These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna! Full of cheesy goodness, rolled with pepperoni, and topped with a tasty marinara sauce, they’re sure to please everyone.
Making these roll-ups feels like a pizza party at home! I love how easy they are to prepare and serve. Perfect for busy nights when you’re craving pizza but want something a bit different!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best, but you can also use no-boil noodles if you prefer! Just keep in mind they might require some extra cooking time.
Ricotta Cheese: If you want a lighter option, try using cottage cheese instead. You can blend it for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for extra bite!
Cheese: Mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy quality we love. If you’re out, provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses can work too. Parmesan can be swapped for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Pepperoni: For a healthier version, turkey or chicken pepperoni are great alternatives. If you’re vegetarian, use sliced mushrooms or olives instead.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is quick and easy, but homemade sauce is always a win if you have the time! You can even use pesto for a fresh twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Roll Without Breaking the Noodles?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky, but a bit of care makes all the difference. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook noodles to al dente, as fully boiled noodles tend to break when rolled. A slight firmness helps them hold up.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly but don’t overfill – about ¼ cup is perfect. Too much filling can cause them to burst.
- Start rolling from one end gently but tightly. Use a spatula if needed to help lift the noodle without tearing it.
- Place seam-side down as this helps hold the roll together while baking.
Taking your time with these steps leads to beautiful and delicious rolls every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- Fresh or dried basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking, for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly so the roll ups don’t stick later.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once done, drain them and lay flat on a clean surface or a piece of foil to cool while you mix up the cheese filling.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Dish:
Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of your greased baking dish. This helps keep the roll ups moist as they bake!
5. Assemble the Roll Ups:
Now, grab a cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spread roughly ¼ cup of the cheese mixture evenly across the noodle. Next, layer on 2-3 slices of pepperoni. Ready to roll? Start at one end and roll it up tightly, placing the seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with each noodle!
6. Top it Off:
Once you have all the roll ups in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan over everything. If you want to add some extra fun, toss a few more slices of pepperoni on top!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. You can then garnish with fresh or dried basil or parsley to give it a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups!
This recipe is a fun, cheesy delight that brings the flavors of pizza into your lasagna—perfectly rolled up for on-the-go eating or comforting dining at home!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat lasagna noodles are a great healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook slightly differently than regular noodles. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Roll Ups?
Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well! For freezing, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Ricotta Cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute for a lighter texture. Blending it can give a creamier consistency similar to ricotta. Cream cheese is another option for a richer flavor!
What Toppings Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For extra flavor and texture, consider adding toppings like sliced black olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also switch up the herbs by adding fresh chopped basil or Italian seasoning on top before baking for an aromatic boost!
