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olive garden fried lasagna

Olive Garden Fried Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 Rolls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 12 lasagna noodles cooked al dente and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups  whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup  shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup  grated parmesan plus more to serve
  • 1 teaspoon  Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon  black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon  nutmeg
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 cup  marinara sauce warmed

For the coating

  • 1 1/2 cups  panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup  grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon  Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  smoked paprika
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying 2–3 inches deep

Method
 

  1. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and beaten egg in a bowl until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning before rolling.
  2. Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Do not rinse. Cool completely to room temperature before filling.
  3. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of cheese filling along each noodle, leaving a small border at each end. Roll firmly from one end and place seam-side down on the tray. Repeat with remaining noodles. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
  4. Set up two dishes: beaten eggs and seasoned panko mixed with parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip each chilled roll in egg, let excess drip off, then press firmly into panko on all sides. For a thicker crust, repeat egg and panko a second time.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep heavy pot. Fry 2–3 rolls at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning gently, until deep golden on all sides. Drain on a wire rack. Return oil to 350°F between each batch.
  6. Arrange rolls in a dish. Spoon warm marinara down the center. Add grated parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Serve with alfredo sauce on the side if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • No flour in the coating — egg and double panko is enough to hold the crust
  • Always freeze rolls before coating — this is what keeps them intact during frying
  • Press the panko firmly onto all sides — rolling through crumbs is not enough
  • Air fryer option: spray well and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
  • Freeze unfried coated rolls for up to 1 month — fry from frozen at 325°F for 5–6 minutes