Lasagna Dip: A Fun Twist on Classic Lasagna

Lasagna Dip is a creative and delicious twist on the classic lasagna. It brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of savory herbs, all in a dip form. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or casual nights in, this dip allows you to enjoy all the hearty flavors of lasagna without the hassle of assembling layers. Serve it with crispy fried lasagna noodles for a crunchy contrast, and it becomes an irresistible appetizer or snack.

If you love Italian-inspired dishes, check out other crowd-pleasers like Stuffed Italian Meatballs or Classic Marinara Sauce.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Lasagna Dip is easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavor-packed dish. Here’s everything you need:

Lasagna Dip Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lasagna Dip is a fun and delicious twist on the classic lasagna, served as a dip with crispy fried lasagna noodle chips. This hearty, cheesy dip features layers of savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and flavorful spaghetti sauce, topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or as an appetizer for your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Lasagna Noodle Chips:

• 6 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for deep-fat frying

For the Dip:

• 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, etc.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Lasagna Noodle Chips:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Once the noodles are cool, slice them into 1-inch strips.
• In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat for frying. Once the oil is hot, fry the lasagna noodle strips in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the noodles from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
• While the noodles are still warm, toss them in the Parmesan seasoning mixture until well coated.

Prepare the Dip:

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the ricotta cheese, spaghetti sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.
• Transfer the dip to a serving dish and top with the shredded Italian cheese blend. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Serve the warm Lasagna Dip with the crispy lasagna noodle chips for dipping.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving. The noodle chips can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
• Serving Suggestions: If you prefer, you can serve this dip with other dipping options such as breadsticks, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
• Customization: Add your favorite ingredients to the dip, such as sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or even pepperoni for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Party Food
• Method: Frying, Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup dip with 5-6 chips
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Lasagna Dip Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lasagna Chips:
   • Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
   • Once dried, cut the noodles into 1-inch-wide strips (or any desired shape).
   • Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry the noodle strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   • Toss the fried noodle strips with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Dip:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the ricotta cheese, spaghetti sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to heat through.
   • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, and sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend on top.
   • Bake the dip at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Serve:
   • Serve the lasagna dip with the fried lasagna noodles on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Advanced Techniques for Lasagna Dip

While the basic Lasagna Dip recipe is easy to follow, here are a few advanced tips to elevate it even further:

1. Make It Extra Cheesy

For a cheese lover’s dream, add more layers of cheese! After baking the dip, sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top and broil it for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly, cheesy crust.

2. Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the sausage while it cooks. This will give your dip a subtle spicy kick.

3. Try Different Sauces

While spaghetti sauce works perfectly, you can also experiment with different sauces like marinara, roasted garlic, or even a creamy white sauce to create a unique flavor profile.

4. Add Vegetables

For added texture and flavor, incorporate vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. These will give your dip extra richness and freshness.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Leftover Lasagna Dip can be stored and reheated easily with a few simple tips:

1. Storing Leftovers

After the dip cools down, store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make it ahead of time, store the fried noodles separately to maintain their crispness.

2. Reheating

To reheat the dip, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

3. Freezing the Dip

For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Lasagna Dip recipe can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and needs:

1. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re avoiding gluten, swap out the traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free lasagna sheets that can be cut into strips and fried just like the regular noodles.

2. Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a similar hearty texture.

3. Lower Fat Option

You can reduce the fat content of this dip by using lean turkey sausage instead of bulk Italian sausage, and opting for reduced-fat ricotta and cheese blends.

4. Dairy-Free Version

To make the dip dairy-free, use a non-dairy ricotta cheese (or tofu-based ricotta) and dairy-free shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. These substitutes will still give you that cheesy, creamy dip without the dairy.

FAQs About Lasagna Dip

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of frying them?

Yes, you can simply boil the lasagna noodles, cut them into strips, and bake them in the oven for a healthier option. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy.

2. How can I make this dip spicier?

To increase the heat, add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking or use spicy Italian sausage for an added kick. You can also stir in a small amount of hot sauce or diced fresh chili.

3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dip up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.

4. What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs wonderfully with fried lasagna noodles, but you can also serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Lasagna Dip is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic lasagna that is sure to become a hit at your next party or gathering. With layers of savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella, this dip captures all the beloved flavors of lasagna in a dip form. Whether you serve it with crispy fried lasagna chips or other dipping options, this dish will delight your guests and leave them craving more. So, try out this easy recipe for a cheesy, hearty appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion!