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These pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups have been my dinnertime secret weapon for years. I came up with them when my kids were going through a phase where they'd only eat pizza but I was desperately trying to switch things up. Turns out, when you combine the flavors of pepperoni pizza with the format of lasagna rolls, magic happens. They're visually impressive (hello, swirly layers!), but actually simpler to make than traditional lasagna and way more fun to eat.
Last month, I made these for my niece and nephew when they stayed over, and my sister texted me the next day saying her kids were now requesting 'those pizza roll things' for dinner at home. My nephew, who usually picks everything off his plate before eating, devoured two without a single complaint.
Key Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: The wider the better for easier rolling. Cook them just until tender - too soft and they'll tear when rolling.
- Ricotta mixture: This creamy base gets seasoned with Italian spices for that authentic pizza shop flavor. The garlic and onion powders are crucial here!
- Pepperoni slices: Regular-sized work better than minis for this recipe. They create that perfect spiral of red throughout each roll.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce to keep things simple, or homemade if you're feeling ambitious. A chunkier sauce works particularly well here.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded. That stretchy, gooey cheese pull is what makes these irresistible.
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Roll-Up Magic
- Pasta perfection:
- Don't overcook those noodles! They should be al dente - just tender enough to roll without breaking, but firm enough to hold their shape. I usually shave a minute off the box directions.
- Cheese spreading strategy:
- Use an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon) to spread the ricotta mixture evenly, leaving a small border at one end. This helps create a clean seal when rolling.
- Pepperoni placement:
- Lay those pepperoni slices in a single, slightly overlapping row. Trying to cram too many in will make rolling difficult. Remember, less is sometimes more!
- Rolling technique:
- Start from one short end and roll tightly like a cinnamon roll. Place them seam-side down in the baking dish so they don't unravel while baking.
- Sauce generously:
- Don't be stingy with the sauce! Some in the bottom of the dish prevents sticking, and plenty over the top keeps everything moist during baking.
- Cheese topping:
- A nice thick layer of mozzarella on top not only tastes amazing but also helps hold everything together as it melts. Consider it edible glue!
I discovered this recipe by accident one night when I had planned to make traditional lasagna but ran out of time. Rather than layering everything, I just rolled up the ingredients and hoped for the best. My family went crazy for them, especially my husband who loved that each roll had the perfect ratio of pasta to filling. Now they're requested at least once a month at our house.
Serving Ideas
Serve these roll ups with a simple Caesar salad and garlic bread for the complete Italian restaurant experience at home. For a lighter option, pair with roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad. These also make great appetizers for parties - just cut each roll in half before serving for bite-sized portions.
Tasty Twists
Try using spicy Italian sausage instead of pepperoni for an extra kick. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling for a supreme pizza version. For meat lovers, add a layer of cooked ground beef to the pepperoni. Vegetarian? Skip the pepperoni and load up on sautéed vegetables instead.
Storage Smarts
These roll ups actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. For make-ahead meals, assemble everything but don't bake - cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake as directed adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
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I've made these pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups for countless family dinners, potlucks, and meal trains for new parents. There's something about that combination of familiar pizza flavors in a fun, new format that appeals to everyone from picky toddlers to discerning adults. They're the perfect middle ground between comfort food and something special - familiar enough to please everyone but different enough to feel like you're not just serving the same old thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What's the best way to freeze these roll ups?
- Freeze them after baking in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 2 hours, or thaw overnight and bake for 20 minutes.
- → Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
- Regular lasagna noodles work best for this recipe. No-boil noodles tend to crack when rolled and don't soften properly without being covered in sauce on both sides.
- → What can I substitute for pepperoni to make these vegetarian?
- Try using sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or plant-based pepperoni for a vegetarian version.
- → Why is my ricotta mixture runny?
- Some ricotta brands are wetter than others. If yours seems too runny, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before mixing with seasonings.