Name: Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped spinach (frozen or fresh) - optional; 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers (or bread crumbs); 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 8 lasagna sheets, boiled to al dente according to package instructions and separated to prevent sticking; 4 Mozzarella string cheese sticks; 2 large eggs; Oil to deep fry (vegetable oil recommended); Tomato sauce to serve (optional)

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the crunch that meets creamy cheese and rich sauce inside—this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe takes that comfort to the next level. It’s like your favorite lasagna got a crispy makeover, perfect for sharing or sneaking seconds when no one’s looking.

The image shows eight golden-brown fried sticks arranged on a wooden board, each with a crispy, crunchy outer layer. One stick is open, revealing a soft, stretchy white cheese filling with green herbs inside. Small green herb leaves are scattered around the board. A small wooden bowl with red sauce is placed at the top right corner of the board. The wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth partially visible underneath in the bottom left corner. 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 stumbled upon this Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe during a weekend cook-up when I wanted something cozy yet playful. It quickly became a family favorite because it hits that perfect sweet spot between crispy and creamy, and honestly, it’s just plain fun to eat.

Unexpected Twist: Crispy coating gives lasagna a delightful crunch without losing all the classic gooeyness inside.
Spinach Alfredo Sauce: It’s creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy, making the rolls rich but fresh with a bit of green goodness.
Perfect Snack or Meal: These rolls are versatile—serve them as a party appetizer or a comforting dinner.
Make Ahead Friendly: Freeze the assembled rolls so you’re always ready for an easy, impressive bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines classic Italian flavors with a little crispy magic. Each ingredient is chosen to create balance: creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and a crunchy exterior that holds its own.

Flat lay of a few fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a quarter of a medium yellow onion finely chopped on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with minced garlic, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely crushed golden crackers, a small white ceramic bowl of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian dried herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of thick pale cream, eight rectangular pale ivory lasagna sheets laid out flat, four whole mozzarella string cheese sticks with smooth white surfaces, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato sauce, 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: Gives a rich base for the spinach Alfredo sauce without extra salt throwing off the flavor balance.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build depth and flavor in the sauce.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency so it spreads easily on the lasagna sheets.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that makes the filling irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory umami and helps bind the sauce.
Spinach: Optional but I love the freshness and color it brings — plus, it sneaks in a little healthy vibe.
Crushed Crackers: The crunchy coating that crisps up beautifully when fried—feel free to swap with breadcrumbs or panko.
Mozzarella String Cheese: Melts perfectly inside for that ooey-gooey cheese pull.
Eggs: Help the coating stick and give a golden brown finish.
Lasagna Sheets: Boiled just al dente so they roll without breaking.
Chili Flakes & Italian Seasoning: Adds a little subtle heat and classic Italian herb flavor without overpowering.
Vegetable Oil: Best for frying without affecting the clean flavor.
Tomato Sauce (optional): A classic dipping partner that pairs perfectly with the rolls.

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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

I love using fresh spinach for a bright flavor, but frozen works just as well if you don’t have fresh on hand. Also, if you want to make it vegetarian, stick to this blend, or add some sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness. The coating is where you can get creative too—panko crumbs give extra crunch if you prefer.

Variation: I once swapped mozzarella sticks for fresh shredded mozzarella and it worked—makes spreading inside the sheet easier and gives a classic stringy result.
Spicy Kick: Increase chili flakes in both sauce and coating for a bold finish that wakes up your taste buds.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and gluten-free cracker crumbs or panko for a safe swap without sacrificing crunch.

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

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a broken golden brown fried roll showing three layers: a crispy outer layer, a light beige dough middle with herbs, and a creamy white cheese center, with a white marbled surface underneath; more fried rolls are blurred and lying on a wooden board in the background with a small bowl of bright orange dipping sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip up the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Start by melting butter over medium heat. When it’s bubbling, add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden—you’ll know it’s ready by the sweet aroma and translucent edges. Toss in garlic just for a few seconds until fragrant, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Stir in flour and toast it for about a minute to avoid any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. When it thickens a bit, stir in Parmesan and spinach (if using). Turn off the heat and taste—adjust the seasoning as needed. The sauce should be creamy but spreadable.

Step 2: Prep the Coating and Lasagna Sheets

While the sauce cools, crush your crackers finely but not into dust—they should give a nice crisp texture. Mix with Parmesan and chili flakes for flavor. Boil the lasagna sheets per package instructions until al dente, then separate carefully so they don’t stick. For the cheese, cut each mozzarella stick into quarters lengthwise, making small sticks that fit perfectly inside your lasagna sheet halves.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Slice each lasagna sheet in half to make smaller rectangles. Spread a generous layer of the spinach Alfredo sauce evenly. Place a mozzarella stick at one edge and roll it up tightly like a little log—don't worry if they look snug, they’ll hold up when fried! Freeze these rolls for 15–20 minutes to firm them up and make them easier to coat and handle.

Step 4: Coat and Fry to Golden Perfection

Break eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Dip each firm roll into the egg, then fully coat with your cracker mix, making sure to seal the ends well so no cheese escapes. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C)—I use a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. Fry in batches, gently turning rolls so they crisp evenly, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Top Tip

Through my testing, I realized the key to perfect Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls lies in the freezing step and the coating technique. Those few minutes in the freezer make rolling and frying so much easier and prevent melting cheese from leaking. Also, sealing the ends well with coating keeps the cheese snug inside every crispy bite.

Freeze Before Coating: Freezing solidifies the rolls so they don’t fall apart when dipping in egg and crumbs.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Crowding lowers oil temperature and results in greasy, uneven frying.
Use a Thermometer: Keeping oil at about 350°F means a crispy outside with gooey cheese inside.
Seal the Ends: Coat the ends twice if needed to prevent cheese oozing and messy frying.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe

crispy fried lasagna rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving—it adds a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. A little dusting of extra Parmesan on the plate never hurts either, for those cheese lovers out there.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a light garlic green beans sauté. When I want a full pasta night, I serve them alongside spaghetti aglio e olio for a meal that’s hearty but balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I line the rolls upright in a shallow dish and drizzle with tomato or pesto sauce, then sprinkle with herbs and Parmesan. It makes for a stunning presentation—and guests love the hand-held style. You can also slice them into thick pinwheels and serve as individual appetizers with toothpicks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend placing a paper towel at the base to absorb moisture and keep them from getting soggy. Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to retain the crisp texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-fried, assembled rolls for up to 1 month. After assembling and freezing initially, I place them in freezer-safe bags and thaw in the fridge before frying. This makes having a homemade snack ready in minutes a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover rolls in a preheated 375°F oven on a wire rack for 10-12 minutes. This preserves that golden crispness without turning them rubbery—microwaving tends to zap the crunch and makes the cheese turn rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna rolls, freeze them before frying, and then fry them straight from the freezer. It’s a great time-saver and ensures perfectly crispy results.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls from falling apart while frying?

Freezing the rolls before dipping and frying is key to keeping them intact. Also, make sure to coat the ends well with the cracker mixture—this seals in the cheese to prevent leaks during frying.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella cut into small sticks works perfectly, offering a creamier texture and a fresh cheesy flavor. Just watch that the fresh mozzarella isn’t too wet before assembling to prevent soggy rolls.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

The recipe as written is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you use vegetable-based broth or sauces. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the spinach alfredo sauce for more texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls Recipe has been such a joyful discovery in my kitchen—combining crispy textures with creamy, comforting flavors is a game changer. It’s perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests without hours of work. Give it a try and watch how those crispy little rolls disappear fast; it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!