This Olive Garden-inspired Fried Lasagna is a decadent twist on the classic comfort dish. Creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses are folded into pasta sheets, breaded, and deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Served over rich Alfredo and topped with a drizzle of marinara, this lasagna fritta delivers the perfect contrast of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and saucy. It’s indulgent, restaurant-worthy, and sure to impress any pasta lover at your table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Bundles:

• 10 lasagna noodles

• 1 (15 oz) tub whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 2 large eggs

For the Breading:

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 2 cups panko bread crumbs

For Frying & Serving:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 1 jar Alfredo sauce

• 1 jar marinara sauce

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Trim ribboned edges for easier folding.

2. Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, Asiago, pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.

3. Assemble Bundles: Spread cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle. Fold each into 2-inch wide bundles.

4. Freeze: Place folded bundles on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.

5. Breading Setup: In one bowl, whisk egg and milk. In another, spread the panko.

6. Bread the Bundles: Dip frozen bundles into egg wash, then coat in panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

7. Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry bundles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

8. Warm Sauces: Heat Alfredo and marinara sauces separately on the stove or in the microwave.

9. Serve: Spread Alfredo on a plate, top with fried lasagna, and drizzle with marinara. Garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 739 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 62 g

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 37 g

• Saturated Fat: 19 g

• Cholesterol: 202 mg

• Sodium: 1823 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Calcium: 657 mg

• Iron: 4 mg

• Vitamin A: 1250 IU

• Vitamin C: 7 mg

Why Fried Lasagna Works So Well

Lasagna is already the epitome of comfort food, but frying it introduces an entirely new experience. The exterior becomes golden and crisp, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy filling inside. It’s this balance between textures—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—that makes each bite so memorable.

The structure of the dish is also key. By folding cooked lasagna noodles around a luscious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses, and then freezing them before breading and frying, you ensure that the bundles hold their shape and fry up beautifully without falling apart. The freeze-first method also allows for a contrast in temperature and consistency, making the filling extra creamy once heated through.

A Triple-Cheese Dream

At the heart of every great lasagna is the cheese—and this recipe doesn’t hold back. Ricotta brings softness and body, Parmesan adds sharpness and saltiness, and Asiago lends a nutty, slightly tangy depth that elevates the flavor profile. Together, they create a filling that’s creamy, rich, and packed with umami. The result is decadent without being overpowering.

Italian seasoning and fresh basil add aromatic notes that tie everything together, giving the filling a fresh, herby finish. These aren’t just gooey pasta bites—they’re thoughtfully balanced and seasoned for flavor in every forkful.

The Power of a Crispy Panko Coating

What sets this dish apart is its golden, ultra-crispy crust. Thanks to panko breadcrumbs, the fried exterior stays light and crunchy instead of dense or greasy. Panko provides the kind of texture that absorbs just enough oil to turn deliciously golden without becoming heavy. It’s this element that makes the lasagna fritta taste like something straight from a high-end Italian kitchen.

Frying might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly straightforward here. The trick is to fry at the right temperature so the bundles cook quickly without absorbing excess oil. The result? A perfectly crispy shell that yields to the creamy, cheesy center inside.

Alfredo and Marinara: A Saucy Duo That Completes the Dish

A great fried lasagna needs great sauces—and this one has two. Creamy Alfredo forms a luxurious base for the fried bundles to rest on. Its rich, buttery texture complements the crispy coating and cheesy filling perfectly. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the finishing drizzle of marinara sauce. Bright, tangy, and slightly sweet, the marinara adds acidity and balance to an otherwise rich dish.

The combination of these two sauces creates a layered flavor experience that touches every part of the palate. It’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit zesty, all in one plate.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Elevated Comfort Food Nights

Fried lasagna isn’t an everyday meal—it’s an event. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something extra indulgent. It’s ideal for dinner parties, romantic date nights at home, or even just a comfort-food Friday when you’re in the mood for something over-the-top delicious.

You can serve it as a standalone entrée, an appetizer, or a decadent side dish. However you plate it, this is the kind of recipe that will have people asking for seconds—and for the recipe.

Tips for the Best Fried Lasagna Experience

The key to great fried lasagna is preparation. Freezing the lasagna bundles before breading and frying is essential for getting that perfect crisp without losing the creamy filling. It also makes this recipe highly convenient—you can assemble the bundles ahead of time and fry them right before serving.

Another tip? Don’t be shy with the sauces. A generous layer of Alfredo underneath and a bold swirl of marinara on top not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the taste and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.

Garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil or parsley adds a final flourish that brings restaurant-style presentation to your home table.

A Crowd-Pleaser That Feels Gourmet

What makes this dish so special is that it looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly easy to execute with everyday ingredients. The components—lasagna noodles, cheese, pantry-friendly sauces—are accessible, yet when combined in this way, they feel elevated and restaurant-worthy.

The recipe also scales beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for two or twelve, the bundles can be prepared ahead of time and fried in batches. This flexibility makes it a go-to option for entertaining without the stress of last-minute cooking.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this version focuses on classic cheeses and sauces, there’s plenty of room to experiment. Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy twist. Swap the Alfredo for a pink sauce or a spiced arrabbiata for extra heat. Even the cheese blend can be adjusted—think fontina, provolone, or mozzarella for a milder flavor profile.

Meat lovers can fold in seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, while vegetarians can add roasted vegetables or pesto to the filling for a fresh herbaceous note. Once you master the method, the variations are limitless.

Conclusion

Fried Lasagna is everything a comfort food lover dreams of—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and completely over-the-top in the best way possible. Inspired by Olive Garden’s popular appetizer, this homemade version brings gourmet flavor and restaurant flair right into your kitchen. With its golden breaded shell, rich cheese filling, and the irresistible duo of Alfredo and marinara sauces, every bite is packed with indulgent goodness.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to level up your pasta game, fried lasagna delivers. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive, tastes unforgettable, and guarantees compliments around the table.

So go ahead—grab your noodles, mix up that cheese filling, and get ready to experience lasagna like never before. Once you’ve tried it fried, you may never go back.