Olive Garden Recipes

Fried Lasagna – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

Fried Lasagna – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

This Olive Garden Fried Lasagna (aka Lasagna Fritta) copycat brings the best part of lasagna — the cheesy, saucy goodness — and wraps it in a crispy golden shell. It’s basically fried pasta magic and yes, you can totally make it at home with no fancy equipment.

Quick Summary

  • Prep time: 20 mins
  • Cook time: 20 mins
  • Flavor: cheesy, crunchy, savory
  • Great for: appetizers, party bites, comfort food cravings

Why I Like This Recipe

This one is just fun. Like, it feels like something you’d only order out, but it’s not that hard. Boil noodles, stuff ’em, freeze, bread, fry. Done. I make these for game nights or just when I want something totally extra. Also a great way to use up extra lasagna noodles if you’re not into doing the full layered thing.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna

  • 10 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup shredded Asiago (plus more for topping)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Breading

  • 1 cup plain panko
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup whole milk

For Serving

  • Marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra shredded Asiago (optional)

How To Make Fried Lasagna

  1. Boil the noodles: Cook until al dente, then drain and lay flat to cool. Trim the curly edges with a pizza cutter — cleaner rolls.
  2. Mix the filling: Ricotta, Parmesan, Asiago, seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and eggs. Stir until smooth.
  3. Assemble the rolls: Spread filling on each noodle, roll up, and place seam-down on parchment. Freeze while you prep the breading.
  4. Bread the rolls: Mix panko + breadcrumbs in one dish. Whisk egg + milk in another. Dip each roll in egg wash, then coat in crumbs. Press it in.
  5. Fry it up: Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the rolls in batches, 4–5 mins each, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve: Top with marinara, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Asiago. Serve warm and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite.
Fried Lasagna – Easy Olive Garden Copycat
Fried Lasagna – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

Tips for Success

  • Freezing the rolls helps them hold shape while frying — don’t skip it.
  • Press the breadcrumbs in well or they’ll flake off in the oil.
  • Use a thermometer if you can — 350°F is the sweet spot.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temp drops and they get greasy.

Storage and Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Oven or air fryer is best — 350°F for 8–10 mins. Microwave will work, but they won’t stay crispy.
  • Freezer: Freeze the rolls after breading but before frying. Fry straight from frozen or let thaw in the fridge first.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yep. Roll and bread them, freeze, and fry whenever you’re ready.
  • What’s the best cheese to sub for Asiago?
    Shredded mozzarella or Romano works fine — but Asiago gives the most flavor.
  • Do I have to trim the noodles?
    Not required, but it helps them roll tighter and look nicer.
  • Can I bake these instead of frying?
    You can, but the texture won’t be the same. Frying gives the best crisp.
  • What’s the best dipping sauce?
    Marinara for sure — but ranch or even Alfredo is good too if you wanna mix it up.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

  • Rolling while the noodles are too hot: They’ll rip or the filling gets weird. Let them cool first.
  • Skipping the freezer step:
    They’ll fall apart in the fryer if they’re too soft. A quick chill helps firm them up.
  • Not sealing the rolls tight: Loose rolls = leaky cheese. Tuck and roll like you’re wrapping a burrito.
  • Using cold oil: If the oil’s not hot enough, the rolls just soak it up and turn greasy. Test with a thermometer or a breadcrumb.
  • Overloading the pot: Crowding the oil drops the temp — do 2–3 rolls at a time max.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 710 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 74g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 188mg
  • Sodium: 1666mg
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Calcium: 707mg
  • Iron: 4mg

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Fried Lasagna – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

Recipe by LuluCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

710

kcal

Crispy, golden lasagna rolls stuffed with creamy cheese and fried to perfection — just like Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta, but

Ingredients

  • 10 lasagna noodles

  • Ricotta, Parmesan, Asiago cheeses

  • Eggs, seasonings

  • Panko + Italian breadcrumbs

  • Oil for frying

  • Marinara, parsley for serving

Directions

  • Boil and trim noodles.
  • Mix cheese filling and spread onto each noodle.
  • Roll, place seam-side down, and freeze.
  • Bread rolls: dip in egg + milk, coat with crumbs.
  • Fry at 350°F until crispy (4–5 mins).
  • Drain, serve with sauce, garnish, and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Trimming noodles makes rolling easier and more uniform.
  • Freeze before frying for best texture.
  • Marinara is classic, but Alfredo’s fun if you’re into creamy dips.
  • Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven for even frying.

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