Lasagna Dip

If you love lasagna, you’ll adore this delightful, unexpected lasagna dip recipe. Like our other favorite dips, it’s super-savory and creamy, with a slightly spicy kick. The ingredients list reads like a traditional lasagna recipe: Start with a base of spaghetti sauce, then add Italian sausage for kicky flavor, ricotta cheese for a smooth finish and an Italian cheese blend to dial up the umami factor. For a bonus twist, serve the dip alongside a batch of lasagna chips—curly-edged lasagna noodles coated in seasoned Parmesan cheese and deep-fried. This is a surefire favorite for your next potluck or game-day party.

Lasagna Dip Ingredients

• Lasagna chips: Uncooked boxed lasagna noodles may not look like chips. But cooked and deep-fried, they’re crispy vehicles perfect for dipping into a creamy lasagna dip recipe. Dust the noodles with Parmesan cheese—this is a good time to use the stuff in a can—Italian seasoning and garlic powder. You’ll also need an oil for deep-fat frying, such as canola, peanut or safflower.
• Italian sausage: Choose a spicy or mild Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild and sweet, ricotta cheese is a delicious base for the seasonings.
• Spaghetti sauce: A good store-bought spaghetti sauce makes this dip extra quick, but you can also prepare homemade sauce.
• Seasonings: For the lasagna dip, stick with the classics: fresh garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper.
• Shredded Italian cheese blend: A mix of classic Italian cheeses adds rich, savory flavor to the dip.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well and let them cool slightly. Cut the noodles into 2-inch pieces. Prick each piece several times with a fork.

Step 2: Fry the noodles

In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375°F. Working in batches, fry the noodles until golden brown, for one to two minutes, turning once. Set the noodles on paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle them with the cheese mixture.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re new to deep-frying at home, keep these pointers in mind: First, use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy chips.

Step 3: Make the dip

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat for four to six minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into fine crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the ricotta, spaghetti sauce, garlic and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Melt the cheese

Transfer the dip mixture to a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle the Italian cheese over the top. Microwave, covered, on high for 45 to 60 seconds or until the cheese melts. Serve the dip hot with the lasagna chips.

TASTE OF HOME

Lasagna Dip Variations

• Dial up the heat: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds spice.
• Sprinkle with herbs: Sprinkle minced fresh basil, oregano or marjoram over the dip before serving.
• Add spinach: Microwave frozen spinach until cooked, then drain it well and stir it into the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Use a favorite meatless alternative instead of Italian sausage for a vegetarian-friendly dip.

How to Store Lasagna Dip

Store lasagna dip in the refrigerator. Keep it in the serving dish, covered with storage wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will last three to four days in the fridge. Always use clean utensils to scoop the dip to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

How do you reheat lasagna dip?

Reheat the lasagna dip in the microwave. You can heat the entire dish or scoop it out for smaller amounts.

Lasagna Dip Tips

TASTE OF HOME

What other kinds of chips can you serve with lasagna dip?

While the crispy noodles are a tasty novelty, they’re not essential. This dip tastes equally delightful with crispy rounds of toasted baguette, breadsticks, garlic bread or crudite, such as sliced peppers or carrots.

How do you keep lasagna dip warm for serving?

Like other hot dip recipes, you can use a slow cooker to keep the lasagna dip warm for serving. If you don’t have access to one (or electricity), pour hot water into a casserole dish or stainless steel bowl and set the dip bowl in the water bath.