If you love the flavors of a classic Italian dinner but want to switch things up with a fun and crispy twist, then this Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. This ingenious fusion dish takes creamy, cheesy manicotti filling and wraps it inside delicate, golden-brown egg roll wrappers, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance together beautifully. It’s comfort food meets inventive cuisine, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who will be asking for your secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component is essential, from the creamy cheeses to the seasoned filling and crispy wrappers, working together to make this dish absolutely irresistible.
- Ricotta cheese: The smooth, creamy base that forms the heart of the filling, adding a mild richness.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together inside the egg roll wrapper.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Provides gooey meltiness, split between the filling and topping for extra cheesy goodness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth that elevates the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlicky warmth to enhance the filling’s seasoning.
- Dried parsley: Brings a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note into the mix.
- Egg roll wrappers: The unique shell that crisps up beautifully and holds all the creamy filling inside.
- Spaghetti sauce: The perfect tangy, savory topping that ties this dish together with classic Italian flair.
How to Make Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375ºF and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. A well-prepped dish ensures your manicotti won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
Combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a large bowl. This mixture is the luscious, creamy filling that delivers classic Italian comfort in every bite. Mixing these ingredients well ensures each wrapper pack is full of flavor and the perfect texture.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls
Carefully spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto each egg roll wrapper. Roll them up tightly, sealing the edges so the filling doesn’t escape during baking. This step transforms traditional manicotti into a crispy, golden roll that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour a little spaghetti sauce into the bottom of your prepared dish to prevent sticking and add flavor from the base up. Arrange the filled egg rolls seam-side down in the dish so they stay sealed. Then, smother them with the remaining sauce and sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese on top to create a bubbling, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes to heat the filling through and soften the wrappers. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to let the cheese on top melt completely and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This finishing touch adds a rich, gooey layer that perfectly complements the crispy exterior.
How to Serve Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top amps up the fresh herb flavor and adds a lovely green contrast to the rich cheese and sauce. A light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze can also bring a subtle extra layer of flavor that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the manicotti. Garlic bread or crusty French bread are also perfect for mopping up any luscious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe on individual plates with a generous spoonful of sauce and fresh herbs on top, or pile them in a rustic serving dish to encourage family-style dining. You can even try mini versions using smaller wrappers for a fantastic appetizer party treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Roll Manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the wrappers, reheating the two just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Freeze the rolled manicotti in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the manicotti in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and bake at 350ºF until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For crispy wrappers, finish uncovered for the last 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the delightful crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade spaghetti sauce adds a personal touch and freshness that can elevate your Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe even further. Just be sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy wrappers.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as written, but if you want to keep it strictly meat-free, double-check your spaghetti sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any meat-based ingredients.
Can I substitute egg roll wrappers with something else?
While egg roll wrappers give this dish its signature crispiness, you can experiment with won ton wrappers or even thin lasagna noodles, but keep in mind the texture and cooking times may vary.
How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from getting soggy?
One key tip is to make sure your filling isn’t too wet and to bake the rolls seam-side down on a little sauce, which acts as glue and helps keep everything sealed. Also, baking uncovered at the end crisps up the wrappers beautifully.
Can I prepare Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls a day before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little excitement to a classic comfort food. The crispy wrappers with the rich, cheesy filling and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that’s both familiar and delightfully new. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to dish for dinner parties or cozy family nights in!
Print
Egg Roll Manicotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Egg Roll Manicotti recipe offers a creative twist on classic Italian manicotti by using crispy egg roll wrappers instead of pasta. Filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasoned with garlic and parsley, these rolled delicacies are baked in a rich spaghetti sauce topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that takes just 40 minutes to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Other Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, the egg, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the manicotti: Lay out an egg roll wrapper, place 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center, and roll it up carefully, sealing the edges to hold the filling inside.
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour a small amount of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. Arrange the rolled manicotti seam side down in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the manicotti rolls. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and turning golden brown for a bubbly, delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the egg roll wrappers are fresh and pliable to prevent cracking when rolling; if slightly dry, lightly mist with water before filling.
- You can substitute fresh parsley if preferred, using about 1 tablespoon chopped.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- For a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the cheese filling or sauce.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
