These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna! Soft noodles are filled with gooey cheese, tasty pepperoni, and your favorite marinara sauce.
Who knew lasagna could roll up and fit in one hand? I love making these for family dinners; they’re easy to serve and perfect for everyone to dig in happily!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Standard lasagna noodles work perfectly here. If you want to save some time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. They soften nicely in the oven!
Pepperoni: You can use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option or even swap it for cooked sausage or diced veggies for a vegetarian version. Personal preference: I love the classic flavor of traditional pepperoni!
Cheese: Ricotta is essential for that creamy texture, but feel free to replace it with cottage cheese if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. I think a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese can bring extra flavor!
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred marinara works great, or try homemade if you have the time! This dish also pairs well with Alfredo sauce for a different twist.
How Can I Get My Lasagna Roll Ups to Stay Rolled?
Rolling up the lasagna noodles can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get great results.
- Make sure the noodles are cooked al dente so they don’t tear easily while rolling.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly to create a good foundation for rolling.
- Roll tightly from one end to the other, keeping the filling secure. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—they will taste great!
A little practice, and you’ll be a pro at making these fun and tasty roll ups! Enjoy every bite of this creative twist on lasagna!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for baking)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20-24 slices pepperoni, plus extra for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or dried basil or oregano for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes getting everything ready and then about 30 minutes baking. The wait for it to cool off is worth the amazing aroma that will fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to ensure that nothing sticks.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, which means they still have a little bit of bite to them. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel to cool slightly and prevent sticking.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This will help keep the roll ups from getting too dry as they bake.
5. Fill the Noodles:
Take one lasagna noodle and spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly on top of it. Then, lay 2-3 slices of pepperoni on the cheese layer for that yummy pizza flavor!
6. Roll Up the Noodles:
Starting at one end, carefully roll the noodle tightly to secure the filling, then place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for all the noodles, placing them side by side.
7. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Once all the roll ups are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese across the top of the roll ups. You can add more pepperoni slices as a fun topping!
8. Bake in the Oven:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the roll ups from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. If you like, you can sprinkle some fresh or dried basil or oregano on top for a lovely garnish. Serve those delicious Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat lasagna noodles are a great option for added fiber, and gluten-free noodles work as well. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ from traditional noodles.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze These Roll Ups?
Yes! These roll ups freeze beautifully. Before baking, cover the assembled roll ups tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you prefer a different protein, try cooked sausage, chopped chicken, or even veggies like spinach and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste!