Indulge in a culinary adventure with this Deep Fried Lasagna, a dish that transforms a beloved classic into an irresistible crispy sensation. Each piece is perfectly coated and fried to achieve an exquisite golden crunch on the outside, revealing a heart of gooey, cheesy, and savory lasagna that will leave you craving more!
Deep Fried Lasagna: An Unforgettable Culinary Twist on a Classic
Lasagna, with its comforting layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese, holds a cherished place in our hearts and on our dinner tables. It’s a dish synonymous with warmth, family gatherings, and profoundly satisfying meals. But what if we told you there’s a captivating way to elevate this timeless Italian favorite to an entirely new dimension of deliciousness? Welcome to the exciting and unexpected world of Deep Fried Lasagna! This isn’t just a quirky culinary novelty; it’s a gastronomic revelation that masterfully combines the best of both worlds: the familiar, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna with an utterly addictive crispy exterior.
Imagine the delightful experience of biting into a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust, only to be met with the tender noodles, robust meat sauce, and an abundance of perfectly melted, stretchy cheese that you already adore. It’s a texture and flavor explosion that promises to redefine your perception of pasta night, offering a unique contrast that is both innovative and incredibly satisfying. The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the soft, savory, and intensely cheesy core of the lasagna, creating a harmony of textures that is simply divine.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen but also appreciate convenience, this recipe offers a fantastic solution. We simplify the preparation process by starting with a quality frozen, store-bought lasagna. This clever shortcut means you can achieve gourmet results without spending hours meticulously layering ingredients from scratch. The true magic unfolds when each individual slice is carefully enrobed in a seasoned breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, then plunged into hot oil and deep-fried to a stunning golden perfection. This creates a remarkable and memorable culinary experience, making this deep-fried version a standout dish that is both familiar in its core and thrillingly new in its presentation and texture.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering, delight your family with an extraordinary weeknight meal, or simply treat yourself to an unparalleled culinary adventure, this Deep Fried Lasagna recipe is an absolute must-try. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure and get ready to kick your pasta game up several notches with this innovative and incredibly tasty dish!
Deep Fried Lasagna: Your Essential Questions Answered (FAQ)
Selecting the right frozen lasagna is paramount to the success of your deep-fried creation. While personal preference always plays a significant role in flavor, for this particular recipe, a lasagna with a robust structure and a good balance of noodles, meat, and cheese works best. Many home cooks, myself included, have found excellent results with Costco frozen lasagna, primarily due to its substantial size and generously rich filling, which holds up remarkably well to both slicing and the intense heat of frying. Another widely recognized and consistently reliable option is Stouffer’s frozen lasagna; it’s a classic favorite that is easily accessible in most grocery stores and provides dependably satisfying results. When making your selection, look for a lasagna that feels relatively firm when frozen, as this characteristic will greatly facilitate the initial cutting process. The inherent quality and ingredient balance of your chosen base lasagna will directly influence the final taste and texture, so always opt for a brand that you already know and enjoy. Ultimately, the “best” frozen lasagna for deep frying is one that boasts rich, savory flavors and a sturdy internal structure capable of enduring the frying process, ensuring that you achieve that coveted gooey, cheesy center without compromise.
For optimal results and to achieve those wonderfully thick, perfectly portioned slices that offer a delightful ratio of crispy exterior to tender, flavorful interior, we strongly recommend utilizing a larger frozen lasagna. Specifically, a 48-ounce (which equates to approximately 3 pounds) beef and sausage frozen lasagna, similar to the generous options often available at Costco, is considered ideal. This substantial size allows you to cut generous portions that are not too diminutive to lose their characteristic lasagna identity, nor too oversized to become cumbersome or difficult to fry properly. Should your chosen lasagna be significantly smaller than this recommendation, you might need to make slight adjustments to your cooking times or consider cutting smaller, more appetizer-friendly pieces. Maintaining consistency in the size of your cut pieces is a critical factor for ensuring even cooking throughout the batch. Therefore, if at all possible, aim for a frozen lasagna that weighs roughly around this 3-pound mark. Adhering to this size guideline helps guarantee that each deep-fried piece emerges as a substantial and satisfying bite, whether it’s destined to be served as a hearty main course or a sophisticated, crave-worthy appetizer.
Achieving a uniformly crispy and golden crust on every side of your Deep Fried Lasagna requires complete submersion of each piece in adequately heated oil. To guarantee this essential condition, it is crucial to ensure that your cooking oil reaches a depth of at least 6 inches within your heavy stock pot or Dutch oven. This specific depth is not arbitrary; it ensures that the lasagna pieces are fully immersed, allowing them to cook evenly from all angles and develop that perfect golden-brown crispness without the need for constant flipping or concerns about uneven browning. Using an insufficient amount of oil might lead to partial frying, which can result in some sections being unappetizingly soggy while others are crispy – a result we definitely want to avoid for this delightful dish. Always use a pot that is amply sized to contain the oil comfortably, leaving plenty of headspace. This prevents dangerous splatters and potential boil-overs that can occur when the lasagna pieces are introduced into the hot oil. Safety should always be your top priority when deep frying, making adequate oil depth a non-negotiable step for both culinary success and kitchen safety.
Attempting to cut a fully frozen lasagna can be quite a difficult and sometimes even hazardous task, often requiring excessive force and potentially leading to uneven cuts or even breakage of the pasta layers. To make this crucial preparation step both easier and significantly safer, we highly recommend allowing the lasagna to thaw partially before you begin slicing. Placing the frozen lasagna out on your kitchen counter for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the ambient temperature of your kitchen, should be sufficient. The primary objective here is for the lasagna to become pliable enough that you can easily cut through it with a sharp knife, yet still largely frozen to effectively maintain its structural integrity during the subsequent handling. Once it has reached this semi-thawed state, employ a large, sharp chef’s knife to carefully cut the lasagna into your desired individual pieces. While a partially thawed lasagna is easier to slice, bear in mind that a lasagna that has fully thawed can become quite challenging to bread and handle without the risk of it falling apart. Therefore, the most efficient and effective overall method involves striking a careful balance: partially thaw the lasagna just enough for cutting, then bread the individual pieces while they are still firm (mostly frozen), and then proceed directly to the deep-frying stage. For a truly thorough and safe cook, especially with larger pieces, a brief finishing bake in the oven after frying is also highly recommended to ensure the center reaches its ideal, safe temperature.
This baking step is absolutely crucial, particularly when you are preparing larger, dinner-sized pieces of Deep Fried Lasagna, serving a dual purpose: ensuring optimal food safety and achieving the perfect internal temperature without compromising the exquisite crispness of the exterior. The initial deep-frying process is incredibly effective at quickly creating that desirable, golden-brown, crunchy crust, but the relatively short duration that the dense, often still-chilled core of the lasagna spends in the hot oil is typically insufficient to heat it all the way through to a safe internal temperature. For safe consumption, the internal temperature of the lasagna needs to reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C). Finishing the fried lasagna pieces in a preheated oven allows the heat to penetrate and distribute slowly and thoroughly throughout the interior. This gentle baking effectively cooks the center without further browning or, more importantly, burning the delicate and already perfectly crispy breading. This ingenious two-step cooking process guarantees that you truly get the best of both worlds: an irresistibly crunchy and flavorful outer layer perfectly encasing a thoroughly heated, delightfully gooey, and wonderfully delicious lasagna interior. For complete peace of mind and the best possible culinary experience, always use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to accurately verify the internal temperature before serving.
Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and deliciousness of your Deep Fried Lasagna leftovers. Once the fried pieces have cooled completely to room temperature, carefully place them in an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator, where the lasagna will maintain its quality and delightful flavor for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge in them again, reheating is a simple process specifically designed to help retain that highly coveted crispness. It’s important to avoid reheating Deep Fried Lasagna in the microwave, as this method typically causes the breaded crust to become undesirably soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover lasagna pieces on a baking sheet, ideally placing them on a wire rack set within the sheet. A wire rack allows for optimal air circulation around the pieces, which aids in re-crisping. Cover the lasagna loosely with aluminum foil to prevent any excessive browning of the crust during reheating. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or continue until the center of each piece is thoroughly heated through and steaming. This recommended oven reheating method effectively helps to re-crisp the exterior while ensuring the interior is warm, savory, and perfectly cheesy, making your leftovers almost as delightful as when they were freshly made!
Essential Ingredients for Deep Fried Lasagna
Crafting these delectable Deep Fried Lasagna bites requires a few simple, yet crucial, ingredients. The quality and freshness of each component contribute significantly to the overall success of the dish, from the foundational lasagna to the perfectly seasoned crispy breading. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to prepare this savory sensation that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite:
- Frozen Lasagna: This is the undeniable star of our dish. A good quality, hearty frozen lasagna (ideally around 48 ounces or 3 pounds) works best to yield substantial and satisfying slices that hold their shape.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the essential initial layer of our three-step breading station, acting as a crucial base that helps the subsequent egg wash adhere evenly to the lasagna pieces.
- Sea Salt: An indispensable seasoning for the flour mixture, it significantly enhances the overall flavor profile and delicate crispness of the outer crust.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle yet impactful layer of spice and aromatic depth to the flour mixture, beautifully complementing the rich, savory flavors of the lasagna.
- Milk: An integral component of the egg wash, milk helps to create a smooth, consistent liquid mixture, ensuring superior and more uniform coating adherence.
- Eggs: Serving as the primary binding agent in our dredging process, the beaten eggs are vital for ensuring that the flavorful breadcrumbs firmly adhere to the surface of each lasagna piece.
- Italian Herb Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are key to providing the signature crispy texture and imparting a delightful, aromatic herby flavor to the exterior. For a personalized touch, you can easily substitute with plain breadcrumbs and add your own preferred blend of Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, when mixed with the breadcrumbs, adds an exquisite layer of rich, salty, and savory umami flavor to the crust, making it even more irresistible. Don’t forget to have extra on hand for a generous garnish!
- Vegetable Oil or Vegetable Shortening: This is the essential medium for deep frying. It’s important to choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as standard vegetable oil, canola oil, or vegetable shortening. Ensure you have an ample quantity to achieve the recommended 6-inch depth in your frying pot.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley is the perfect final touch for garnish. It adds a vibrant burst of color and a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor.
How to Prepare Irresistible Deep Fried Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transforming a humble frozen lasagna into a masterpiece of crispy, golden, and gooey delight is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields incredibly impressive and utterly delicious results. Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps to ensure every bite of your Deep Fried Lasagna is perfectly crunchy on the outside and wonderfully savory and cheesy on the inside:
- Prepare the Lasagna for Slicing: Begin your culinary journey by carefully removing the frozen lasagna from its original packaging. To make the crucial slicing step manageable and prevent frustration, allow the lasagna to thaw partially at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. The duration will depend on the ambient temperature of your kitchen. This partial thawing is critical; the lasagna doesn’t need to be completely soft or mushy, but merely pliable enough for a sharp knife to cut through it without requiring excessive force or risk of breakage. This semi-frozen state helps maintain the lasagna’s structural integrity while making it significantly easier to portion cleanly.
- Portion the Lasagna: Once the lasagna has reached the desired slightly softened state, use a large, sharp chef’s knife to carefully cut it into equal-sized pieces. For substantial, dinner-sized portions suitable as a main course, aim for about 6 generous pieces from a 48-ounce (3-pound) frozen lasagna. If your intention is to serve these as delightful appetizers or finger foods, you might opt for smaller, more manageable bite-sized squares (approximately 2 inches). It’s important to remember that smaller pieces will naturally cook through more quickly during the frying process. Carefully set these uniformly cut pieces aside on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the Frying Oil: In a heavy-bottomed stock pot or a sturdy Dutch oven, carefully pour in enough vegetable oil or vegetable shortening to achieve a depth of at least 6 inches. This specific depth is essential to ensure adequate submersion of the lasagna pieces for uniform and even frying. Begin heating the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a consistent and precise temperature of 350°F (175°C). For accurate monitoring and to maintain this critical temperature throughout the entire frying process, it is highly recommended to clip a candy thermometer or a specialized deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pan. This step typically takes approximately 15 minutes for the oil to reach the target temperature.
- Set Up Your Dredging Station: While the oil is steadily heating, dedicate your time to meticulously preparing your three-part breading station.
- In the first shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the sea salt and black pepper, mixing these ingredients thoroughly until well integrated. This seasoned flour will serve as your initial, dry coating.
- In the second shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and large eggs vigorously until they are well combined and achieve a smooth, uniform consistency. This mixture creates an effective egg wash that acts as the crucial binder for your breading.
- In the third and final bowl, combine the Italian herb breadcrumbs with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these together thoroughly to create your final, flavorful, and ultimately crispy coating.
- Bread the Lasagna Pieces: Now, working diligently with one lasagna piece at a time, meticulously coat each piece through your meticulously prepared dredging station.
- First, gently dip the lasagna square into the flour mixture, ensuring that all sides are lightly but thoroughly coated. Once coated, gently shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Next, carefully transfer the floured piece into the milk and egg mixture. Dip on each side, ensuring that the entire surface is evenly wet. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off briefly before moving to the next step.
- Finally, place the lasagna into the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. Press gently but firmly to ensure a thick, even, and complete coating on all sides. This flavorful breading is precisely what will give your deep-fried lasagna its incredible crunch and rich taste.
- Arrange for Frying: As each piece of lasagna is successfully battered and breaded, carefully place it on a clean sheet pan. This simple step helps to keep them organized and neatly arranged, ready for frying, and crucially, prevents them from sticking together, which can happen if left in a pile.
- Deep Fry to Golden Perfection: Once your cooking oil has reached and is consistently maintained at the target temperature of 350°F (175°C), carefully and slowly add the breaded lasagna pieces to the hot oil. Work in small batches, typically one or two pieces at a time, depending on the size of your pot. It is paramount not to overcrowd the pot, as this can drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy and soggy results rather than crispy perfection. Fry each piece until it achieves a rich, deep golden-brown color on all sides, a process that usually takes just a few minutes per side.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a heat-resistant slotted spoon or a spider strainer, carefully and safely remove the beautifully fried lasagna pieces from the hot oil. Immediately transfer them to a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels or a large brown paper bag. This crucial draining step is essential for absorbing any excess oil clinging to the surface, ensuring that your Deep Fried Lasagna remains perfectly crisp, delightfully non-greasy, and ready to enjoy.
- Finish in the Oven (If Needed for Larger Pieces): This step is critical, particularly for larger, dinner-sized lasagna pieces. As emphasized in our FAQ section, the short but intense frying process masterfully gives the exterior its desired crunch but may not heat the dense interior completely through to a safe temperature. If you are frying portions larger than approximately 2-inch squares, transfer the fried pieces to a clean baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 15 minutes. This ensures the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) without any risk of over-browning or burning the perfectly crispy crust. Smaller, bite-sized pieces of lasagna are generally thin enough to cook through entirely during the deep-frying process and typically will not require this extra baking step.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finally, it’s time to savor your culinary masterpiece! Serve the Deep Fried Lasagna hot and fresh for the ultimate experience. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish generously with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of finely chopped fresh parsley, which adds a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous freshness. These crispy, cheesy delights are absolutely fantastic on their own, or for an even more indulgent treat, serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Prepare yourself for rave reviews and requests for an encore!
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Deep Fried Lasagna (Crispy & Cheesy)
This Deep Fried Lasagna is coated to perfection, giving the perfect outside crunch, with a gooey, cheesy center that everyone loves! It’s a fun and exciting twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for appetizers or a unique main course.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 1 reviewer.
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Ingredients
- 1 frozen lasagna (approx. 48 oz / 3 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups Italian herb breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil or vegetable shortening for frying (sufficient for 6″ depth)
- Fresh parsley finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Remove the frozen lasagna from its packaging and allow it to partially thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This makes it easier to cut, but ensures it’s still firm enough to handle for breading.
- Cut the lasagna into 6 or more equal pieces. Larger pieces are ideal for main dishes, while smaller pieces make excellent appetizers and cook more quickly. Remember, each 48oz frozen lasagna yields about 6 large portions.
- Begin heating the cooking oil in a heavy stock pot or Dutch oven. Ensure the oil is at least 6 inches deep for proper submersion. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pan to accurately monitor and maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the process.
- While the oil heats, prepare your dredging station. In the first shallow bowl, combine flour, sea salt, and black pepper, mixing well. In the second bowl, whisk together milk and eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine Italian herb breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Working with one lasagna piece at a time, first dip it into the flour mixture, coating all sides and shaking off excess. Then, transfer it to the milk/egg mixture, ensuring all sides are wet. Finally, place the lasagna into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating on each side.
- Place the newly breaded lasagna pieces on a clean sheet pan, keeping them separate and ready for frying.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the lasagna pieces to the hot oil, one or two at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry until each piece is deep golden brown on all sides and crispy, typically taking just a few minutes per side.
- Remove the fried lasagna from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Transfer them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels or a brown paper bag to absorb any excess oil, ensuring maximum crispness.
- Serve the Deep Fried Lasagna hot! Garnish generously with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. For an ultimate treat, serve with a side of warm marinara dipping sauce.
Video Tutorial
Recipe Notes and Tips for Success
- Crucial Baking Step for Larger Pieces: When cooking larger, dinner-sized pieces of deep-fried lasagna, it is absolutely vital to understand that the relatively short frying time, while perfect for creating a beautiful crust, may not heat the dense interior completely through. To ensure the lasagna reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without any risk of burning the delicate breading, simply transfer the freshly fried pieces to a clean baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 15 minutes. This essential step effectively finishes the cooking process inside while maintaining the delicious, golden crispness on the outside. Smaller, bite-sized lasagna squares (typically up to 2 inches) are generally thin enough to cook through entirely during the initial deep-frying process and usually will not require this additional baking step.
- Consistent Oil Temperature is Key: Always prioritize safety and quality by using a candy thermometer or a dedicated deep-fry thermometer to constantly monitor the oil temperature. Maintaining a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) is critically important for achieving perfectly crispy results. If the oil is too cool, the lasagna can absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior has a chance to cook.
- Lasagna Size Matters for Portions: For the best thick, hearty, and satisfying portions, aim to start with a frozen lasagna that weighs around 48 ounces (3 pounds). This size allows for good, substantial slices that hold their shape exceptionally well throughout the entire frying process.
- Breading Variations for Flavor: While Italian herb breadcrumbs are highly recommended for delivering a classic and aromatic flavor profile, feel completely free to experiment! You can easily use plain breadcrumbs and season them yourself with your favorite Italian seasoning blend. A mixture of dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder can create a wonderfully customized taste.
- Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference: For an elevated flavor and superior texture, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese in your breading mixture offers a significantly richer, nuttier, and more complex flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the crust, contributing to an even more irresistible and decadent coating.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 2923 kcal | Carbohydrates: 169g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 233g | Sodium: 1277mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate derived from general calculations. If precise calorie counts and other specific nutritional values are critical for your individual dietary needs or health considerations, we highly recommend calculating the ingredients through a reputable and certified online nutritional calculator of your choice. Be aware that actual nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands, types, and exact quantities of ingredients used in your preparation.
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