Name: Mini Lasagna Appetizer Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491245H45M41S
Total time: PT-491245H45M41S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 15 ounces Whole milk ricotta; 1 large Egg; 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 tablespoon Lemon zest; 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves, minced; 20 Cooked lasagna noodles; 4 ounces Shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups Pasta sauce

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Introduction

These Mini Lasagna Appetizers are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic lasagna. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they combine creamy ricotta filling, savory sauce, and melted mozzarella for a delicious finger food everyone will love.

Multiple rolled pasta pieces stand upright on a black baking tray. Each pasta roll is light golden with a creamy inner filling, topped with patches of red tomato sauce and melted white cheese, giving a soft shiny texture. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled over the rolls, adding a fresh contrast. The pasta edges create delicate ruffled layers visible from the open ends, showing thin, smooth noodle sheets folded inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15 ounces whole milk ricotta
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
20 cooked lasagna noodles
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups pasta sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, lemon zest, and minced thyme until well combined.
Step 2: Lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat and cut each one in half widthwise.
Step 3: Spread about 2 teaspoons of the ricotta filling on each noodle, leaving about a 1/2 inch gap at one end.
Step 4: Starting from the end with the filling, roll each noodle up tightly.
Step 5: Cut each rolled noodle in half widthwise to create mini rolls.
Step 6: Spread 1/2 cup of pasta sauce evenly on a baking sheet or casserole dish. Use two if needed to avoid crowding.
Step 7: Arrange the mini lasagna rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 8: Spoon about one teaspoon of pasta sauce on top of each roll, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve warm with extra pasta sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, mix finely chopped spinach or cooked mushrooms into the ricotta filling before rolling.
Substitute fresh herbs like basil or oregano for thyme to customize the flavor.
Use no-boil lasagna noodles if short on time; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Top with grated Parmesan before baking for a sharper cheese finish.

Storage

Store any leftover mini lasagna appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be frozen before baking; freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

A close-up shows a bite-sized cheesy pasta piece on a toothpick, held by a woman's hand. The pasta is square-shaped with a pale yellow color and soft texture. On top, there is a layer of bright red tomato sauce, covered by melted white cheese with a gooey, slightly browned texture, garnished with small green herb pieces. In the blurred background, many similar cheesy pasta squares are arranged closely on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these mini lasagna rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese drained well or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can work as a substitute, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.