3 Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups
Creamy spinach and cheese-filled lasagna noodles are rolled up into flavorful, cheesy bites perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 8 fluted lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, cooked, squeezed dry and briefly sautéed ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and cool in cold water.
- In a skillet, sauté red pepper and onion in 3 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Combine cooked spinach, sautéed pepper and onion, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and a slightly beaten egg; mix well.
- Spread some of the remaining butter in a baking dish.
- Lay each noodle flat, spread with spinach mixture, then roll up.
- Place rolled noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the spinach mixture. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cheeses or use whole wheat lasagna noodles. If you're short on time, pre-packaged fresh spinach can be a quick alternative. Be sure to squeeze the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the roll-ups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roll-ups with a side salad dressed in Italian dressing for turkey or a light tomato sauce for dipping. Garlic knots or a slice of Italian bread can complement the dish nicely. These roll-ups make a fantastic main course for a vegetarian dinner or family gathering, paired with your favorite Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3 Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups contains roughly 759 calories, with 20g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you're looking for alternatives, you can use feta or goat cheese in place of ricotta for a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast, which can provide a similar texture and taste.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. You'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).