna noodles can work well in this recipe. They will add a slightly nuttier flavor and are a healthier alternative, providing more fiber.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No problem! If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, blended until smooth, or even cream cheese for a richer taste. Just keep the consistency in mind to ensure easy spreading.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Roll Ups?
Yes, you can freeze the roll-ups before baking! Just prepare the dish up to the point before baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as instructed.