Mini Lasagna Appetizer (2024)

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published November 8, 2023 — last updated November 9, 2023by Kat13 comments

This mini lasagna appetizer is individual mini lasagna rolls filled with lemon ricotta and topped with a fresh tomato sauce. A one-bite appetizer that is perfect for parties!

When it comes to appetizers, we love something that simple to make, easy to eat, and totally delicious. This mini lasagna appetizer is the perfect bite-sized twist on the classic lasagna. Bursting with flavor it’s just the right size to pop in your mouth.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory snack, this mini lasagna appetizer is sure to impress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole milk ricotta – We highly recommend whole milk ricotta for this recipe as the whole milk gives the ricotta a creamier, richer flavor.
• Egg – An egg helps to bind everything together.
• Lemon zest – Lemon zest brightens up the flavor of the lasagna rolls.
• Fresh thyme leaves – Fresh thyme is really mild but it gives the ricotta a light herbal flavor.
• Seasonings – Kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder add extra flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Lasagna Noodles – You’ll need to cook your lasagna pasta noodles and let them cool before beginning.
• Mozzarella cheese – It wouldn’t be lasagna without melted mozzarella topping each bite.
• Pasta Sauce – Choose your favorite pasta sauce. We love a good marinara or basic red sauce but you could also use an alfredo sauce or even a pesto sauce.

If you love lasagna make sure you try our full sized lasagna roll ups and chicken alfredo lasagna roll ups as well. They are perfect for easy weeknight dinners and dinner parties with friends and family.

How to Make Mini Lasagna Rolls

Step 1 – Make the filling. In a large bowl, mix all of the filling ingredients together.

Step 2 – Cut pasta. Lay the cooked noodles out and cut each one in half widthwise.

Step 3 – Fill. Spread two teaspoons of filling on each noodle, leaving about a 1/2 inch at one end.

Step 4 – Roll. Beginning from the end with the filling, roll the noodle up.

Step 5 – Cut. Cut the rolled noodle in half widthwise.

Step 6 – Baking sheet. Spread 1/2 cup of pasta sauce on a baking sheet or casserole dish. You may need to use two baking sheets/dishes, depending on their size. Place the mini lasagna rolls on the baking sheets spaced evenly apart.

Step 7 – Toppings. Place a teaspoon of sauce on top of each roll and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Step 8 – Bake. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 min or until cheese is melted.

Step 9 – Serve. Serve with a bowl of sauce for dipping. (Note: Dipping sauce not included in the ingredient measurements)

Other Variations

This basic cheese lasagna recipe is a great starting place but you can create all sorts of variations based on what you and your family enjoy. Here are a few ideas for other variations:

• Meat – You can add chicken, beef, or pork to your filling. We used small chicken tenders to make these awesome Mini Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Rolls.
• Sauces – Make your lasagna rolls with alfredo sauce or pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese – We used the traditional ricotta and mozzarella cheeses but you can add or substitute other cheeses. Try goat cheese or cottage cheese for the filling and fresh parmesan for the topping.

How to Serve the Mini Lasagna Appetizer

To serve the little lasagna rolls, spread a light layer of warmed sauce on a platter and top with the individual lasagna rolls. Place a toothpick in each roll or place a container of toothpicks next to the platter and let your guests serve themselves.

We suggest serving the rolls with a dipping sauce that matches the sauce you topped your lasagna with.

How to Store Them

Storing this mini lasagna appetizer is easy, and it allows you to enjoy them later without losing their delicious flavors. Here’s how to store them properly:

1. Cooling: After baking the mini lasagna rolls, let them cool down to room temperature on the counter. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
2. Refrigeration: Once they have cooled, transfer any leftover mini lasagna rolls to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. Mini lasagna rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freezing (Optional): If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each mini lasagna roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Label and date the container or bag. Store the container or bag in the freezer. Mini lasagna rolls can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
4. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored mini lasagna rolls, here’s how to reheat them:
   • From the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/2 cup of pasta sauce on the baking sheet or baking dish. Place the mini lasagna rolls on a baking sheet and top with sauce and a little more mozzarella cheese. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through.
   • From the Freezer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/2 cup of pasta sauce on the baking sheet or baking dish. Place the mini lasagna rolls on a baking sheet and top with sauce and a little more mozzarella cheese. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they are heated through.
5. Serve: Once heated, remove the mini lasagna rolls from the oven and serve them hot. You can also serve them with extra marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

By following these steps, you can store your mini lasagna bites safely in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring that they stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you have a craving for these delicious bite-sized treats.

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by Kat on November 8, 2023

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