These tasty Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on classic pizza! You get layers of cheesy goodness, pepperoni, and marinara sauce rolled up in soft lasagna noodles.
Making these is like playing with your food—roll them up, bake them, and watch everyone smile when they take a bite! I like to serve them with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great, but you can also use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free option. Fresh noodles can make rolling simpler, too!
Ricotta Cheese: If you’re in a pinch, cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative to ricotta. Just blend it a bit for a smoother texture!
Cheese: I love using part-skim mozzarella for a little less fat, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different taste.
Pepperoni: For a healthier option, turkey pepperoni is great. You could even swap in diced veggies for a vegetarian version, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How Do You Roll Lasagna Noodles Without Them Breaking?
The key to successfully rolling lasagna noodles is to ensure they are cooked al dente. This means they should be firm but not overly soft. Here’s how to make rolling easy:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions but reduce the time by a minute or two. They’ll continue to soften while baking.
- After draining, place them flat on a towel to prevent sticking. A little olive oil can also help.
- When spreading the cheese mixture, leave a small border around the edges. This allows the noodles to roll without tearing.
Take your time, and don’t be afraid to reposition the noodles gently if needed. Happy rolling!
Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, divided
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil or dried oregano, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 35 minutes of baking time, totaling around 50 minutes to make. It’s a fun, hands-on dish that everyone will love, and it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your roll-ups when you’re done assembling.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente (firm but cooked). Once cooked, drain them and place them flat on a clean towel to keep them from sticking together.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
4. Spread Sauce in the Baking Dish:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly across the bottom. This will prevent the roll-ups from sticking and adds flavor!
5. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Take one lasagna noodle and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly over each noodle. Then, place about 3 slices of pepperoni over the cheese.
6. Roll the Lasagna Noodles:
Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the noodle tightly but gently. Once rolled, place the seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step for all the noodles until they’re all rolled up and in the dish.
7. Add Sauce and Cheese on Top:
Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the top of the lasagna roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and if you’d like, add more pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh basil for extra flavor.
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the roll-ups out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set up a bit and makes them easier to serve. You can serve them with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious and fun Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups that mix the loving flavors of pizza and lasagna! Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tomato Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce or marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to choose a flavor you love, as it will influence the overall taste of your roll-ups!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a bit of extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese, or mix in sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also use different types of cheese or even add cooked sausage for extra protein!