Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta
Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta is a crispy, deep-fried take on classic lasagna, filled with creamy ricotta cheese, coated in golden breadcrumbs, and served with marinara and Alfredo sauce. This indulgent appetizer is easy to make at home and tastes just like the restaurant version—if not better! Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot (for boiling lasagna sheets)
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl (for cheese filling)
- 1 Small Bowl (for flour)
- 1 Small Bowl (for beaten eggs)
- 1 Small Bowl (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 Baking Sheet (to freeze lasagna pieces)
- 1 Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven (for frying)
- 1 Slotted Spoon or Tongs (for frying and handling lasagna pieces)
- 1 Paper Towel-Lined Plate (to drain excess oil)
Ingredients
For the Lasagna & Filling
- 8 lasagna sheets cooked until al dente
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Breading & Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce warmed
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Lasagna Sheets
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook lasagna sheets until al dente.
- Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool completely.
Make the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble & Freeze the Lasagna Rolls
- Spread a layer of cheese filling evenly over each lasagna sheet.
- Fold the sheets in half (or roll them up for a different shape).
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the Breading Station
- Set up three bowls:
- Flour, seasoned with garlic powder and paprika.
- Beaten eggs.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs.
Bread the Lasagna Pieces
- Coat each frozen lasagna piece in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time.
Fry Until Golden Brown
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each lasagna piece for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate with warm marinara sauce at the base.
- Drizzle Alfredo sauce on top.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble, fill, and freeze the lasagna pieces up to a week in advance. Just bread and fry them when you're ready to serve!
- Baking Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone for a richer flavor.
- Add Meat: Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage into the cheese filling for a heartier dish.