Save This playful fusion dish combines the comfort of lasagna with the fun of pizza rolls, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that's become my secret weapon for potlucks and family gatherings. The layers of soft pizza rolls, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheese blend come together in a casserole that satisfies both pizza and pasta cravings at once.
I first made this when hosting my nieces and nephews for a weekend sleepover. What started as a desperate attempt to please different taste preferences has now become our most requested family gathering dish. The kids call it "pizza lasagna magic" and the adults appreciate how easy it is to prepare.
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza rolls cheese or pepperoni: These provide the pizza flavor without the work of making dough. Choose your favorite brand but the pepperoni variety adds extra flavor.
- Marinara sauce: The sauce brings moisture and classic Italian flavor. Use a good quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy lasagna layer. Full fat works best for richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that essential gooey cheese pull. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty umami depth. Use real Parmigiano Reggiano for best flavor.
- Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture. Bring to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chopped fresh basil: Brightens the dish with herbaceous notes. Fresh is preferable but dried works in a pinch.
- Dried oregano: Provides classic Italian flavor. Rub between your fingers before adding to release oils.
- Salt: Enhances all other flavors. Kosher salt is best for cooking.
- Ground black pepper: Adds subtle spice. Freshly ground provides better flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil. The proper temperature ensures the pizza rolls cook through while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Create the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl combine the ricotta cheese egg chopped basil oregano salt and pepper until smooth and well integrated. This mixture adds creamy richness between layers just like traditional lasagna.
- Build the Foundation Layer:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds moisture to the bottom layer of pizza rolls.
- Arrange the First Pizza Roll Layer:
- Place half of the frozen pizza rolls in a single even layer over the sauce. No need to thaw them first they will cook perfectly from frozen and absorb flavors as they bake.
- Add First Cheese Layer:
- Dollop half of your ricotta mixture over the pizza rolls then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. The dolloping technique works better than spreading which can move the pizza rolls around.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add remaining sauce then the rest of the pizza rolls followed by the remaining ricotta mixture mozzarella and Parmesan. This creates the lasagna style layering that makes this dish special.
- Bake Covered Then Uncovered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes then remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes. The covered portion allows everything to heat through while the uncovered time creates that beautiful golden bubbly top.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step helps the layers set so your portions stay intact when served.
Save The frozen pizza rolls are truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered their potential one night when I had planned to make lasagna but realized I was out of noodles. My teenager suggested we try using pizza rolls instead, and I was skeptical but desperate. The result was so surprisingly delicious that it's now in our regular rotation, proving that sometimes kitchen accidents lead to the best family favorites.
Make It Your Own
This dish welcomes customization based on your favorite pizza toppings. Between the layers, consider adding: Sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor, Cooked Italian sausage for extra protein, Bell peppers and onions for veggie goodness, Sliced black olives for Mediterranean flair. For a spicier version, mix red pepper flakes into your ricotta or add a layer of sliced jalapeños. If you prefer a white pizza experience, replace the marinara with alfredo sauce and add spinach between layers.
Storage and Reheating
This Pizza Roll Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through (about 15 minutes) rather than a microwave, which can make the pizza rolls soggy. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Cut cooled leftovers into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Kid-Friendly Cooking Project
This recipe makes an excellent cooking project to do with children. Kids can help arrange the pizza rolls, dollop the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle the cheese layers. The assembly is forgiving enough that precision isn't necessary, making it perfect for little hands learning kitchen skills. For an interactive dinner experience, set up a "pizza roll lasagna bar" where family members can customize their own individual portions in smaller baking dishes before you put them in the oven.
Save Party-Sized Adaptation
For larger gatherings, this recipe scales beautifully. Double all ingredients and use a larger, deeper baking dish or two standard 9x13 pans. You'll need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, but otherwise, the process remains the same. For a party presentation, consider making this in individual ramekins for a sophisticated single-serve approach. Reduce baking time to about 20 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered for smaller portions.
This delicious dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Enjoy the unique combination of pizza and lasagna!
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use pepperoni pizza rolls instead of cheese?
Yes, both cheese and pepperoni pizza rolls work well. Choose based on your taste or dietary preference.
- → Is it necessary to thaw the pizza rolls before baking?
No, use the pizza rolls straight from frozen. They will heat through as the dish bakes.
- → What can I add for extra vegetables?
Try layering sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Use cheese pizza rolls and check the ingredient list to confirm no meat additives are present.
- → Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving for best texture.