There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy center—and that’s exactly what makes this Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe so special. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for when you want to impress or just treat yourself to something a little extra delicious.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe a handful of times now, and each batch turns out to be a crowd-pleaser. There’s a perfect harmony between the crispiness on the outside and the luscious spinach Alfredo filling inside—plus, who can say no to melted mozzarella wrapped inside a tender lasagna sheet? It’s honestly a bit addictive!
- Unique Twist: It’s not your everyday lasagna—rolling, frying, and layering flavors make it delightfully different.
- Textural Contrast: Crispy coating meets creamy Alfredo sauce and gooey mozzarella, hitting all the right notes in one bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls in advance and freeze them, perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Great for Sharing: These rolls are perfect as finger food or a hearty appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe really lies in the balance of fresh, creamy, and crispy ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the spinach adds a touch of green wholesomeness, the Alfredo sauce binds everything together with richness, and the crunchy coating seals the deal with a satisfying crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the Alfredo sauce, it helps cook the onions gently and gives a silky texture.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics bring depth—make sure to sauté them until golden for the best flavor.
- Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes & Italian Seasoning: They season the sauce perfectly, giving subtle heat and herbaceous notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, creating that creamy Alfredo texture without lumps.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The creaminess factor, essential for a rich but balanced sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles umami and sharpness—don’t skimp on quality here.
- Spinach: Adds fresh flavor and color; frozen or fresh both work depending on what you’ve got.
- Crushed Crackers or Bread Crumbs: This is the secret to an irresistibly crispy exterior.
- Mozzarella String Cheese: Melts beautifully inside and replicates those cheesy cheesy stringy bites you'll fall in love with.
- Eggs: Help the coating stick and add richness to the crust.
- Lasagna Sheets: The foundation of this dish—al dente texture is key to keep them from getting soggy.
- Oil for Deep Frying: Vegetable oil is neutral and heats evenly to golden-fry those rolls to perfection.
- Tomato Sauce (Optional): A tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy rolls.
Make It Your Way
This recipe invites experimentation! I love making the classic version with mozzarella string cheese, but sometimes I swap it out for fresh mozzarella balls or add a little ricotta inside for extra creaminess. You can even toss in some cooked mushrooms or thawed artichoke hearts if you want to get adventurous with the filling.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe already leans vegetarian, but you can easily adapt it with your favorite plant-based cheese for a vegan twist.
- Spice Level: If you like it hotter, feel free to add more chili flakes into the coating or sauce; I usually keep it moderate so the flavors stay balanced.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the coating. It works just as well—I've tested it myself!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Creating the Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Start by melting butter over medium heat in a nonstick saucepan. Add your finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden—this little step brings out a sweetness that makes the sauce special. Toss in your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and then sprinkle in the flour. Toast this mixture for about a minute to get rid of any floury taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break down any lumps. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Once thickened, mix in the Parmesan and chopped spinach. I usually add a bit of fresh spinach and frozen chopped spinach to balance flavor and texture. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly—remember, the sauce should be spreadable but not runny.
Step 2: Prepping the Lasagna Sheets and Filling
Boil your lasagna sheets al dente, following package instructions—and here’s a tip: spread them out on a lightly oiled tray so they don’t stick together. Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks into smaller, roll-friendly pieces—each stick to about four smaller ones for easier rolling. Cut each lasagna sheet in half lengthwise to make your rolls manageable in size.
Now, spread a generous layer of your spinach Alfredo sauce on each half sheet, place one mozzarella stick at one end, and roll it up snugly into a tight little log. This rolling process seals the cheesy goodness inside.
Step 3: Chilling and Coating for Crispy Perfection
Pop all your lasagna rolls into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Meanwhile, whisk your two large eggs in a bowl. For the coating, crush your crackers (I love using buttery crackers for extra flavor) and mix with Parmesan and chili flakes. When the rolls have set, dip each into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the cracker mixture—don’t forget to cover the ends well, so no cheese leaks while frying!
Step 4: Frying to Golden, Crispy Bliss
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry one test roll first to check the temperature and cooking time. Gently place it in and turn frequently for even golden crispness, about 5-6 minutes. Let it cool and taste — you want a delightfully crunchy crust with a melty center.
If all’s well, fry the rest in small batches, avoiding crowding to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 5: Serving It Up
Serve these warm with a side of marinara or your favorite tomato sauce for dipping. The contrast between rich Alfredo rolls and tangy tomato is just heavenly.
Top Tip
After making the Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe several times, I noticed a few tricks that really make the process smoother and the end result better worth the effort.
- Perfect Thickness in Sauce: Take your time whisking the milk and cream slowly to avoid lumps—this keeps your sauce silky and rollable.
- Chilling Before Coating: Don’t skip refrigerating the rolled lasagna sheets; it’s crucial to make the coating stick well and keep rolls firm during frying.
- Testing Oil Temperature: Fry that first roll as a temperature test—it saves you from undercooking or burning your batch.
- Coating the Ends: Be sure to cover the ends of each roll with the crumb mixture to trap all the melty cheese and prevent leaks.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can add just the right salty finish. Sometimes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy contrast that’s surprisingly delicious.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these rolls with a fresh, crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted veggies or a bowl of minestrone soup also complement this meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the fried rolls vertically on a platter and garnish with edible flowers and fresh herbs. Serving them with multiple dipping sauces—like pesto, marinara, and spicy aioli—turns this into an interactive gathering appetizer. Kids love picking their favorite dip!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F for around 10-12 minutes to bring back the crispiness instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
I freeze the assembled, coated rolls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. That way, they don’t stick together and are easy to grab later. When you’re ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen, just extend the frying time by a couple minutes to ensure even cooking.
Reheating
Oven reheating works best to keep the crunchy exterior intact. If you want to speed things up, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the coating and lessen the charm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works beautifully here. Just be sure to cook and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce's texture.
Chilling the rolls for at least 15-20 minutes before dipping in egg and coating helps them firm up and hold shape. Also, thoroughly coating the ends with crumbs keeps the cheese contained during frying.
Yes, you can! Brush the coated rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden. Frying just gives that classic extra crunch and quicker cook time.
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili flakes in both the sauce and coating. You can easily adjust by adding more or less chili flakes according to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s impressive but approachable, rich but balanced, and always a hit with friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try making these yourself and hearing how much you love them as much as I do. Trust me, once you’ve had a crispy, cheesy lasagna roll, you’ll be planning your next batch before the first one’s even finished!
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Crispy Fried Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Fried Lasagna Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender boiled lasagna sheets rolled with creamy spinach Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese, coated in a spicy cracker crust, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a crispy appetizer or snack, these rolls are served hot with tomato sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped spinach (frozen or fresh) - optional
Coating:
- 1 ½ cups crushed crackers (or bread crumbs)
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Assembly:
- 8 lasagna sheets, boiled to al dente according to package instructions and separated so they don't stick together
- 4 Mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 large eggs
Frying & Serving:
- Oil to deep fry
- Tomato sauce to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and flour; toast for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring to break down lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, then turn off heat and adjust seasoning. Let the sauce cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Prepare the Coating: Crush crackers using a rolling pin or food processor. Mix crushed crackers with Parmesan cheese and chili flakes in a large bowl or deep plate.
- Assemble the Rolls: Boil the lasagna sheets al dente and separate them. Cut mozzarella sticks into quarters lengthwise to create small sticks. Cut each lasagna sheet in half widthwise to make shorter sheets. Spread an even layer of spinach Alfredo sauce on each half. Place a mozzarella stick on one end and roll tightly into logs. Repeat to make 16 rolls total. Freeze rolls for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Crack 2 eggs into a bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- Coat the Rolls: Remove frozen rolls from freezer one at a time. Dip each roll in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the cracker mixture, ensuring the ends are well covered to prevent cheese leakage. Place coated rolls on a wire rack.
- Deep Fry the Rolls: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wide-bottomed pan to 350°F. Fry one test roll for 5-6 minutes, gently turning to brown evenly, until golden and crispy. Cool and taste to confirm doneness. Fry remaining rolls in 2-3 batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Serve: Serve hot immediately with tomato sauce for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy rolls as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Freezing the assembled rolls before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents cheese leakage.
- If you cannot find mozzarella string sticks, use fresh mozzarella cut into similar-sized sticks.
- Use crushed crackers for a crispier coating or bread crumbs for a more traditional texture.
- Monitor oil temperature closely to ensure even frying and avoid greasy rolls.
- Leftover rolls can be rewarmed in a hot oven for crispness but may lose some texture quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
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