Description
Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta is a delicious, crispy appetizer featuring rolled lasagna noodles filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Served with warm marinara and Alfredo sauces, this Italian-American favorite turns classic lasagna into a fun, finger-food treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauces and Garnishes
- 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce (warmed)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well incorporated. This creates a creamy and flavorful filling for the lasagna rolls.
- Assemble Lasagna Rolls: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a clean flat surface. Spread a layer of the cheese filling down the center of each noodle, then roll them up tightly to encase the cheese mixture inside.
- Slice and Flatten: Cut each rolled lasagna noodle in half to create smaller portions. Gently press each half to slightly flatten them into fritter-like shapes, making them easier to bread and fry.
- Bread the Fritters: Dredge each flattened piece in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This triple step ensures a crispy crust after frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Fry the breaded lasagna fritta in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried fritters and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve each portion over a base of warm marinara sauce, drizzle with Alfredo sauce on top, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use leftover lasagna noodles or cook them just until al dente for easier rolling.
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure both marinara and Alfredo sauces are meat-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
