Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups: A Cozy Autumn Twist on a Classic Favorite
Individual cheese-filled rolls deliver rich, herby flavors and fuss-free entertaining.
Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups: Your Guide to a Cozy Fall Comfort Food
If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall, look no further. Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups bring together the comforting texture of classic lasagna, the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, and the savory herbs of autumn. This creative take on Italian tradition is hearty, creamy, and ideal for family dinners, festive gatherings, or any chilly evening when you crave something special. Below, discover every detail on how to make, customize, and serve this unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal flavor: Pumpkin adds a gentle sweetness and creamy texture, pairing beautifully with herbs like sage.
- Perfect for gatherings: Individual roll-ups make serving and portioning easy for parties or family dinners.
- Make-ahead potential: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for fuss-free entertaining.
- Vegetarian friendly: No meat, but loaded with cheesy, savory, and aromatic richness.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s walk through the lineup of ingredients that make these roll-ups unforgettable. Each component plays a key role, so try not to shortcut for best results.
- Lasagna noodles – Use regular, not oven-ready, lasagna noodles. Boil until just al dente.
- Pumpkin puree – Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has spices and sugar already added, which would drastically change the flavor profile.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich, binding the filling with the pumpkin.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides classic Italian ooey-gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese – For sharp, nutty flavor in both the sauce and filling.
- Whole milk – Used to make a creamy white béchamel-style sauce as the base.
- Egg – Helps set the ricotta filling.
- Butter and all-purpose flour – The backbone of the rich white sauce.
- Fresh sage – For aromatic, autumnal flavor. Chopped for the filling, or fried as a garnish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the filling and sauce.
- Nutmeg and cayenne – Add warmth and just a hint of heat.
Step-By-Step Instructions: How to Make Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups
1. Preheat & Prepare Noodles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a generously salted large pot of water to boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente. Don’t overcook— the noodles will finish softening in the oven. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then lay each noodle flat on foil or parchment to prevent sticking.
2. Build the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute until sandy. Gradually whisk in milk. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens—about 10 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg and cayenne, then whisk in parmesan until melted. Next, blend in pumpkin puree, and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling
Combine the following in a large mixing bowl:
- Whole-milk ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan
- Remaining pumpkin puree
- 1 beaten egg
- Chopped fresh sage
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Mix thoroughly to achieve a thick, creamy, and cohesive filling.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of pumpkin-cream sauce along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. On each lasagna noodle, gently spread 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta-pumpkin filling, covering to the edges. Carefully roll up each noodle from end to end and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Finish & Bake
Once all noodles are arranged, pour the remaining pumpkin sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, then finish with more chopped sage. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
What others are reading
Let the roll-ups rest 15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and for perfect slices.
Serving Suggestions & Expert Tips
- For a golden finish: Broil the roll-ups for 2–3 minutes after baking to brown the cheese topping.
- Garnish: Fry fresh sage leaves in butter for 1–2 minutes, and scatter on top for a fragrant, crispy garnish.
- Make ahead: Assemble the roll-ups up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as instructed (add extra 5–10 minutes to baking time if baking cold from the fridge).
- Freeze for later: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake, or bake from frozen with extra time.
- Pair with: Fresh arugula salad, roasted root vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced meal.
Variations & Customizations
Love to experiment in the kitchen? Here are creative ways to change up your Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups:
- Swap cheeses: Use fontina or provolone for a twist on mozzarella, or add a little goat cheese for tang.
- Add spinach: Stir in thawed, drained frozen spinach to the filling for color and nutrients.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- Kick up the spice: Add roasted garlic, a pinch more cayenne, or a little smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts (like walnuts or pecans) over top along with the cheese before baking.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 roll-up (approx.) | 260 | 11g | 10g | 32g |
Values are approximate and may vary with substitutions or ingredient brands.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven or microwave until hot throughout.
- Freezer: Place roll-ups in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No. Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced, which will make your dish taste odd. Use plain pumpkin puree for the most balanced, savory result.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together before assembly?
After draining, rinse the noodles with cold water and lay them flat on parchment or foil, making sure they don’t overlap. You can also drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Can the roll-ups be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day before baking, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage. Bake from thawed or frozen (add extra bake time).
Can I add meat to this dish?
For a heartier option, layer cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or seasoned ground turkey with the filling. Brown the meat first, drain well, and add a layer before rolling up.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella (available in many supermarkets) and a plant-based milk for the sauce. The flavor and texture will change, but it’s a suitable adaptation for those avoiding dairy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Don’t overfill the noodles or they’ll be difficult to roll and may burst while baking.
- Let the roll-ups rest before cutting or serving so layers set and slices hold their shape.
- For a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking pans.
- Use fresh sage for garnish—its aroma and crispy texture elevate the whole dish.
- Leftover pumpkin puree? Add it to oatmeal, smoothies, or freeze for later use in soups or baked goods.
Make It a Meal: What to Serve with Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or autumn root vegetables
- Classic garlic bread or cheesy focaccia
- Fresh apple cider or lightly chilled white wine
Conclusion: Savor the Season
There’s no better way to savor fall than enjoying these Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups. With their creamy filling, gently spiced sauce, and melty cheese topping, they deliver comfort and autumn warmth in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Ready to get cooking? Try the recipe and create a new autumn tradition—one delicious roll at a time!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32403116/pumpkin-lasagna-roll-ups-recipe/
- https://www.howsweeteats.com/2020/09/pumpkin-lasagna-rollups/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11576/lasagna-rollups/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g66015533/best-savory-pumpkin-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63457605/types-of-lasagna/
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