Hear me out — there’s something truly delightful about the crunch you get from these Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe. Combining melty cheese, creamy spinach Alfredo, and a satisfyingly crisp crust, they bring Italian comfort food to a whole new level of fun and flavor.
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 with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These crispy fried lasagna rolls aren’t just about the satisfying crunch (though that’s a huge part). I've made a ton of lasagna variations, but this one nails the balance of creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, gooey cheese, and that perfect golden crust—making it a memorable meal you’ll want again and again.
- Crunch meets creaminess: You get the addictive contrast of a crispy, golden bite with a luscious, cheesy center every time.
- Spinach Alfredo twist: The spinach adds freshness and color, while the rich Alfredo sauce keeps things velvety and flavorful.
- Easy portion-friendly rolls: Making rolls from full lasagna sheets means you can serve these as perfect individual bites or a fun dinner option.
- Fun to make and share: Rolling and frying makes this a great recipe to cook alongside family or friends, turning dinner prep into a fun kitchen activity.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe come together so harmoniously — each element plays a role in flavor, texture, or ease of preparation. Plus, they’re pretty straightforward to find, which I always appreciate when craving something special but doable.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the Alfredo sauce that rich base without overpowering the spinach or cheese.
- Onion: Softly caramelized to deepen the sauce’s flavor, making it more complex and savory.
- Garlic: Adds that aromatic punch that’s signature to Italian dishes.
- Salt & Pepper: To season just right; don't skip tasting as you go here.
- Chili Flakes: Bring a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that takes the sauce into classic comfort food territory.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the Alfredo into that perfect spreadable texture.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Create the creamy, indulgent consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: For sharp, nutty flavor and a velvety finish to the sauce and coating.
- Spinach (fresh or frozen): Adds vibrant color and an earthy freshness to balance the richness.
- Crushed Crackers or Bread Crumbs: For that irresistible crunchy coating.
- Mozzarella String Cheese Sticks: Melty, gooey goodness inside each roll.
- Lasagna Sheets: The roll’s canvas; boiled to al dente so they’re flexible yet sturdy.
- Eggs: Help the coating stick beautifully during frying.
- Oil for Frying: Vital for that perfect golden crust that’s crisp without being greasy.
- Tomato Sauce (optional): A classic dipping option to brighten the richness.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you're into spicier bites or prefer to keep it classic, these lasagna rolls are like a blank canvas ready for your unique touch.
- Variation: Sometimes I sneak in some sautéed mushrooms or swap the mozzarella for a smoky provolone to change up the flavor profile — give it a try if you want a twist!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Start by melting the butter over medium heat — the scent alone is worth the wait. Toss in finely chopped onions and let them turn golden; this little caramelization adds so much depth, don’t rush it! Then garlic joins the party for just a quick saute to keep it fresh and not bitter. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor. Now, add the flour and toast it for about a minute — this is the magic for thickening the sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring gently to avoid lumps. Patience here is key; cook until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon but still soft enough to spread. Finally, stir in Parmesan and your chopped spinach — the sauce’s color goes from creamy white to a gorgeous green hue. I always taste now and adjust seasoning before setting it aside to cool; trust me, this little step makes all the difference.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating and Pasta
While your sauce cools, crush your crackers in a zip-top bag or with a rolling pin — you want a mix of fine crumbs and some bigger chunks for texture. Mix in Parmesan and chili flakes to the crumb mix for extra flavor. You’ll also want to boil your lasagna sheets just until al dente, so they’re easy to roll without tearing. Keep them separated and lightly oiled if needed, so no sticky mess.
Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up with Cheese and Sauce
Cut each lasagna sheet in half — think of these as your roll bases. Spread a generous layer of the spinach Alfredo sauce over each piece; don’t skimp here, the creaminess inside is what makes it shine. Slice your mozzarella sticks into quarters lengthwise so they fit perfectly inside the roll. Place one slice at the edge and roll tightly into a compact log. Working with smaller halves makes rolling easier and less likely to tear. Freeze these rolls for 15-20 minutes — this step is a game changer for holding their shape when frying.
Step 4: Coat and Fry to Golden Perfection
Whisk eggs in a bowl for the egg wash. Take your chilled roll, dip it thoroughly in egg, then press into the cracker coating, covering every side, especially the ends, so that melty cheese won’t escape when sizzling in the oil. Heat oil to 350°F; I like using a wide pan so the rolls have space to cook evenly. Test-fry one roll first — this helps you gauge timing and oil temp. You want a golden, crispy crust without browning too fast or leaving the inside undercooked. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning gently for even color. Drain on a wire rack to keep crispiness and repeat in batches.
Top Tip
After making these crispy fried lasagna rolls several times, I’ve learned a few game-changing tips that will guarantee your success and keep cleanup easy.
- Chill Rolls Before Frying: Freezing the assembled rolls for 15-20 minutes firms them up enough to keep cheese inside and helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady — this prevents soggy coating and uneven cooking.
- Use a Wire Rack for Draining: Instead of paper towels, a rack keeps the crust crisp without steaming from trapped oil.
- Test Your Oil Heat: Fry a single roll to check if the oil is the right temp; adjust heat before the rest to avoid greasy or burnt rolls.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these rolls with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a dusting of extra Parmesan — it adds a pop of color and an aromatic lift. Sometimes, I drizzle a little balsamic reduction for contrast, but a simple squeeze of lemon juice works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, or serve alongside a simple roasted vegetable medley to balance out the richness. Garlic bread also fits perfectly if you're looking for a hearty Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls standing upright on a platter, nestled closely like little lasagna logs — it looks stunning and invites guests to dig in. A small bowl of warm marinara or extra Alfredo on the side makes dipping fun and keeps things interactive at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually place them on a wire rack set over parchment to keep the coating from getting soggy before refrigerating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these rolls after assembling and coating but before frying. Just freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the cooking time for that perfect crispy finish.
Reheating
To keep that glorious crunch when reheating leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. Microwave makes it easy but tends to soften the coating, so I reserve that method only as a last option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Fresh spinach works beautifully in this recipe. Just chop it finely and sauté briefly until it wilts before stirring it into the Alfredo sauce to avoid any excess moisture affecting the sauce’s texture.
The key is to make sure you coat the entire roll thoroughly, especially the ends, with both the egg wash and cracker coating. Plus, chilling the rolls until firm before frying helps the cheese stay contained and melts evenly without oozing out.
You absolutely can! Baking at 400°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes will give you a crispy exterior, though it won't be quite as golden or crunchy as frying. It’s a great alternative if you want a lighter version or less mess.
Boil the lasagna sheets according to package instructions, but aim for al dente — usually around 8-10 minutes. You want them tender enough to roll easily but still firm to hold the filling without tearing.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the first time I made these Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe, I was hooked immediately. They bring that genius combination of crisp, creamy, cheesy, and fresh all in every bite — plus, they’re just plain fun to make. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a casual dinner party, I highly recommend giving this recipe a whirl. You’ll enjoy the process, the aroma, and above all, that unbeatable crispy, melty indulgence on your plate.
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Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender lasagna sheets rolled with creamy spinach Alfredo sauce and mozzarella sticks, coated in a flavorful crunchy crust, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served hot with marinara sauce, these rolls make a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped spinach (frozen or fresh) - optional
Coating:
- 1 ½ cups crushed crackers (or bread crumbs)
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Assembly:
- 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
Frying & Serving:
- Oil to deep fry
- Tomato sauce to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and flour; toast the flour for 1 minute while stirring. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to break up lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, then remove the sauce from heat. Adjust seasoning as needed. Allow the sauce to cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Prepare the Coating: Crush crackers using a rolling pin or food processor, then mix with shredded Parmesan cheese and chili flakes. Transfer the coating mixture to a large bowl or deep plate for dipping.
- Boil Lasagna Sheets: Boil lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and separate sheets to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Sticks: Cut each mozzarella stick into four smaller sticks by halving lengthwise and then widthwise, ensuring each stick fits inside the lasagna sheet roll.
- Assemble Rolls: Place a lasagna sheet on a clean surface and cut in half widthwise to make two shorter sheets. Spread a layer of the cooled spinach Alfredo sauce evenly on each half sheet. Place a mozzarella stick at one end of each sheet half and roll tightly into a log. Repeat to create a total of 16 rolls.
- Freeze Rolls: Place the assembled rolls on a tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up before coating.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a large bowl, break and whisk 2 large eggs thoroughly.
- Coat Rolls: Remove rolls from freezer. One at a time, dip each roll into the beaten eggs and then coat thoroughly in the cracker mixture, paying special attention to cover the ends well to prevent cheese from leaking. Place coated rolls on a wire rack.
- Deep Fry Rolls: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wide-bottomed pan to 350°F. Test fry one roll first, frying gently while turning for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy all over. Let cool slightly and taste for doneness. Fry remaining rolls in 2-3 batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Serve: Serve the fried lasagna rolls hot with marinara tomato sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy delight!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen spinach in the Alfredo sauce depending on availability; fresh should be chopped finely.
- If mozzarella sticks are unavailable, fresh mozzarella cut into similar stick shapes works well.
- Ensure the sauce is not too thick or too runny to allow easy spreading and proper texture.
- Freezing the rolls before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents coating from falling off during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for best frying results.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; reheating may reduce crunchiness.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure all cheese used is suitable for vegetarians.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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