The perfect fusion of seasonal flavor and hearty comfort, these Bacon Sage Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls are everything you crave in a fall meal. Velvety squash purée blended with creamy cheeses and folded with fresh sage, then layered with crispy bacon and gently rolled into pasta sheets it’s comfort food reimagined. Ideal for cozy weeknights, holiday spreads, or impressing your guests, this dish brings elegance to the dinner table without the stress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to wow your family, this lasagna roll recipe is the ultimate autumn showstopper. Serve with a crisp green salad or a glass of white wine for a complete meal that warms the soul.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 lasagna noodles
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2 cups butternut squash purée
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 large egg
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup béchamel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash purée, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
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Spread about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each lasagna noodle. Sprinkle with bacon and roll up each noodle gently.
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Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and spoon a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom.
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Place the lasagna rolls seam side down into the dish. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top.
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Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Seasonal Classic Reinvented: Bacon Sage Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s no better time to embrace the warm, comforting flavors of autumn. One dish that beautifully captures the essence of the season is Bacon Sage Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls. This modern take on traditional lasagna combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the smoky depth of bacon and the aromatic charm of fresh sage all rolled up in tender pasta sheets and baked to golden perfection.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients wrapped in the familiar, soul-soothing format of classic Italian cuisine. In this article, we explore the inspiration, health benefits, cooking tips, and serving ideas that make this dish a must-try for your fall and winter menus.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Lasagna is a beloved staple in many households, but sometimes, traditional layers can feel too heavy or repetitive. Lasagna rolls offer an innovative twist that not only makes serving easier but also allows each bite to have the perfect filling-to-pasta ratio. The idea for this specific variation came from a desire to embrace the flavors of fall without relying on the same predictable pumpkin dishes.
Butternut squash, often called the “crown jewel of fall vegetables,” is the star of the show. When blended into a smooth, creamy filling, it provides a rich, nutty sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory crunch of crispy bacon and the earthy, pine-like flavor of fresh sage. These lasagna rolls are elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner.
Why Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash isn’t just popular because it’s delicious it also brings a lot to the table nutritionally. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, magnesium, and potassium, and it’s naturally low in fat. The vibrant orange color comes from beta-carotene, an antioxidant linked to eye health and immune function.
In this recipe, the squash is puréed and combined with cheeses to form a velvety filling that adds moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients and makes the dish feel indulgent without being overly rich.
The Role of Bacon and Sage
No autumn dish is complete without herbs that evoke the cozy smells of the season. Sage brings that quintessential fall aroma that’s both warm and slightly peppery. It’s used sparingly in this recipe to elevate the flavor of the squash without overpowering it. Fresh sage is always preferred, as it releases its essential oils and becomes wonderfully fragrant when finely chopped or lightly fried.
Bacon, meanwhile, introduces a smoky, salty element that cuts through the sweetness of the squash. Its crispy texture and bold flavor add contrast and make the dish more satisfying for those who prefer heartier meals. The combination of bacon and sage is a timeless duo that works wonderfully with the soft, creamy butternut base.
Why Lasagna Rolls?
One of the best things about lasagna rolls is their built-in portion control and beautiful presentation. Instead of cutting into a messy layered casserole, each person gets a perfectly wrapped roll. This also makes them ideal for dinner parties or holiday gatherings, where you want dishes that look as good as they taste.
Rolling the pasta allows you to showcase the filling and even customize it for different dietary needs. Want to go vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon. Want to use gluten-free noodles? No problem. The rolled format is flexible and adapts well to substitutions.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lasagna Rolls
Although this dish is fairly straightforward, a few tips can help ensure the best results:
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Freshly puréed roasted butternut squash will offer a depth of flavor that canned purée simply can’t match. Likewise, opt for thick-cut, high-quality bacon and fresh sage leaves for the most robust flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
You want the noodles to be al dente so they hold up when rolled. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and tear easily, making the rolling process difficult.
3. Let the Rolls Rest After Baking
Just like with traditional lasagna, allowing the rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors settle and makes serving cleaner and easier.
Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas
One of the most convenient aspects of lasagna rolls is how well they lend themselves to advance prep. You can assemble the rolls the day before and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze them in a foil-lined baking dish, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. This makes them ideal for meal prep or lunches during a busy week.
Serving Suggestions
These lasagna rolls are quite rich and satisfying on their own, but they pair well with lighter side dishes. Consider serving them with:
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A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
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Garlic sautéed green beans or broccolini
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Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
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A glass of lightly oaked Chardonnay or dry Riesling
Because the rolls already contain protein, starch, and vegetables, they can serve as a complete meal. However, adding a side dish will help round out the plate and balance the indulgence of the creamy filling.
A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for Thanksgiving, or simply craving something warm and satisfying on a cool evening, Bacon Sage Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls deliver on all fronts. They bring together the best seasonal ingredients in a dish that feels both familiar and fresh. The creamy filling, crispy bacon, and earthy sage are a winning combination that even picky eaters will love.
Conclusion:
Bacon Sage Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls are more than just a new spin on an old classic they’re a culinary celebration of fall. From the rich textures to the layered flavors, every element is thoughtfully balanced to create a dish that’s comforting, beautiful, and deeply satisfying.
With its blend of sweet squash, savory bacon, and fragrant herbs, this recipe strikes the perfect note between indulgence and wholesomeness. Whether you’re a fan of lasagna looking for a twist or someone who wants to explore seasonal ingredients in a fun new way, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.