Cheesy Lasagna Rolls Delight

$To make these cheesy lasagna rolls, you need: - 12 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 2 cups marinara sauce, divided - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The ricotta gives a creamy base, while the mozzarella adds that gooey stretch you love. Marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich taste. If you are missing some ingredients, don't worry! Here are some substitutes: - Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese works well in a pinch. Blend it for a smoother texture. - Mozzarella cheese: Try provolone or a dairy-free cheese for a different twist. - Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano is a good substitute, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. - Egg: For a vegan version, use flaxseed meal mixed with water. These swaps maintain taste while making the dish your own. Want to elevate your lasagna rolls? Consider these options: - Fresh basil leaves: Add them on top for a fresh touch. - Crushed red pepper: Sprinkle some for extra heat. - Extra marinara sauce: Serve on the side for dipping. - Sautéed vegetables: Spinach or mushrooms can be rolled inside for added nutrition. These garnishes not only enhance flavor but also make your meal look stunning. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps cook your lasagna rolls evenly. It also helps the cheese melt just right. Next, boil the lasagna noodles. Follow the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm, not soft. After boiling, drain the noodles carefully. Lay them flat on a clean surface to cool. This makes them easier to handle later. Now, let’s make the cheese filling. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, one egg, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well until everything is smooth and blended. It’s time to assemble your rolls. Take a noodle and scoop some cheese filling onto it. Spread the filling evenly across the noodle. Then, roll the noodle up tightly from one end to the other. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this for all the noodles. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the rolled noodles. Make sure each roll gets some sauce. Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over everything. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. After 20 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy! To avoid noodle breakage, cook the lasagna noodles just until they are al dente. This means they should be firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to bend. After boiling, lay them flat on a clean surface. If you stack them, they may stick together. Adding a bit of oil to the water can help prevent sticking. For even baking, make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil at first. This traps steam, helping the rolls cook evenly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. This allows the cheese to melt and brown nicely. Rotate the dish halfway through baking to promote even heat distribution. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to the cheese mix. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a richer taste, mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the filling. Experimenting with different marinara sauces can also add unique flavors to your dish. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Make sure to cook your lasagna noodles until they are al dente. This ensures they hold their shape when rolled and don’t become mushy during baking. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes make great additions! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda along with mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook! {{image_4}} To make a tasty vegetarian version, swap out meat for veggies. Use spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté these vegetables before mixing them into the cheese filling. You can also add chopped bell peppers for extra flavor. This keeps the dish light and fresh. If you need a gluten-free lasagna, choose gluten-free noodles. Many brands offer great options that cook just like regular ones. Check the package for cooking times, as they may vary. Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free for a full meal. For meat lovers, add ground beef or sausage to the cheese filling. Brown the meat in a pan before mixing it with the ricotta. This will add rich flavor and protein. You can also layer cooked meat between the rolls for an even heartier dish. You can store leftover Cheesy Lasagna Rolls in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just heat for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute. To freeze, let the rolls cool completely. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy a cozy meal anytime! Yes, you can make Cheesy Lasagna Rolls ahead of time. Prepare the rolls, layer them in a baking dish, and cover with sauce and cheese. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, add extra time in the oven since they’ll be cold. I love serving Cheesy Lasagna Rolls with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also try roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. These sides balance the richness of the rolls. Absolutely! You can mix and match cheeses. Try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling. Feta or goat cheese can add a nice tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded cheese in place of mozzarella. One common mistake is overcooking the noodles. They should be al dente to hold up in the rolls. Another mistake is not salting the cheese mixture. Salt enhances the flavors, so don’t skip it. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Space the rolls for even cooking. For a vegetarian option, use spinach or mushrooms in the filling. You can also swap the marinara for a homemade tomato sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. These simple swaps keep the dish delicious for everyone. In this blog post, we explored the world of Cheesy Lasagna Rolls. You learned about essential ingredients and useful substitutes. I provided a clear step-by-step guide for making the dish. Helpful tips showed how to avoid common issues. You also discovered fun variations for different tastes. Lastly, I shared storage tips to keep your rolls fresh. Making this dish is rewarding and fun. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!$

Cheesy Lasagna Rolls Delight

Delicious lasagna rolls filled with ricotta and topped with marinara and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 noodles lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups marinara sauce, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and black pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to begin heating while you prepare the lasagna rolls.
Cook the lasagna noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and carefully lay them out on a clean surface to cool slightly.
Prepare the cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
Assemble the rolls: Take a lasagna noodle and spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto it, spreading it evenly across the noodle. Carefully roll the noodle from one end to the other, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the rolled noodle seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this step for all the noodles.
Layer the sauce: Pour half of the marinara sauce over the rolled lasagna noodles, making sure each roll is well coated.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and the rest of the grated Parmesan over the top of the rolls. Follow with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring everything is nicely covered.
Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Uncover and brown: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is perfectly bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the lasagna rolls to cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword cheese, Italian, lasagna, pasta