Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups:5 Reasons to Love This Dish

Pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups transform two beloved Italian classics into one irresistible dish that satisfies both pizza and pasta cravings simultaneously. These ingenious spirals feature tender lasagna noodles spread with seasoned ricotta cheese and lined with pepperoni slices, all rolled into perfect individual portions.

The rolls nestle in marinara sauce and bake under a blanket of melted mozzarella, creating an impressive presentation that belies their simple preparation. With familiar pizza flavors in an unexpected format, these roll ups deliver comfort food excitement that appeals to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creates perfectly portioned servings that eliminate the messy cutting associated with traditional lasagna
• Combines familiar pizza flavors with pasta in a fun, swirled presentation that impresses both kids and adults
• Offers make-ahead and freezer-friendly options for simplified meal planning and last-minute dinners

I developed this recipe during a challenging phase when my children would only eat pizza but I desperately needed dinnertime variety.

The first time I served these rollups, my son actually cheered at the dinner table, a reaction I hadn’t witnessed since bringing home actual delivery pizza.

Now when relatives visit, these roll ups are specifically requested, with my brother-in-law once commenting that they’re “dangerously good” after reaching for his third serving.

Essential Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles (12 sheets): Provide the perfect vehicle for fillings with their wide, flat surface that rolls beautifully without breaking
• Whole milk ricotta (15 ounces): Creates a creamy, luxurious base that holds everything together while delivering classic Italian flavor
• Pepperoni slices (4 ounces): Contribute that distinctive spicy, savory pizza flavor while creating beautiful red spirals throughout each roll
• Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Envelops the rolls in tangy tomato goodness while preventing them from drying out during baking
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Forms the essential gooey, stretchy topping that creates those irresistible cheese pulls when served

Preparation Method

Noodle Preparation Cook lasagna noodles in salted water for one minute less than package directions indicate.

This slight undercooking ensures they remain firm enough to roll without tearing while still cooking to perfect tenderness in the oven.

Carefully remove noodles and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.

Seasoned Filling Combine ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

Mix thoroughly until all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese for consistent flavor in every bite.

For easier spreading, allow the mixture to come to room temperature if you’ve prepared it ahead of time.

Assembly Process Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the seasoned ricotta mixture evenly across each noodle, leaving a small border at one end.

Arrange pepperoni slices in a single, slightly overlapping row down the length of each noodle on top of the ricotta layer.

Starting at one short end, carefully roll each noodle into a tight spiral, similar to making cinnamon rolls, ending with the bare edge to create a seal.

Baking Setup Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.

Arrange rolled lasagna spirals seam-side down in the dish, placing them closely together but not squishing them.

Cover the rolls with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring each is well-coated to maintain moisture during baking.

Cheese Topping Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the entire dish, covering all the roll ups completely.

For extra flavor, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or Italian cheese blend over the mozzarella.

Cover dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

You Must Know

• Allow the baked dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving for cleaner portions and to prevent mouth burns
• These roll ups actually taste even better the next day as flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator
• For easiest spreading, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute the ricotta mixture

I particularly love how this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for weeknights. My grandmother always said the best recipes come from necessity, and these roll ups certainly prove that point.

When my daughter had friends over for dinner recently, one mom texted later asking for the recipe because her normally picky eater had come home raving about “pizza pasta.” There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that brings such joy to the dinner table while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Serving Ideas

These versatile roll ups pair beautifully with various side dishes to create complete, balanced meals.

Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons for the authentic Italian restaurant experience at home.

Add garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for the ultimate comfort food feast that satisfies even hearty appetites.

For lighter accompaniments, offer roasted broccoli or asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.

Create an appetizer version by slicing each roll into rounds and serving with extra marinara for dipping.

Creative Variations

Customize this basic recipe with simple adjustments that create entirely new flavor experiences.

Try a supreme pizza version by adding finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and olives to the ricotta mixture.

Create a meat lover’s option with cooked Italian sausage crumbles added alongside or instead of the pepperoni.

Make a white pizza variation using alfredo sauce instead of marinara and adding spinach to the filling.

Incorporate buffalo chicken flavor by using shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with buffalo sauce instead of pepperoni.

Storage Solutions

Refrigerate leftover roll ups in an airtight container where they maintain excellent quality for up to five days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through for quick lunches or dinners.

For better texture when reheating larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Freeze fully baked and cooled roll ups individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.

Prepare unbaked roll ups completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Chef Techniques

• Slightly warm jarred marinara sauce before pouring over roll ups for more even distribution
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for significantly better melting properties
• For cleaner cuts, let the baked dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

My journey with these pepperoni pizza lasagna roll ups began as a creative solution to dinnertime battles but evolved into a signature dish requested at family gatherings and potlucks. There’s something magical about taking familiar flavors and presenting them in an unexpected way that makes ordinary ingredients feel special.

What I treasure most about this recipe is its ability to bring everyone to the table with enthusiasm. I’ve watched the pickiest eaters clean their plates and the most sophisticated palates go back for seconds. In our busy household, any dish that accomplishes that feat while also being simple to prepare earns a permanent place in our meal rotation.

These roll ups represent what I love most about home cooking: transforming simple ingredients into something that creates memories around the table. Whether for weeknight family dinners or special gatherings, they consistently deliver that perfect balance of comfort and excitement that keeps everyone asking, “When can we have these again?”