
Looking for a clever twist on traditional lasagna? These pepperoni pizza roll ups bring together two family favorites in one delicious dish. The familiar pizza flavors wrapped in tender pasta create an impressive spiral presentation that's actually easier to assemble than classic lasagna. The individual portions make serving simple, while delivering that perfect combination of sauce, cheese and pepperoni in every bite.
The genius of these roll ups lies in their ability to satisfy both pizza and pasta cravings simultaneously. The spiral presentation creates an eye-catching dish that's sure to impress, while the familiar ingredients keep it comfortably in the realm of crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Essential Ingredients
- Lasagna sheets: Choose wide, quality pasta sheets for easy rolling. Cook until just tender to prevent tearing.
- Seasoned ricotta: A creamy blend enriched with Italian herbs and aromatics creates the perfect base.
- Pepperoni: Standard-size slices work best, creating distinctive red spirals in each roll.
- Marinara: Select a thick, flavorful sauce that will cling well to the pasta.
- Mozzarella: Fresh-grated provides superior melting and that desirable stretchy texture.

Assembly Technique
- Noodle preparation:
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente - it will finish cooking in the oven. Slightly firm noodles are easier to roll.
- Filling application:
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly using an offset spatula, leaving a small border for sealing.
- Pepperoni layer:
- Arrange slices in a single overlapping row for optimal rolling and even distribution.
- Rolling method:
- Roll from the short end, keeping it tight and neat. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Sauce application:
- Layer sauce both under and over the rolls for moisture and flavor throughout.
- Cheese topping:
- Add a generous layer of mozzarella to bind the rolls and create that classic pizza finish.
This recipe emerged from a busy weeknight experiment, combining the appeal of pizza with the practicality of make-ahead pasta. The individual rolls ensure perfect ingredient distribution and make portioning effortless. The format has become a reliable favorite for both family dinners and entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
Complete the meal with a crisp Caesar salad and crusty garlic bread for an Italian-inspired feast. For lighter fare, serve alongside roasted vegetables or mixed greens. The rolls can also be halved to create perfect party appetizers.
Variations
Experiment with Italian sausage for added heat, or incorporate sautéed vegetables for a supreme pizza version. Create a meat lover's variety by adding ground beef, or transform it into a vegetarian dish with an assortment of roasted vegetables.
Storage Guidelines
The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making leftovers especially delicious. Refrigerate for up to seven days. For advance preparation, assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 48 hours, adding extra baking time when cooking from chilled.

These versatile roll ups have proven their worth at countless gatherings, from casual family meals to special occasions. The familiar pizza flavors transformed into an elegant pasta presentation offer broad appeal, satisfying both traditional tastes and those seeking something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these rolls beforehand?
- Sure! Put them all together, wrap them up, and stash in the fridge for up to a day. When baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- → How do I freeze these rolls?
- Bake them fully and freeze in a sturdy container for up to 3 months. For reheating, cook at 350°F for 2 hours straight from frozen, or thaw the night before and bake for 20 minutes.
- → Are no-boil noodles okay for this recipe?
- Stick with regular lasagna noodles. No-boil ones can break when rolled and won’t soften properly unless heavily coated in sauce.
- → What’s a good swap for pepperoni to make this veggie-friendly?
- Go with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can even try plant-based pepperoni for a similar flavor.
- → Why is my ricotta mix watery?
- Some ricotta brands are wetter. If it seems too liquidy, let it sit in a fine sieve for about 30 minutes to drain before mixing.