Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Crab & Herb Lasagna Roll-Ups?
They are a seafood-inspired twist on traditional lasagna featuring noodles filled with imitation crab, cottage cheese, and herbs, then baked in tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the roll-ups.
What type of crab is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of chopped imitation crabmeat.
How should I prepare the lasagna noodles?
Cook them according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse in cold water and drain well.
What is the base of the filling mixture?
The filling consists of imitation crabmeat, drained cottage cheese, a beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and various herbs.
Can I use a different type of cheese than cottage cheese?
The recipe specifies 1% fat cottage cheese, but ricotta cheese is a common substitute for similar lasagna dishes.
How do I make the sauce for the roll-ups?
Mix 15 ounces of Italian-style tomato sauce with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How much filling should I put on each noodle?
Spread approximately 1/3 cup of the filling mixture evenly over each cooked lasagna noodle.
What is the best way to roll the noodles?
Roll each noodle tightly to ensure the filling stays inside and place them seam-side down in the pan.
What size baking pan is required?
A greased 9-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Should the pan be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long do the roll-ups take to bake in total?
They bake for 30 minutes covered, followed by an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered.
Is there an egg in the filling?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the filling ingredients together.
What herbs and spices are included?
The recipe uses Italian seasoning, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, and fresh crushed garlic.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, after the initial 30 minutes of baking, you can garnish with extra grated cheese and melt it for 5-10 minutes.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, it is categorized as a meal that can be prepared and cooked in under 60 minutes.
Do I need to drain the cottage cheese?
Yes, draining the cottage cheese helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
What should I serve with these roll-ups?
They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.
Why should I rinse the noodles in cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and makes the noodles easier to handle and roll without sticking.
How many lasagna noodles do I need?
The recipe requires 6 lasagna noodles.
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes, but fresh parsley can be used if adjusted for taste.
What gives the sauce its Italian flavor?
The combination of Italian-style canned tomato sauce and dried Italian seasoning provides the signature flavor.
How do I ensure the roll-ups don't come apart?
Placing them seam-side down in the baking dish ensures they stay rolled during the cooking process.
Is there any onion in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder for a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
Can I use real crabmeat instead of imitation?
Yes, you can substitute 8 ounces of real chopped crabmeat if you prefer a more authentic seafood taste.
Should the garlic be minced or crushed?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves to be mixed into the sauce.
What is the texture of the filling?
By mixing with a fork, the filling becomes a smooth blend of chopped crab, cheese, and herbs.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as a casserole because it is baked together in a single dish.