If you adore the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup but crave something a little more playful and unique, then you are going to fall head over heels for this French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe. Imagine golden, tender lasagna noodles generously spread with a luscious ricotta and gruyere cheese filling studded with sweet, deeply caramelized onions, all nestled in a creamy French onion sauce, baked until bubbly and inviting. Each bite is a comforting melody of textures and flavors that will warm your heart and impress anyone lucky enough to gather around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and silky textures. From sweet onions bringing natural sweetness and depth, to the blend of cheeses that add richness and creaminess, these components come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Olive oil: The perfect fat to gently soften and caramelize the onions without overpowering them.
- Sweet onions: They provide natural sweetness and caramelize beautifully to develop complex flavors.
- Fresh thyme: Infuses a subtle, earthy aroma that complements the onions perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural savory notes in every ingredient.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor that helps deepen the caramelization process.
- Dry sherry: Brings a sophisticated tang and deglazes the pan, intensifying the onion flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds a rich, meaty background that amps up the savory factor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle umami punch to tie all the flavors together.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, mild base for the filling with a smooth texture.
- Gruyere cheese: Offers a nutty, slightly sweet contrast that melts beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty kick to balance the creaminess.
- Onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, dried Italian herbs: Layered seasonings that amp up the savory notes in the filling and sauce.
- Fresh thyme (chopped): Adds bright herbal freshness to the filling.
- Large egg: Helps bind the filling together for easy rolling.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the creamy sauce.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and luscious.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente for perfect rolling without breakage.
- Mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
How to Make French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet or oven-proof casserole dish over medium heat. Add your diced sweet onions along with kosher salt and cook them down gently until they start to soften, around 5 minutes. Lower the heat and add fresh thyme sprigs, allowing the onions to slowly caramelize for about 20 minutes, stirring often to avoid any burning. Next, sprinkle in the brown sugar and pour in the dry sherry—this combo elevates the sweetness and complexity. Let the sherry cook off before adding the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the broth reduces, leaving you with perfectly sweet and richly caramelized onions. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Filling
Remove half of those gorgeous caramelized onions and stir them together with ricotta, gruyere, and parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic salt, dried Italian herbs, and fresh chopped thyme for a burst of flavor. Taste your mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once perfect, stir in the egg to bind everything together—it’s this velvety filling that makes each roll irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Creamy French Onion Sauce
Return the remaining onions to medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to cook out any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken until it starts to simmer along the edges. Stir in the remaining gruyere and parmesan cheeses until melted and silky smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste—this sauce is the luscious bed your lasagna rolls will bake in.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
Cook your lasagna noodles until very al dente—this prevents them from getting mushy when baked. Lay each noodle flat and spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the ricotta filling evenly across. Carefully roll each noodle up lengthwise, forming elegant little rolls. Nestle the rolls in the creamy sauce, seam side down, in your baking dish. Top it all off with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese for that classic, bubbling finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and absolutely mouthwatering. Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving; your patience will be rewarded with tender, cheesy, gourmand bites.
How to Serve French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or flat-leaf parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and aroma that complements the earthy onion flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the caramelized onions. For an extra touch, a little cracked black pepper or grated parmesan right before serving makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Since these French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe are quite rich and indulgent, pairing them with lighter sides balances the meal perfectly. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley keeps things fresh and bright. A crusty baguette or garlic bread works well if you want to soak up every last bit of that divine creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls individually plated with a spoonful of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant dinner party experience. Layering them into a shallow casserole dish and baking as one big casserole is perfect for family-style serving. For a fun twist, try mini-sized rolls using wider noodles for bite-sized appetizers that will wow your guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious as when freshly baked. Cover tightly to prevent the lasagna from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled lasagna rolls before baking by wrapping the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a bit of extra time if necessary to ensure they heat all the way through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power in short bursts to keep the texture creamy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of gruyere?
Absolutely! While gruyere gives a lovely nutty flavor and smooth melt, you can substitute with fontina, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar if you prefer a different twist. Just keep in mind the melting properties and flavor profile to maintain the creamy balance.
Do I have to use dry sherry, or can I replace it?
If you don’t have dry sherry, a dry white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can provide acidity and depth. Just be mindful to cook off the alcohol completely or adjust the amount to avoid overpowering the delicate onion flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To keep it vegetarian, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth. The layers of caramelized onions and cheese still create a robust, flavorful dish anyone will love.
How far in advance can I assemble the rolls?
You can prepare the lasagna rolls up to one day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake right before serving for best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the noodles so they roll easily?
Cooking the noodles very al dente is key. This means slightly undercooking them relative to package instructions so they remain firm enough to roll without tearing but soft enough to eat comfortably once baked.
Final Thoughts
If you love hearty comfort food but crave a clever twist on classic flavors, give this French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe a try. It’s fun to make, stunning on the plate, and deeply satisfying with each cheesy, onion-packed bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it has a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly memorable. Trust me—you’re going to want to make this again and again!
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French Onion Lasagna Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
French Onion Lasagna Rolls combine the rich, caramelized sweetness of traditional French onion flavors with creamy cheeses and tender pasta, rolled into individual servings and baked with a luscious creamy sauce and melted mozzarella topping. This comforting, savory dish transforms classic French onion soup elements into an elegant and hearty Italian-inspired casserole that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large sweet onions, diced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ cup dry sherry
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ricotta Filling
- ½ of the caramelized French onions reserved
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 4 oz grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, stemmed and finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
Cream Sauce
- ½ of the caramelized French onions remaining
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 4 oz grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, cooked very al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preparing Onions and Noodles: Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions with kosher salt until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then reduce heat to low, add thyme sprigs, and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized. Meanwhile, boil water and cook lasagna noodles until very al dente, 2-3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and spread noodles on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Caramelizing and Deglazing Onions: Once onions are caramelized, add brown sugar and dry sherry. Cook constantly stirring until the sherry evaporates. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, simmer until the broth mostly evaporates. The onions should be sweet and richly caramelized. Remove thyme sprigs. Set aside half the onions for the filling and keep half in the pan for the sauce.
- Preparing Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine reserved caramelized onions, ricotta, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, dried Italian herbs, and freshly chopped thyme. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Making the Cream Sauce: Return skillet with remaining caramelized onions to medium heat. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook a few minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk continuously until sauce thickens and begins to simmer. Stir in Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Preheating Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna rolls.
- Assembling Rolls: Spread 3-4 tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto each lasagna noodle and roll it lengthwise to form a tight roll. Arrange rolls seam side down in the cream sauce within the oven-proof skillet or casserole dish. Repeat for all noodles.
- Topping and Baking: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the lasagna rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the rich blend of French onion flavors melded beautifully with cheesy lasagna rolls.
Notes
- Cook lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Slow caramelization of onions is key to developing deep, sweet flavors; do not rush this step.
- Use an oven-proof skillet or casserole dish to make the transition from stovetop to oven easy and reduce cleanup.
- Adjust seasoning in the ricotta filling before adding the egg to ensure balanced flavor.
- Let the dish rest briefly after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Italian Fusion
