Prepare to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups! This genius mashup combines two beloved Italian-American classics into one irresistible dish that will have everyone racing to the dinner table. Tender lasagna noodles are rolled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, then topped with zesty marinara and crispy pepperoni for that authentic pizza flavor.
Perfect for busy families or anyone craving comfort food with a twist, these roll-ups deliver all the satisfaction of homemade pizza and lasagna without the fuss. The individual portions make serving a breeze, and the presentation is guaranteed to impress even picky eaters!
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect portion control with individual roll-ups that are easy to serve
- Make-ahead friendly—prepare earlier in the day and bake when ready
- Kid-approved combination of pizza and pasta in one dish
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
Ingredients
- 16 lasagna noodles, cooked until tender (be careful not to overcook)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara/spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2-2 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (6-ounce) package pepperoni slices
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot until tender, but be careful not to overcook or they’ll fall apart during assembly. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce in the bottom of the dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Lay lasagna noodles out on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Use a small cookie scoop to place 1 scoop of ricotta mixture onto each noodle, then spread evenly using an offset spatula or spoon. Lay 8-10 pepperoni slices along the length of each noodle on top of the ricotta.
- Carefully roll up each noodle tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining pizza sauce over the rolls, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly with a light golden brown color. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Italian seasoning if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the cheese mixture for a supreme pizza version
- Substitute Italian sausage or bacon for pepperoni, or go vegetarian with extra veggies
- Use a pizza sauce instead of marinara for an even more authentic pizza flavor
- Prepare the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake (may need extra baking time)
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or use spicy pepperoni
- If noodles tear, don’t worry! Just patch them together in the baking dish—they’ll still taste delicious
Serving Suggestions
These Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a complete meal, add some garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce. A small Caesar salad also makes an excellent accompaniment for a restaurant-quality dinner experience at home.
For a fun family dinner, serve with breadsticks and offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To freeze, allow roll-ups to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months
- For best results, slightly undercook the noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven
- Roll-ups are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese is completely melted
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Regular lasagna noodles work best for this recipe as they’re more pliable. If using no-boil noodles, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes until softened enough to roll.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, immediately lay the noodles flat on an oiled baking sheet or parchment paper, making sure they don’t overlap.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! Assemble the roll-ups up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
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