Name: Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp pepper; ½ tsp chili flakes; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped spinach (frozen or fresh) - optional; 1 ½ cups crushed crackers (or bread crumbs); ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp chili flakes; 8 lasagna sheets, boiled to al dente according to package instructions and separated; 4 Mozzarella string cheese sticks; 2 large eggs; Oil to deep fry (vegetable oil recommended); Tomato sauce to serve (optional)

There’s something utterly irresistible about this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe—the way the crunchy golden crust gives way to warm, cheesy layers inside. It’s like comfort food met a party snack, and believe me, it’s worth every bite and minute spent making them.

Seven golden brown fried cheese rolls are arranged on a wooden board, with one roll broken open at the front showing melted white cheese stretching out that is dotted with green herbs inside a crisp, textured outer layer. Small green herb leaves are scattered around the rolls. In the top right corner, a small wooden bowl filled with bright red sauce is visible, and the background has a white marbled texture partly covered by a soft white cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of these crispy fried lasagna rolls. They’re an unexpected twist on classic lasagna, combining the creamy comfort of spinach alfredo and mozzarella with a satisfyingly crunchy coating. Once you try them, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary lasagna!

Delicious Texture: The crispy fried exterior contrasts perfectly with the cheesy, saucy inside, creating a delightful bite every time.
Fun to Make: Rolling up the lasagna sheets is a surprisingly enjoyable step that’s easy enough to get the kids involved in.
Customizable: You can personalize the filling and seasonings to match your family’s favorites or dietary needs.
Party Favorite: These make incredible finger foods for gatherings, easy to serve with marinara for dipping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose—balancing flavors, offering creaminess, or adding that crispy finish. Picking good-quality dairy and using fresh or frozen spinach really elevates the sauce, while the cracker coating adds just the right crunch without overwhelming the roll.

Flat lay of two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a few fresh spinach leaves, a small pile of uncooked rectangular lasagna sheets, four mozzarella string cheese sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped pale yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed pale golden crackers, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, arranged symmetrically and balanced placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Provides the base flavor and richness for the Alfredo sauce without adding extra saltiness.
Onion: When sautéed until golden, it adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Just a quick sauté releases its fragrant aroma and enhances the savory profile.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes, Italian Seasoning): These bring warmth and a little kick, making this more than a typical creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the Alfredo into that perfect spreadable consistency.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The creamy combo that forms the luxurious texture in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and cheesy richness throughout the sauce and coating.
Spinach: Either fresh or frozen works—this adds color, nutrition, and subtle earthiness.
Crushed Crackers (or Bread Crumbs): The secret to an ultra-crispy outer crust on each roll.
Mozzarella String Cheese: Melts inside the roll, giving you gooey, cheesy surprise bites.
Eggs: Acts as the binding agent for the coating to stick perfectly to each roll.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable for high heat and a clean flavor.
Tomato Sauce (optional): A classic dipping sauce that balances the richness perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe is how you can tweak it easily to suit what you have on hand or your taste buds. Whether you swap out spinach for kale or try a different cheese, these rolls will still shine.

Vegetarian Variation: I love adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers inside along with or instead of spinach for extra flavor layers.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and gluten-free crackers for the coating—I’ve done it and was amazed at how well it turned out!
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch more chili flakes to both sauce and coating gives a lovely subtle heat that my friends can’t get enough of.
Cheese Choices: If mozzarella string cheese isn’t available, fresh mozzarella cut into sticks or even provolone works wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

Two pieces of crispy fried rolls are held by a woman's hands with dark red nail polish. Each roll shows three layers: a crunchy golden-brown outer layer, a thin light beige inner layer, and an inner filling of melted white cheese with bits of green herbs. The rolls are broken in half to display the melty center clearly. In the background, more rolls with the same golden texture are placed blurred on a wooden board with a small bowl of reddish-orange sauce behind them. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Make the Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Start by melting butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onion and sauté until golden—smelling that sweetness develop is such a good sign! Then add garlic and stir quickly until fragrant, just a few seconds. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning followed by the flour; toast it gently for about a minute—it should smell nutty and start thickening slightly. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, being patient to break up any lumps. Cook until the sauce gets luxuriously thick—think creamy but still spreadable. Off heat, mix in Parmesan and chopped spinach. This sauce sets the flavorful, creamy foundation for the rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the sauce cools, crush crackers either with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. Mix in Parmesan cheese and chili flakes for a flavorful, crispy crust. Spread this mixture on a deep plate or bowl—this will make dipping and coating the rolls a breeze.

Step 3: Roll Up the Lasagna

Once you’ve boiled lasagna sheets al dente and let them cool separated so they don’t stick, slice each into halves to make smaller rolls. Cut mozzarella stick cheese into four small sticks each—the size is perfect for rolling along the sheet. Spread a thick layer of the cooled spinach Alfredo sauce evenly on each lasagna sheet half, then place a cheese stick at one end and roll it up tightly. Trust me, rolling is fun—and well worth the effort. Pop your finished rolls into the freezer for 15-20 minutes so they firm up before frying. This step helps keep everything snug and reduces cheese leakage.

Step 4: Coat and Fry to Perfection

Whisk the eggs in a bowl. When your rolls have firmed up in the freezer, one at a time, dip each into the egg wash, then roll in the cracker coating, pressing the crumbs especially around the ends to seal in all that gooey mozzarella. Arrange on a wire rack while you finish up. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry one test roll first—turn gently for 5-6 minutes until it’s gorgeous and golden. Taste test is your friend here! Adjust the heat if it’s browning too fast or slow. Once your oil is ready, fry the remaining rolls in batches, careful not to crowd the pan so they stay crispy and cook evenly. Drain briefly on paper towels or a rack.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe multiple times, a few little details make all the difference between good and incredible. These tips saved me tons of headaches and yummy failures early on.

Firm Up Rolls Before Frying: Freezing the rolled lasagna for 15-20 minutes is crucial—it helps keep the shape intact and prevents the cheese from leaking during frying.
Coat the Ends Thoroughly: Don’t skimp on coating the ends of each roll; it forms a little seal that locks in the melty cheese.
Test Fry One First: Always fry a single roll to check oil temperature and seasoning before tackling the whole batch.
Use a Wire Rack for Draining: Let your fried rolls rest on a rack to keep them crisp, avoiding sogginess from sitting on paper towels.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

crispy fried lasagna rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the fried rolls for a hit of color and freshness. A dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts, either—it gives them that restaurant-quality feel. Sometimes, I throw on a pinch of red chili flakes for a little extra zing right before serving.

Side Dishes

These crispy rolls pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a roasted veggie medley. For a heartier meal, I’ve served them alongside garlic bread or a bowl of classic marinara or tomato basil soup. The contrast with the warm, rich rolls is pretty unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Arrange these rolls on a wooden board with a trio of dipping sauces—think marinara, pesto, and a spicy aioli. I once served them in mini cast-iron skillets with sliders on the side for an Italian-inspired tapas night that left everyone asking for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling and freezing the rolls to firm them up, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead for busy nights or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking the frozen or refrigerated rolls in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Using an air fryer also works great and speeds things up, giving you that fresh-fried crunch without extra oil.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in the sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully. Just chop it finely and stir it into the sauce at the end, letting it wilt down slightly in the residual heat before removing from the stove.

What if I don’t have string mozzarella cheese?

You can use fresh mozzarella cut into sticks or even shredded mozzarella pressed into small log shapes. The key is to have cheese that melts well and fits nicely inside the lasagna rolls.

How do I make sure the rolls don’t fall apart while frying?

Freezing the rolls before frying helps them firm up and hold their shape. Also, dipping them well in egg and ensuring the coating seals the edges prevents the cheese from leaking out and keeps them intact during frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking is definitely an option if you want a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the coated rolls on a parchment-lined sheet for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe is a fun and impressive way to enjoy all the classic flavors of lasagna with an exciting crispy twist. It’s one of those recipes that’s fun to make, share, and savor—whether it’s a special weekend treat or your go-to snack during game night. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with these crunchy, cheesy little delights like I did!