Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Delectable Twist on Classic Comfort

Each individual spiral locks in cheesy goodness and zesty flavor for a family meal.

By Medha deb
Created on

Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll-Ups: Comfort Food, Reinvented

When you can’t decide between pizza and lasagna, why not enjoy both in a single meal? Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll-Ups fuse the best elements of each dish—gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, luscious marinara, and tender pasta—into individual, oven-baked rolls that look just as good as they taste. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, loved for both its fun presentation and irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike—fun to assemble and even more fun to eat.
  • Simple ingredients: Uses easily accessible items from your pantry or local store.
  • Great for prepping ahead: Roll-ups can be assembled and refrigerated for baking later.
  • Customize your way: Swap out fillings or cheeses to suit your household’s preferences.

What Are Lasagna Roll-Ups?

Lasagna roll-ups are a playful spin on the traditional layered lasagna. Instead of stacking pasta, cheese, and sauce in layers, you spread your fillings onto individual noodles, roll them up, and nestle them into a baking dish. This approach creates perfectly portioned servings every time and adds visual interest to your table.

Combining Two Favorites: Pizza & Lasagna

By adding pepperoni and pizza-inspired seasonings to classic roll-ups, this dish delivers all the pizzeria flavors you crave in a cozy, creamy pasta bake. It’s the kind of weekday dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to prompt second helpings—just like any good lasagna or pizza should.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for the noodles)
  • 10 lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups grated provolone cheese
  • 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
  • 1.5 cups jarred marinara sauce

Pepperoni Pizza Flavor Notes

  • Pepperoni: Adds smokiness and spice; quarter large slices for better distribution.
  • Provolone cheese: Delivers the traditional melty, mild tang reminiscent of pizza-shop pies.
  • Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder: These seasonings create classic pizza aromas in every bite.
  • Lemon zest: Provides a subtle freshness that enhances the overall flavor but doesn’t overpower.
  • Red pepper flakes: Brings gentle heat, customizable per your taste.

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Noodles

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add olive oil.
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just al dente.
  • Drain and immediately lay noodles flat on a foil-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Ricotta Filling

  • In a medium bowl, beat one egg.
  • Stir in ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, lemon zest, onion powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
  • Add 1 cup of grated provolone cheese and mix thoroughly.
  • Quarter the pepperoni slices if they’re large, then fold three-quarters of the pepperoni into the cheese mixture.

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups

  • Spoon 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9.5-inch deep-dish pie plate or similar round baking dish.
  • Spread about 1/3 cup of ricotta filling on each noodle, smoothing to cover.
  • Carefully roll each noodle up into a tight spiral.
  • Arrange 9 of the rolls seam-side down in a circle in the dish; place the final roll in the center.

4. Add Toppings and Bake

  • Spoon the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup provolone cheese.
  • Distribute the reserved pepperoni over the top for a true “pizza” finish.
  • Bake 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned in some spots.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving; this helps the rolls hold together when sliced.

Tips for Success

  • Use high-quality marinara or homemade sauce for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook noodles—they’ll finish softening in the oven.
  • For crispier pepperoni, broil briefly at the end, but watch closely!
  • Letting the dish rest before serving prevents it from falling apart and makes for cleaner slices.

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating

  • Prep ahead: Assemble the roll-ups in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
  • Freeze: Tightly wrap assembled, unbaked roll-ups and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding.
  • Reheat leftovers: Cover the dish with foil and gently reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved.

Recipe Variations

  • Add vegetables: Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the filling for extra nutrition.
  • Try other meats: Substitute or supplement pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage or crumbled bacon.
  • Swap cheeses: Use shredded mozzarella, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Make it spicy: Use hot pepperoni or extra red pepper flakes for a zippier taste.
  • Vegetarian version: Use veggie pepperoni and amp up the amount of cheese or vegetables for satisfying meatless roll-ups.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and hearty, pairing well with simple side dishes:

  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • Crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette
  • Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini
  • A light antipasto platter

Lasagna Variations and Inspiration

If you love this recipe, don’t miss out on other lasagna and pizza mash-ups. From spinach and eggplant roll-ups to skillet lasagna and loaf-pan versions with sausage, the flexibility of lasagna means it suits every taste. For more adventurous spins, try:

  • Vegetable lasagna: Hide veggies under cheese and pasta for picky eaters.
  • Lasagna soup: All the classic flavors in a bowl, with ricotta “dumplings.”
  • Pumpkin lasagna roll-ups: Pureed pumpkin brings a creamy, seasonal filling.
  • Eggplant lasagna roll-ups: A twist using eggplant instead of or alongside pasta.

Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Calories410
Protein19g
Carbohydrates36g
Fat21g
Saturated Fat10g
Sodium980mg
Fiber3g
Sugar5g

Note: Actual values will vary depending on brands and ingredient substitutions.

FAQs About Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll-Ups

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

A: No-boil noodles are not recommended for roll-ups—they may tear or not roll as neatly as traditional boiled noodles.

Q: How can I make these gluten-free?

A: Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara and pepperoni are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?

A: Absolutely—assemble two dishes or use a larger baking pan, adjusting bake time slightly if crowded.

Q: Is it possible to make individual servings ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the rolled noodles days in advance, then bake them when ready to serve.

Q: What cheese alternatives work well?

A: Try mozzarella, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for similar melty, stretchy results.

Final Thoughts

Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll-Ups deliver the essence of two beloved classics in one easy-to-serve dish. Whether for a family weeknight dinner or a festive potluck, this recipe offers convenience, flexibility, and flavor—all in beautiful, tempting spirals. Give it a try and see why it could become your family’s favorite comfort food tradition.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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