French Onion Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

This incredible French Onion Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe transforms traditional lasagna into something extraordinary. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for serving at family dinners or special occasions, these roll-ups bring together the beloved flavors of French onion soup and classic Italian lasagna in a presentation that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of our roll-ups, providing structure and that classic pasta texture we all love. Cook them just to al dente so they’re pliable but won’t fall apart when rolling.
• Sweet Onions: The star ingredient! When caramelized, they transform into golden, sweet morsels that give this dish its distinctive French onion flavor.
• Gruyere Cheese: This adds that authentic French onion soup flavor with its nutty, slightly sweet taste. It melts beautifully for that perfect cheese pull.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving protein that adds hearty flavor and substance. The pre-cooked meat means less work for you!
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich filling that balances the sweet onions and savory chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the base of our decadent sauce, providing richness and body.
• Spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and slight earthiness that complements the other flavors wonderfully.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to the sauce that enhances all the other flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami quality to both the filling and sauce, tying all the flavors together.
• Butter: Used for both caramelizing onions and creating the sauce, it adds richness and flavor throughout the dish.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double up on the caramelized onions and spinach. You could also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
• Different Cheeses: While Gruyere is traditional for French onion flavor, you could try using Fontina, Emmental, or even a combination of mozzarella and provolone for different flavor profiles.
• Add Herbs: Fresh thyme would complement the French onion flavors beautifully. Alternatively, add some chopped fresh basil to the filling for an Italian twist.
• Wine-Enhanced Onions: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine or sherry when caramelizing the onions for an even more authentic French onion soup flavor.

How to Make French Onion Lasagna Roll-Ups

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. Patience is key here – don’t rush this step! You want them to develop that beautiful golden-brown color and sweet, complex flavor. Season with salt and pepper at the end.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (after wiping it clean), melt butter and add garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it thicken for about 8 minutes – you’ll notice it coating the back of a spoon when it’s ready. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped rotisserie chicken, half of the Gruyere cheese, and parmesan. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Lay out your cooked lasagna noodles on a parchment-lined surface. Spread about ⅓ cup of the filling mixture onto each noodle, followed by spinach and your beautiful caramelized onions. Roll each noodle up tightly and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your cream sauce over the roll-ups, making sure they’re completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

These French Onion Lasagna Roll-Ups make a spectacular main course that deserves complementary sides to round out the meal:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini provides a nice textural contrast
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve two roll-ups per person for a main course, or one for an appetizer portion
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color
• A small sprinkle of additional Gruyere or a few extra caramelized onions on top makes for a beautiful presentation

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making them sometimes even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze these roll-ups either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the roll-ups without the sauce, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add fresh sauce, and bake. For cooked leftovers, freeze individual portions for easy meals later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. If reheating in the microwave, use 50% power and add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Lasagna Roll-Ups bring something truly special to your dinner table – the comfort of lasagna with the sophisticated flavors of French onion soup. The individual servings make for a beautiful presentation, while the combination of caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? Despite its elegant appearance, it’s actually quite simple to put together. Give these roll-ups a try – I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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