These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna. With layers of cheesy goodness and pepperoni, they are a kid-friendly favorite!
Who wouldn’t love pasta filled with cheese and pepperoni? I often make these on busy nights. They’re easy to prepare and always disappear fast—it’s a win-win! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best here, but feel free to use no-boil noodles for convenience. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Ricotta Cheese: This is essential for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try using cashew cheese or tofu blended until smooth. Both options keep the roll-ups fluffy without the dairy.
Shredded Mozzarella: I love using whole milk mozzarella for its melting quality. If you’re out, you can substitute provolone or a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Pepperoni: This is the star in this recipe. If you want a healthier option, turkey pepperoni works great. You can also use diced cooked sausage or veggies for a more plant-based version.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade sauce can truly enhance the flavor. For quick access, keep some canned tomatoes and Italian spices handy for last-minute sauce-making.
What’s the Best Way to Roll Lasagna Noodles?
Rolling lasagna noodles can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Once the noodles are cooked and cooled slightly, lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly, leaving a small edge to make rolling easier.
- Place your pepperoni on top in a single layer. The more, the merrier!
- Start rolling firmly from one end, ensuring it’s tight but not too hard to keep it from tearing.
- Once rolled, place the seam side down in the baking dish. This keeps them from unrolling during baking.
Enjoy the process—it’s all about fun, cheesy layers in the end!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Ups:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano, plus extra for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 slices pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy lasagna with a fun twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or foil to cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be the creamy filling for your roll ups.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread about ½ cup of marinara or pizza sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the roll ups moist while baking.
4. Fill the Noodles:
Take one lasagna noodle and spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture across the entire surface of the noodle. Then, lay 2-3 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese mixture.
5. Roll It Up:
Now, start rolling the noodle from one end to create a tight roll. Make sure the filling stays inside as you roll! Place the rolled noodle seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step for the remaining noodles and filling.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining 1½ cups of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rolled noodles. Then, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and optional Parmesan cheese across the sauce. Lastly, add extra pepperoni slices on top for that pizza flair.
7. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned around the edges. Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups—each bite is a cheesy delight!
Enjoy!
These roll ups are perfect for dinner with family or as a fun dish for a get-together. They’re easy to serve and everyone will love this pizza-inspired twist on classic lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles can be a great time-saver. Just layer them like regular noodles with the sauce and filling, and they will cook through as the dish bakes—just be sure to add enough sauce to keep them moist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a bit of extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and assemble the roll-ups, then cover and refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Dairy-free options like silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast also work well!
