Name: Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp pepper; ½ tsp chili flakes; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped spinach (frozen or fresh) - optional; 1 ½ cups crushed crackers (or bread crumbs); ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp chili flakes; 8 lasagna sheets, boiled to al dente according to package instructions and separated so they don't stick together; 4 Mozzarella string cheese sticks; 2 large eggs; Oil to deep fry (about 2 inches); Tomato sauce to serve (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into golden, crunchy bites filled with creamy, cheesy goodness — that’s exactly what makes this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe such a showstopper. It’s comfort food with a fun twist, giving lasagna that irresistible crunch you didn’t know you needed.

The image shows eight golden-brown fried sticks arranged on a wooden board, each with a crispy, crunchy outer layer. One stick is open, revealing a soft, stretchy white cheese filling with green herbs inside. Small green herb leaves are scattered around the board. A small wooden bowl with red sauce is placed at the top right corner of the board. The wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth partially visible underneath in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, I fell in love with these crispy fried lasagna rolls the first time I made them. They’re super fun to prepare, absolutely delicious, and the texture combo is like a party in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for company or just want a comforting meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Unexpected Crunch: The crispy outside sets it apart from everyday baked lasagna, adding a delightful texture contrast.
Creamy, Flavorful Filling: The spinach alfredo sauce blended with mozzarella makes each roll rich yet fresh.
Fun to Make: Rolling up lasagna sheets feels like a kitchen craft project, perfect for getting the family involved.
Versatile Serving: Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce—it’s crowd-pleasing every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that balance texture and flavor perfectly. Each component, from the alfredo sauce to the crunchy coating, plays a role in creating those addictive crispy fried lasagna rolls you’ll want to make again and again.

Flat lay of a few fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a quarter of a medium yellow onion finely chopped on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with minced garlic, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely crushed golden crackers, a small white ceramic bowl of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian dried herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of thick pale cream, eight rectangular pale ivory lasagna sheets laid out flat, four whole mozzarella string cheese sticks with smooth white surfaces, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato sauce, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Gives you control over seasoning and forms the creamy base of the sauce.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
Minced garlic: Adds soul-warming aroma and flavor that builds the sauce’s character.
Salt, pepper, chili flakes & Italian seasoning: These spices bring balance and a slight subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the alfredo sauce to that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Whole milk & heavy cream: A duo that enriches the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a salty, nutty kick and adds cheesy flavor to the coating.
Chopped spinach: (Optional but encouraged) Adds freshness and a light earthiness that cuts through the richness.
Crushed crackers or bread crumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch on the outside.
Lasagna sheets: The canvas for all this deliciousness—boiled just right so they can roll easily without breaking.
Mozzarella string cheese sticks: Perfect melty cheese that creates that gooey center you crave.
Eggs: Help the coating stick and create a crispy, golden crust when fried.
Vegetable oil: For deep frying; neutral in flavor and perfect for achieving that crispy finish.
Tomato sauce: Optional but recommended for dipping and adding a tangy contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with the filling sometimes—adding cooked ground sausage or some finely chopped mushrooms for an extra savory kick. You can absolutely adapt this recipe to your tastes, and it still turns out fantastic every time.

Meat Lover’s Variation: Add crumbled Italian sausage cooked with the onions for a hearty change—it makes the rolls even more indulgent.
Vegetarian Option: Swap mozzarella string cheese for fresh mozzarella slices and add more spinach or herbs like basil for a green boost.
Spice It Up: Crank up the chili flakes in the sauce and coating if you like a little heat—just the way I sometimes do for a zingy bite.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and breadcrumbs to keep everyone at your table happy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a broken golden brown fried roll showing three layers: a crispy outer layer, a light beige dough middle with herbs, and a creamy white cheese center, with a white marbled surface underneath; more fried rolls are blurred and lying on a wooden board in the background with a small bowl of bright orange dipping sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

I start by melting the butter over medium heat—don’t rush this part because gently sautéing the onion until golden brings out the natural sweetness that you really want. Then I toss in the garlic, letting it just get fragrant, but not brown, to keep things delicate. The mix of salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning goes in next, followed by a quick dusting of flour that I toast for a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Adding the milk and cream slowly while stirring is crucial to avoid lumps – don’t be shy with the whisk! As it thickens, the parmesan cheese joins the party followed by the spinach. Taste and adjust seasonings here—the sauce should be creamy and rich but light enough to spread easily.

Step 2: Prepping the Coating and Assembly

While the sauce cools, I crush my crackers with a rolling pin, mixing in parmesan and chili flakes to form the crunchy coating. Once the lasagna sheets are boiled al dente, I cut each one in half and spread a generous layer of my spinach alfredo sauce on each piece. Then comes the fun part—placing the mozzarella sticks at one end, rolling up tight little logs. It helps to freeze the rolls briefly here—about 15–20 minutes—to get them firm so they hold their shape when dipped in egg and coating. When dipping, be thorough! Coat every inch, especially the edges, to avoid cheesy leaks during frying.

Step 3: Frying to Crispy Perfection

I heat about two inches of vegetable oil to 350°F, dropping in a test roll first. Gently flipping and turning it keeps the crust golden and cooks the cheese through without burning the coating. It takes roughly 5–6 minutes before you get that perfect, crunchy roll that’s steaming warm inside. Fry the rest in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. After frying, I usually drain them on a wire rack to keep that crunch intact—paper towels can sometimes trap steam and soften the crust.

Top Tip

I’ve found that the key to success with this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe lies in those little prep steps and careful frying. Here are the best tips I’ve picked up:

Freeze Before Coating: It helps the rolls firm up and keeps them from falling apart when dunked in egg and coating.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Frying in batches keeps the oil temperature steady so every roll crisps perfectly.
Even Coating on Ends: Pay special attention to the roll’s ends to avoid cheese leaking out during frying.
Test Roll First: Always fry one roll first to check oil temperature and seasoning—it saves hassle later.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

crispy fried lasagna rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh grated parmesan and a tiny pinch of fresh basil or parsley on top—it adds brightness and color. Sometimes a drizzle of balsamic glaze gives a surprising but delightful twist that complements the rich rolls beautifully.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light roasted vegetable medley. For a heartier meal, roasted garlic bread or a warm Italian soup like minestrone rounds it out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

At a dinner party, I arrange the rolls standing upright on a platter, nestled among fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes. It looks festive and makes it easy for guests to grab their favorites. You can also serve them on skewers with alternating mozzarella chunks and fresh basil for a fun, bite-sized appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover crispy fried lasagna rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep their crispness, I reheat them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave—it really makes a difference in texture.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully uncooked or cooked. I recommend freezing them before frying for convenience—just flash freeze on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer for 5 minutes. This method restores their crunch without drying out that luscious cheesy center.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the spinach alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach alfredo sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir and warm it slightly before spreading on the lasagna sheets.

What’s the best cheese to use inside the rolls?

Mozzarella string cheese sticks work perfectly because they melt nicely and fit the lasagna roll shape well, but fresh mozzarella cut into sticks is a great alternative for extra creaminess.

How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart while frying?

Freezing the rolls before coating and frying is the key. It firms up the filling and pasta so they hold their shape perfectly during frying. Also, make sure you coat the ends well with the egg and crumb mixture.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake the rolls, but frying gives that signature golden crunch. To bake, spray rolls generously with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be crispy but not quite the same as fried.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. The contrast of creamy, cheesy sauce and that crunchy golden crust is unbeatable comfort food that’s also a fun project in the kitchen. I hope you give these a try—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy lasagna with all the flavors you love, but with an exciting twist that’s bound to impress.