“Lasagna Rolls: A Twist on the Classic Italian Comfort Food”

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serving size: 6 servings (2 rolls per serving)

Who says lasagna has to be traditional? We’re rolling things up with these scrumptious lasagna rolls – a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian comfort food. Let’s get rollin’ and make some lasagna magic!

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
2. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, basil, oregano, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the rolls: Lay out a lasagna noodle on a clean surface. Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly along the length of the noodle. Starting at one end, gently roll the noodle, making sure the filling stays inside.
4. Place in the baking dish: Transfer the rolled noodle, seam side down, to the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
5. Top it off: Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake to perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and enjoy: Allow the lasagna rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Creating the perfect lasagna rolls may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can easily whip up a delicious and impressive meal. One of the most important factors in making lasagna rolls is ensuring that the noodles are cooked just right. To prevent the noodles from becoming too soft or falling apart, cook them until they’re al dente. This will make it easier to roll them up without breaking, and they’ll maintain their shape during baking. It’s also a good idea to lay the cooked noodles out on a clean surface, like parchment paper or a silicone mat, to prevent them from sticking together while you work on assembling the rolls.

Assembling lasagna rolls can be a fun and creative process, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind for the best results. When spreading the ricotta mixture onto the noodles, be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to spill out when rolling. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon can help spread the mixture evenly across the noodle. When rolling the lasagna, start at one end and gently roll it up, applying slight pressure to keep the filling in place. To ensure even cooking and prevent the rolls from drying out, make sure to cover them with enough sauce and cheese before baking. And finally, don’t forget to let the lasagna rolls rest for a few minutes after baking, as this will make them easier to serve and enjoy.

A Brief History & Variation Ideas:

Lasagna, a beloved Italian dish, has been enjoyed since ancient Roman times. The modern version we know today, with its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, originated in Naples, Italy. These lasagna rolls offer a playful twist on the classic.

Feel free to customize your lasagna rolls with different fillings such as spinach, ground beef, sausage, or even a vegan alternative. Experiment with various sauces, like Alfredo or pesto, for a unique flavor experience.