Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe comes together—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. The creamy pumpkin and ricotta filling paired with the crispy sage on top is like autumn comfort food elevated to the next level. Whenever I serve this, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends without stressing in the kitchen.

You’ll find that these roll-ups are great because they offer all the cozy flavors of fall in a neat, handheld bite, which is just so fun and satisfying to eat. I first tried this recipe when I was looking for a pumpkin twist on traditional lasagna, and I was hooked by the combination of creamy, cheesy filling and that herby, crunchy sage garnish. It’s definitely worth trying if you love seasonal dishes that bring a little something unexpected to the table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in the Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe. I recommend using full-fat dairy for the best texture and flavor, and be sure your pumpkin puree is pure—not pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.

• Lasagna noodles: I like to cook a few extra noodles in case some break; leftover noodles are great tossed with a bit of sauce later.
• Ricotta cheese: Provides that creamy base for the filling—whole milk ricotta gives the best richness.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix, for a natural flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful sharpness and depth; freshly grated tastes best.
• Large egg: Helps bind the filling together.
• Dried sage: Infuses the filling with an earthy, herbal note; dried is more concentrated than fresh, so measure carefully.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella or provolone: Melts beautifully over the filling and the top for gooey, cheesy perfection.
• Butter: Used for both the roux and frying the sage, it adds richness and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce for a velvety texture.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the sauce the best creaminess.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Fresh sage leaves: Fry these just before serving for that crisp, aromatic topping.

Variations

I love to tweak this Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. Feel free to make it your own! Adding personal touches can take a wonderful recipe and make it your signature dish.

• Use fresh sage in the filling: I’ve tried adding finely chopped fresh sage right into the ricotta pumpkin mix—it adds a bright herbal flavor that complements the crispy sage on top.
• Swap cheeses: Sometimes I switch the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor profile—it’s all about what you love.
• Make it vegan: You can substitute vegan ricotta and plant-based milk, plus use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The crispy sage remains the star!
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle heat kick. My family goes crazy for it that way!

How to Make Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions—usually about 8 or 9 minutes. I always cook a few extra noodles to have on hand in case some rip or break; trust me, that happens! Once cooked, immediately lay them out flat on a kitchen towel or parchment paper sprayed with nonstick spray so they don’t stick together. Pro tip: don’t pile them up or they’ll stick and tear when rolling later.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Ricotta Filling

In a big bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, grated parmesan, egg, dried sage, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and combined. I love how the pumpkin adds beautiful color and creaminess here. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of this mixture onto each lasagna noodle—start by dolloping on all noodles before spreading, so you get an even filling. If some noodles look light on filling, use any leftover mixture to plump them up.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Roll Up

Sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of your grated mozzarella evenly over the filling on each noodle. This adds a delicious gooey layer inside. Then, tightly roll up each lasagna noodle from one edge. It’s key to roll snugly but gently so the filling stays inside and the roll keeps its shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—this is your roux, the base for the sauce. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to keep it smooth and lump-free. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. This creamy sauce coats the roll-ups perfectly and adds warmth and comfort to every bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour about half a cup of the creamy sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet. Arrange the lasagna roll-ups seam-side down in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and a bit of parmesan on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Make the Crispy Sage Topping

While the roll-ups bake, melt a tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add about 15 fresh sage leaves and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes until just crispy but not burnt. The aroma is incredible! Remove the roll-ups from the oven and top immediately with the crispy sage leaves. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled on top for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these roll-ups with extra crispy sage leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper adds just the right finishing touch. It makes every bite taste special and elegant.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups pair beautifully with a simple mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash also complement the flavors perfectly. If you want something heartier, garlic bread or a rustic loaf is always a great choice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the roll-ups in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, perfect for dinner parties. You can also layer them in a casserole dish and cut into slices like traditional lasagna. Adding a sprig of fresh sage or a small edible flower on top makes the presentation feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The roll-ups keep their shape well and actually taste like they’ve melded even more after sitting overnight—flavors deepen and the sauce soaks in beautifully.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze wonderfully! I freeze them unbaked in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want to bake them, I thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Freezing is a lifesaver for meal prepping or holiday cooking!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and the cheese melted. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the pasta a bit softer. A quick broil for a minute or two afterwards refreshes the crispy top nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Sage Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially during the cozy fall months. I love how it balances creamy, cheesy comfort with the fresh, crispy pop of sage on top. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels a little fancy but actually comes together pretty easily, give this one a try—I promise you’ll enjoy every bite. It’s a warm hug on a plate that’s sure to become one of your seasonal favorites, just like it is for me and my family.

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