Pin it
Transform your pasta night with these clever pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups. Created as a mealtime solution for pizza-loving families, these rolls combine classic Italian flavors in an inventive presentation. Each spiraled portion features layers of pasta, seasoned ricotta, and pepperoni, delivering the perfect fusion of pizza and pasta in every bite.
The appeal of these rolls extends beyond their unique presentation. Their perfect portion size and familiar flavors make them a reliable choice for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. The spiral design ensures every bite contains an ideal balance of ingredients.
Essential Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: Select wide, high-quality pasta sheets for optimal rolling. Cook to al dente for best results.
- Ricotta blend: Seasoned with classic Italian herbs and spices for authentic flavor.
- Pepperoni: Standard-size slices work best for creating perfect spirals.
- Marinara: Choose a thick, hearty sauce for best coverage and flavor.
- Mozzarella: Fresh-grated provides superior melting and texture.
Pin it
Assembly Instructions
- Noodle preparation:
- Cook pasta just until tender, slightly under package directions for ideal rolling texture.
- Cheese application:
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly, leaving a small edge for sealing.
- Pepperoni layering:
- Arrange slices in a single overlapping row for proper rolling.
- Rolling method:
- Roll firmly from short end, placing seam-side down in baking dish.
- Sauce distribution:
- Layer sauce underneath and over rolls for proper moisture.
- Cheese topping:
- Cover generously with mozzarella to seal and bind rolls during baking.
This recipe emerged from a creative solution to streamline traditional lasagna preparation. The rolled format provides consistent portions with perfect ingredient distribution in each serving, making it a practical yet impressive dish.
Serving Suggestions
Complete the meal with classic Italian accompaniments like garlic bread and Caesar salad. For lighter options, pair with roasted vegetables or mixed greens. These rolls also work well as appetizers when cut into smaller portions.
Variations
Adapt the filling with Italian sausage for extra spice, or add vegetables like mushrooms and peppers. Create a meat lover's version with additional ground beef, or make it vegetarian with sautéed vegetables.
Storage Guidelines
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to seven days. For advance preparation, assemble unbaked rolls and refrigerate up to 48 hours, adding extra baking time when cooking from chilled.
Pin it
These versatile rolls have proven successful at countless gatherings, from casual family dinners to special occasions. Their unique format transforms familiar pizza flavors into an elevated pasta dish that satisfies diverse palates and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far in advance can I prep these?
- You can put these together up to a day ahead. Just cover the dish and keep it in the fridge. If you bake it straight from the fridge, leave it in the oven an extra 5-10 minutes.
- → Can these roll-ups go in the freezer?
- Definitely! After baking, transfer them into a freezer-safe dish and store for up to 3 months. Heat in the oven at 350°F for 2 hours from frozen, or thaw overnight and bake for 20 minutes.
- → Are no-boil lasagna noodles a good option?
- Stick with regular lasagna noodles for this recipe. No-boil types might crack or not cook fully when rolled and baked.
- → What’s a good replacement for pepperoni in a vegetarian version?
- You can mix in veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. If you want the pepperoni flavor, use plant-based substitutes too!
- → Why is the ricotta mix too watery?
- Some brands of ricotta can have extra liquid. To fix this, strain the ricotta for around 30 minutes using a fine strainer before adding seasoning.