If you can’t decide between pizza night and pasta night, Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups give you the best of both worlds. These cheesy, saucy rolls combine the comforting layers of lasagna with the bold, familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza. Each noodle is filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, layered with pepperoni, rolled tightly, topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The individual roll-up portions make serving easy, and the flavor is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Below you’ll find a complete, detailed guide to making perfect Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups every time, along with tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
There are plenty of reasons this dish becomes an instant favorite:
- Individual portions make serving simple
- Combines two comfort food classics
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved
Instead of traditional layered lasagna, these roll ups give you neatly portioned spirals of cheesy pizza-inspired goodness.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles
Traditional lasagna noodles work best when cooked al dente. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta provides creaminess and structure. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese (drained) or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt can work.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella gives that classic pizza stretch. For a richer flavor, mix in provolone or fontina.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and a slightly salty bite.
Pepperoni
Classic pepperoni adds bold flavor. Turkey pepperoni works as a lighter alternative.
Pizza Sauce
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. Marinara can also be substituted.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. They should be tender but still slightly firm.
Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful base of each roll.
Assemble the Roll Ups
Spread a thin, even layer of the cheese mixture over each noodle.
Top with several slices of pepperoni, distributing evenly from end to end.
Carefully roll each noodle tightly from one end to the other. Avoid rolling too loosely, as that may cause them to unravel during baking.
Place each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the arranged roll ups. Make sure the edges are covered to prevent drying out.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
If you prefer a slightly golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Rest and Garnish
Allow the roll ups to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
Flavor Variations
Supreme Pizza Style
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives to the filling.
Meat Lover’s Version
Add cooked sausage or crumbled meatballs along with the pepperoni.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for heat.
Vegetarian Option
Skip the pepperoni and load up on roasted vegetables or spinach.
Extra Cheesy
Add provolone or fontina for a richer flavor profile.
What to Serve With Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups
These roll ups pair well with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Italian vinaigrette salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Roasted broccoli
- Tomato soup
The bright freshness of a side salad balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can fully assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, add 5–10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Freezing Instructions
To Freeze Before Baking
Assemble the roll ups in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
To Freeze After Baking
Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can microwave individual portions for convenience, though the oven keeps the texture better.
Tips for Perfect Roll Ups
Cook Noodles Al Dente
Overcooked noodles can tear and become mushy.
Spread Filling Evenly
Uniform filling ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
Roll Tightly
Tight rolling helps the roll ups hold their shape.
Place Seam-Side Down
This prevents unraveling during baking.
Cover During First Bake
Foil prevents the cheese from drying out.
Let Rest Before Serving
Resting helps everything set and makes serving easier.
Use Fresh Herbs at the End
Fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish beautifully.
Use Quality Ingredients
High-quality cheese and sauce make a noticeable difference.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or even a pizza blend work well.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. They freeze well both before and after baking.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly.
Can I substitute marinara for pizza sauce?
Yes. Marinara offers a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
How do I keep noodles from sticking together?
Lay them flat after draining and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Can I make smaller portions?
Yes. Cut noodles in half before filling for mini roll ups.
How do I make them less greasy?
Use lean pepperoni or blot excess oil from slices before assembling.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are excellent additions.
How many servings does this make?
Twelve roll ups typically serve about six people.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Roll Ups bring together everything you love about pizza and pasta into one comforting, satisfying dish. With layers of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and flavorful sauce wrapped in tender noodles, every bite is packed with bold flavor.
They’re easy to customize, simple to prepare, and perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.