Single Serving Lasagna Rolls are easy to make and super easy to customize for individual tastes!
As someone who does not enjoy cooking ~ at all ~ I always find it ironic that I host most of the holidays. Big cooking for a big family, many of whom have dietary restrictions. Yay. Well, they say that with age comes wisdom and I believe that's true. The longer I do this, the simpler my holiday menus become, including this year, when I will be serving these easy lasagna roll up singles.
Christmas is always a mixed bag. The staple of the meal is usually some kind of red meat that my husband can barbecue or I can toss in the oven, like chateaubriand.
Of course, the vegetarians won't eat that.
They will however eat the mashed potatoes.
The gluten free crowd will eat them, too.
I do have to make a separate batch with soy milk and some kind of non-butter butter for the vegans, though.
Corn and sautéed green beans are generally acceptable veggies and the salad is ok, as long as the cheese is on the side, for the lactose intolerant crowd.
All in all, it's manageable, but you can see where a giant pan of ziti or lasagna could be a problem.
Because it's the food that's the problem.
Kidding. I love my family.
Anyway.
I kept seeing recipes for these cute little lasagna roll ups go by on Pinterest and I was intrigued. So a few weekends ago, I invited my kids and their friends over to taste test my own versions and they were a huge hit.
The best thing about them is that I can customize the fillings based on individual preferences and limitations. It doesn't really take that much longer than putting together a traditional pan of lasagna.
Plus, they're the perfect portion size.
Now, the exact ingredients are up to you. Spinach, chop meat, sausage, squash, chopped tomato. Whatever floats your lasagna boat.
For Christmas, I will most likely make a few of each, traditional, spinach and plain cheese....you know with and without the real cheese...with and without the egg...with and without the gluten.
Oh boy,
Ok, so easy peasy, I boiled the noodles and then drained and rinsed them. Then I laid them down on wax paper while I mixed up my stuffing stuff.
I'm not a real recipe girl, so I scooped out some ricotta cheese, some shredded mozzarella and one egg. A dash of salt and pepper topped it off and I mixed it up and then spread my mixture out on the noodle and rolled it up.
The spinach ones were made exactly the same way. I just added a handful of chopped spinach.
I lined a baking dish with a thin layer of sauce, placed them inside, added more sauce and sprinkled mozzarella cheese over the top. I covered the dish with foil and baked them at 350 degrees for about 35- 40 minutes.
That's it.
Super easy. Even for the girl who hates to cook.
And who doesn't eat tomatoes.
Rosacea.
So I'll be adding a no sauce version to the menu, too.
Fabulous.
What's on your holiday menu?
Looking for more really easy recipes?
Do you have room for one more?! I've made these before, just the basic traditional lasagna roll-ups. I made them to freeze one or two roll ups together just for myself. Living with a diabetic we almost never eat pasta....he never does. So I would be thrilled to have pasta for Christmas. I'd also love to figure out how to make just enough for one person, rather than freeze them ahead. I was disappointed with the frozen ones & never made it again.
ReplyDeleteOur menu is still be written but we will have for sure baby back ribs grilled by my husband on our charcoal grill. He makes THE best ribs & it's become a family tradition if the group is small. We'll do a tossed salad & probably rally fries (because our son loves them) instead of mashed potatoes. The dessert is undecided. I expect my daughter-in-law will make that &/or rolls. The kids always contribute but I never know what they're bringing until the day of..or the day before.
Come on over, Jenny...I know that my husband would be happier at your house with ribs!! That sounds like a recipe he'd love to have! Merry Christmas!
DeleteThese look really fun and I like the idea of being able to use different fillings for some. I can see why you hate to cook, if I had to customize everything I would throw up my hands and throw in the towel. I'm not sure what we are having for Christmas dinner, since it's just me and the hubs now. Maybe steak, maybe even just an array of appetizers by candlelight by the tree.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a dreamy Christmas dinner, Kathleen!! Enjoy it! :)
DeleteGosh Kim! You are such a sweetheart to do that many variations of meals for your guests. I can see why you are looking for something that won't keep you in the kitchen all day. The roll-ups look very yummy too! Last year my husband put steaks on the grill out in the freezing cold! I think he wants to do the same this year and that is fine with me. I will stay indoors and prepare the sides, probably creamed spinach and some rosemary potatoes.
ReplyDeleteThat is what I have done in the past and I have to say, it's always been a fan favorite and so easy to prepare! For me anyway...inside and warm! ;) Merry Christmas!!
DeleteYum!!!! These looks so easy peasy and yummo! I love easy peasy stuff that is filling and takes so good. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave fun this week getting ready for the BIG DAY!!!!
Hugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris...we're getting close and I am getting close to being ready!! ;) Merry Christmas!!
DeleteKim, I used to make these all of the time when my kids were home. You're right, it's a crowd pleaser ;) Yours look yummy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cecilia!! Merry Christmas!! :)
DeleteWow, it would make me crazy to do all those variations for different palates! Sounds like you are being a good sport about it though. I don't like to cook at all either. In fact, I'm on a diet. Dieting is hard at Christmas! It's just my hubby and me & we will probably go camping so easy stuff...not sure what.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me crazy, Florence!! Trust me! ;)
DeleteLOL-Kim---or you could just fix one pan and lie to everyone about what's in it? That would work!! Those do sound good. I used to make something similar for my gang when all the kids were home-with the spinach, etc. Sounds like you have a handle on it. We always do a big Christmas brunch with ham & quiches and make a big batch of party potatoes plus assorted sweet rolls-then later in the day- we just kind of pick with sandwiches and a big pot of soup. We got away from a huge sit-down Christmas dinner about 3 or 4 years ago- It so much easier. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI would like to move away from the big sit down dinner, too, Diana. It’s so much work and I really would like to enjoy the day. Merry Christmas!! :)
DeleteI have made these! They are really good with spinach. My Christmas menu is up in the air and it will be a brunch. My daughter has stomach issues and doesn't want heavy....my other daughter wants to lose weight, and the guys just want MEAT! So, not sure what we are eating!
ReplyDeleteHa! Your menu sounds like mine! I am sure it will be lovely and delicious no matter what you serve! Enjoy it all...and your family! xo
DeleteYummy, sounds wonderful. I like how you had your kids and their friends do the first taste test. FUN!! You are so cool!!!
ReplyDeleteWe hosted our first party last Sunday. Baked Potato Bar ... with all the toppings!!!! My son Atticus cooks up pepperoni for a potato topping, yum! My husband made a nacho cheese dip, it was so good with the pepperoni.
Baked potato bar, huh? That sounds really good. I make stuffed yams every now and then, but I never thought about it as a party food. The wheels are turning!! Thanks!! Enjoy the countdown!
DeleteKim, this looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love all things pasta related and may add this to my Christmas week menu...but my FIL doesn't like pasta...and my BIL can't do dairy...lol, see I feel your pain! ;)
Hope your week is going well! Hugs, Kimberley
Glad to hear I am not alone in tricky menu department, Kimberley! ;) Good luck to you, too!!
DeleteLove it! Thank you. I need as many easy recipes as I can find. I am getting really tired of working, getting kids to start homework, helping with homework, cooking dinner, only to find someone doesn't like or want it....This looks so easy...now who won't eat Ricotta cheese??
ReplyDeleteI know!! I could eat it out of the tub...not good for my cholesterol...but I have been tempted!! ;)
Deleteto say I admire you is an understatement!
ReplyDeleteI don't like to cook either.
I don't remember all these modern popular food allergies and necessary dietary restrictions when I was growing up. people simply ate what was put on the table. if they didn't like something they didn't eat it. and they were grateful to have the meal together.
I shouldn't admit it here... since it will make me sound like a real uncaring scrooge... but I think if they had that many problems they should maybe bring their own covered dish to the table! LOL!
told ya! not the nicest comment to leave a loving mother and hostess!
XOXOXOXO♥ so I will make up for it in hugs! you are so lovely and kind and creative!
Tammy, I think I could use you on my side when the menu planning is discussed!! I like your stance!! xoxo
DeleteThese look delicious! I've seen before that these are really easy to freeze too and take out in portions later.
ReplyDeleteI would never make all those different kinds, Kim. You are a good person!!
Sometimes, Stacey...if you catch me on a good day. Or around Christmas! ;) And thanks!! xo
DeleteGood for you for hosting your crew. I am impressed. Our main holiday meals are at my parents'--Christmas eve supper and Christmas day dinner. So my main cooking for my grown kids at my house is usually Christmas morning breakfast and something to take along, usually a side and sweets. We don't have a lot of dietary issues in our family. A couple of vegetarians but not so much allergies and intolerance. We have a casserole(?) that is traditional on my mom's side of the family that only half of our crew eats so we usually have a second choice but the rest of the meals are pretty much open to whatever and sometimes they are discussed and re-discussed until it is nearly too late. Looking forward to hearing all about your feast. Your lasagna rolls are an inspired choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri!! We used to do the big fish dinner on Christmas Eve, but that ended years ago. This year we are doing appetizer dinner at my sister in laws. It sounds like a fun change. I am looking forward to going...and not cooking!! Ha!!
DeleteYum! Always looking for a quick, easy and delicious dinner ideas. Thanks! I'll have to ask my chef to make them for me. ;)
ReplyDeleteLucky you!! My chef is pretty accommodating...I should pass the recipe off to him, too!! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, this sounds really good to make for the holidays. This would also make a great appetizer to start the Christmas dinner too. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the week.
Julie xo
Thanks for peeking Julie!!
DeleteYou're hilarious and so Glad I found your Blog this Morning... and this recipe... Nom Nom, now I'm hungry for Lasagna roll-ups and it's only 9:00 am, Thank You... *winks* I am mos def gonna make these, Love the snack size, so even the fussiest eaters will be appeased with varied fillings and just the right amount... Merry Christmas from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
ReplyDeleteI have actually eaten them for breakfast, Dawn, to yummy to pass up, staring at me from the inside of the fridge, next to the boring yogurt...I have also eaten chocolate chip cookies then, too!! Shhh. Glad you liked the recipe. :)
DeleteKim,the up side is that you must be considered the "angel" of your family to be able to have something just right for everyone, and they do look and sound delicious. I usually have to go by a definite recipe, but I might be able to accomplish this. Just bask in the glow of that halo!!..Merry Christmas to you and your family..xooJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy!! I know you could make this…and I have seen versions of it go by on Pinterest. I guarantee one of them will have a definite recipe. I’m just a wing it kind of girl! :) Enjoy the week! Ho ho ho!
DeleteI first had lasagna roll-ups years ago at a friend's dinner party. They were delicious. Yours look really yummy, Kim. Diana's comment made me laugh: "fix one pan and lie to everyone about what's in it." She's such a nut! Anyhoo, your a great hostess and I hope your family appreciates all you do. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy!! Oh and trust me, lying would be so easy...I'm just so bad at it. Too honest for my own good. Maybe I should just cater it next year! ;)
DeleteLook at you go, girl, posting a recipe - woo hoo!! These look fab, I'm a huge fan of ANY kind of lasagna, the more cheese, the better for me!! xo
ReplyDeleteDon’t look too close, Debbie! Not sure it’s up to Mountain Mama par! ;)
DeleteIt's funny because I don't particularly enjoy cooking either, yet I host all the big holiday meals too. Lol! Thankfully, we don't have too many dietary restrictions, but I can see how that would make things more difficult. I love individual sized portions like this. I don't know why, but it just makes it so much easier to just scoop up a serving, rather than having to cut pieces. This looks delish!
ReplyDeleteSo funny, Lisa! I love entertaining, so I am always a more the merrier kind of gal, I just forget that it also involves cooking! ;)
DeleteThose look delicious!! I suffer from rosacea but eat pasta and lasagna with sauce anyway...It's worth it! LOL Going to have to try this recipe...YUM! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt’s the rosy cheek season now anyway, right? I may indulge a little myself! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, these roll ups look delicious. I will be trying these for sure. I usually take great pains to make the traditional lasagna so this would be a great help and short cut. I can see adding sliced pepperoni in the roll up too. Thanks for sharing this and always the inspiration.
ReplyDeletexo
Yum, pepperoni! My own family would love that! :)
DeleteThose look really good - and much easier than making lasagna the traditional way! I had to laugh about all the dietary restrictions in your family, as it's the same way in mine...two with different food intolerances (dairy, tomatoes, potatoes and green peppers), one with celiac disease so no gluten, at one time we had a vegan (he's not anymore), etc. I hope that your extended family helps you out by bringing side dishes, appetizers, desserts, etc. Makes the load a little easier!
ReplyDeleteSO glad to hear I am not alone, Melanie!! I really do like to make everyone happy, if I can...and yes, the family brings, so that helps! ;)
DeleteSo much prettier than a big tray dish. We celebrate Hanukkah so it is mostly donuts and my mom makes those :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Donuts?? Lucky you. I have always wanted to make donuts, but it looks difficult. I bet they are delicious. I hope you have a lovely Hanukkah! xo
DeleteLasagna does sound so good for Christmas, but I have a couple of family members that can't eat cheese. I can make another dish for them. Looks amazing and delicious. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Vanessa and thanks!! :)
DeleteKim I am a lifelong Lsagna lover. But I really hate those precooked lasagna. This is such a great way to make them and personalize them for everyone. I'll definitely be trying this out. they look so cute.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Mary...never use the precooked ones! My grandmother would have words for me! ;)
DeleteWhat a lovely dish. I would be so frustrated with those diet restrictions. Kudos to you for creating such a healthy dish.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, it's not always easy to plan, but in the end, when everyone has had an enjoyable holiday meal, it's worth it! :)
DeleteThose look very good, Kim! It's funny, I used to always make lasagne for Christmas Eve...one of hubby's sisters was the only one with dietary issues and it was an attention-thing, so I just made the lasagne the way I wanted to and she could eat or not! A few years later, our son (Chef) is married to "Tiffany" ("Guys, don't marry a "Tiffany!"), who claims she is a vegan, but she eats cheese like there's no tomorrow! I was nice and made a separate dish of lasagne without meat, but loaded with cheese, for Tiffany. Now, our son is remarried to a sweet wife (she will eat anything you put in front of her), and they have two little girls. His Tiffany-kids live with their mom, but he is flying in to see us and his kids the day after Christmas. He's bringing the kids to our house for a sleep-over, and thought it would be fun for all of us to cook together....YAY, what shall we cook? He suggested lasagne, without meat...our Tiffany-granddaughter is a vegetarian, but she eats cheese! I just want to know when everyone's food issues got to be everyone else's issues....lol!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
I hear you loud and clear, Carol! My mom used to say that you can't make everyone happy all of the time. I guess that doesn't apply to the menu nowadays, does it? ;)
DeleteI love this idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol!!
DeleteI think your a saint. I hope they do the dishes for you and bring the side dishes and desert....it's just me and the little one but I'm still undecided on the menu but we will be having cake.
ReplyDeleteEveryone does help and bring, that’s for sure…like my mom said, many hands make light work! ;) Enjoy your meal and your little one. She’s the best part of the holiday! :)
DeleteThis came of heaven! I was looking for a pulled pork recipe!! Thank you! Hope the days are Merry and Bright for you!!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad, Angela!! I hope you enjoy it…Merry and Bright days to you as well!! :)
DeleteLook at you! Sharing a most awesome recipe! I love it. I have never had, nor made, lasagna rollups, but they sound wonderful! Bless you for being so accommodating for so many different dietary issues! Our families will be having the traditional turkey and dressing dinners, and as far as I know there no real dietary issues. Have a blessed and wonderful time together, sounds like you have a plan, and it's a good one! :)
ReplyDeleteYou menu sounds wonderful! Maybe I should suggest turkey next year…or a good caterer! ;)
DeleteMerry Christmas, Marilyn!!
I had to check out tammys comment and I'm so glad I did! I was going to say the same thing! We had a luncheon at a friends last week and she was saying she was hosting a group of 12 this week but because two people had food issues she didn't know what to cook. Another friend suggested what Tammy said, and I couldn't agree more. I'll be damned if I I cooked 20 different ways! One is enough! lol
ReplyDeleteTammy is a wise woman, Doreen...and I need her in my corner as my advocate and negotiator when it comes to menu decisions!! ;)
Delete