Imagine the comforting hug of a classic lasagna, reimagined as bite‑size, golden‑crusted winks that are perfect for brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast. These Crispy Perfect Baked Lasagna Winks bring the heart‑warming flavors of Italy to the morning table, with a satisfying crunch that makes every bite unforgettable.
What sets this dish apart is the clever use of thin pasta “winks” that are brushed with herb‑infused olive oil, layered with a creamy ricotta‑spinach mixture, and baked until the edges turn irresistibly crisp. A rich marinara and melted mozzarella finish the dish, creating a harmonious balance of texture and taste.
Family members who crave a hearty, savory start to the day will adore these winks, as will brunch‑enthusiasts looking for a show‑stopping centerpiece. Serve them at a weekend brunch, a festive Easter breakfast, or even as a make‑ahead weekday treat.
The process is straightforward: prepare the pasta winks, assemble the layers, bake to a golden finish, and let the aromas fill your kitchen. In under an hour you’ll have a crowd‑pleasing dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Golden Crunch: The brief bake at high heat creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and cheesy, delivering a textural contrast that’s pure comfort.
Breakfast‑Ready Protein: Ground sausage and ricotta provide a satisfying protein boost, making these winks a hearty start that will keep you energized through the morning.
Easy to Portion: Their bite‑size shape makes serving simple—no cutting, no mess, and each guest gets a perfectly sized portion.
Versatile Flavor Base: The marinara‑herb sauce can be swapped for pesto or a white béchamel, allowing endless customization without extra effort.
Ingredients
The magic of these winks starts with high‑quality ingredients that each play a distinct role. Fresh pasta sheets provide a delicate canvas, while the ricotta‑spinach blend adds creaminess and a pop of green. Savory Italian sausage infuses the dish with depth, and the marinara sauce ties everything together with bright tomato notes. Finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan creates that coveted melt and golden crust.
Main Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets (no‑boil)
- 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red‑pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Together these components create a layered flavor profile: the sausage brings savory depth, the ricotta‑spinach blend adds moisture and a hint of earthiness, and the marinara injects bright acidity. The olive oil brushed on the pasta sheets ensures they crisp up beautifully, while the cheese crown delivers that melt‑in‑your‑mouth richness we all crave in a classic lasagna.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pasta Winks
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Submerge the lasagna sheets for 2‑3 minutes—just enough to make them pliable but not fully cooked. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. Brush each sheet lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Using kitchen scissors, cut each sheet into 3‑inch squares; these will become the “winks.”
Cooking the Sausage & Spinach
- Sauté the sausage. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled sausage, and cook until browned, about 5‑6 minutes. Break it into small pieces as it cooks; this ensures even distribution in each wink.
- Add aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then fold in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with a dash of red‑pepper flakes if you like a subtle heat.
- Combine with cheese. Remove the pan from heat. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold the sausage‑spinach mixture into the ricotta blend until fully incorporated.
Assembling the Winks
- Layer the sauce. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9‑x‑13‑inch baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds moisture from the start.
- Place the winks. Arrange the pasta squares in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Spoon a generous dollop of the ricotta‑sausage mixture onto each square, then top with a small spoonful of marinara.
- Cheese it up. Sprinkle the assembled winks with shredded mozzarella and a light dusting of Parmesan. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15‑20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the pasta winks are golden and crisp. A visual cue: the cheese should develop a light brown speckling, and the pasta edges will pop up slightly, indicating perfect crispness.
Finishing & Serving
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short rest lets the cheese set, making the winks easier to pick up. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Serve hot, accompanied by a simple fruit salad or a glass of chilled orange juice for a true brunch experience.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Use no‑boil lasagna sheets. They soften quickly, saving prep time and ensuring the winks stay tender inside while crisping outside.
Brush with oil, not butter. Olive oil tolerates higher heat, giving a uniform golden crust without smoking.
Don’t over‑mix the ricotta. Gentle folding keeps the mixture airy, preventing a dense texture after baking.
Flavor Enhancements
Stir a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the sausage for a subtle, smoky depth. Add a splash of dry white wine to the marinara while it simmers; it lifts the tomato flavor and adds complexity. Finish each serving with a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, unexpected lift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid soaking the pasta sheets too long—over‑softened sheets become soggy and won’t crisp. Also, resist the urge to over‑bake; once the cheese turns golden, the interior is already perfectly cooked, and extra time will dry out the winks.
Pro Tips
Pre‑heat the baking sheet. Placing the dish on a hot sheet accelerates the crisping of the pasta edges.
Use a meat thermometer. For safety, ensure the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C) before removing from the oven.
Let the dish rest. A five‑minute rest redistributes juices, giving each wink a moist interior.
Serve immediately. The crisp texture is at its peak right out of the oven; waiting too long will soften the edges.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or crumbled Italian‑style turkey sausage for a leaner version. Replace spinach with kale or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. Use a roasted red‑pepper marinara or a creamy alfredo sauce to completely change the flavor profile while keeping the same structure.
Dietary Adjustments
For gluten‑free brunches, choose certified gluten‑free lasagna sheets or substitute with thinly sliced zucchini. Make the dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding extra vegetables like roasted eggplant. To go dairy‑free, replace mozzarella with a plant‑based cheese and use coconut‑based ricotta alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the winks with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast. A side of roasted baby potatoes drizzled with rosemary‑infused olive oil adds heartiness. For a sweet balance, serve with a bowl of fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
Allow the winks to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, place the cooled winks in a freezer‑safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a pre‑heated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12‑15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the final 3 minutes to re‑crisp the edges. In a pinch, microwave individual winks on medium power for 1‑2 minutes, adding a splash of marinara before heating to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Crispy Perfect Baked Lasagna Winks recipe delivers all the comfort of a traditional lasagna with a fun, bite‑size twist that’s ideal for breakfast or brunch. You now have the full roadmap—from ingredient selection to storage—so you can master the dish and adapt it to any dietary need or flavor craving. Feel free to experiment with sauces, proteins, or herbs; the canvas is yours. Serve hot, share generously, and enjoy every golden, cheesy bite!
