Three Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups
Creamy spinach and cheese roll-ups feature tender lasagna noodles filled with a savory blend of cheeses, spinach, and peppers, perfect for a comforting family meal or special dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup light cream or half and half ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen spinach, finely chopped, cooked, squeezed and sautéed in butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Cool in a bowl of cold water; set aside.
- Saute chopped onion and red pepper with 3 tablespoons of butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked spinach, sautéed onion and red pepper, 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella, Ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and a slightly beaten egg; set aside.
- Spread the cheese and spinach mixture onto each lasagna noodle and roll up.
- Place the roll-ups seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter, stir in 1/4 cup flour, pepper, and salt.
- Gradually add 1 cup light cream or half and half, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cottage cheese or using a blend of cheeses. If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works perfectly—just ensure it's thoroughly drained. You can also substitute the red pepper with chopped mushrooms or zucchini for a different flavor profile. This recipe is reminiscent of Italian recipes, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Three Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups are perfect as a main dish or a hearty side. Pair them with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or serve alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful variation, try serving with marinara sauce or a side of Italian spaghetti with olive oil to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual roll-ups, but be careful not to overcook them, as they may become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups contains roughly 933 calories, with 25g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (62% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1699mg per serving (74% 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. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and pour the sauce over before placing them in the oven. This makes for a quick dinner option on busy nights.
What can I use instead of light cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the light cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if using milk.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Yes, these roll-ups freeze well. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake them in the oven until heated through.
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).