Description
Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta is a delicious Italian-American appetizer featuring rolled lasagna noodles filled with a rich ricotta and cheese mixture, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. Served over marinara and Alfredo sauces, it offers a crispy, cheesy bite that’s perfect for parties or indulgent snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep)
To Serve
- Marinara sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, 1 egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined, creating a creamy cheese mixture.
- Roll the lasagna noodles: Lay the cooked and cooled lasagna noodles flat on a clean surface. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly along each noodle, then tightly roll each into a log shape. Place the rolls seam-side down on a tray and freeze for 30 to 45 minutes until firm to help them hold shape when frying.
- Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This setup will allow for a classic breading process.
- Bread the rolls: Dip each frozen lasagna roll first in flour, coating completely. Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by a thorough coating in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well for a crispy coating.
- Fry the lasagna fritta: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3 to 4 lasagna fritta rolls at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Plate the fried lasagna rolls over warmed marinara and Alfredo sauces. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for an appealing finish. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- To save time, assemble and freeze the lasagna rolls ahead of time; they can be fried straight from the freezer.
- For a healthier baked option, brush the breaded rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even frying and avoid greasy fritta.
- Ensure lasagna noodles are completely cooled before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Can be served with additional sauces like garlic butter or spicy marinara for variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lasagna fritta rolls
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
