When Korean spice meets Italian comfort food and wraps itself in crispy bacon, the result is a flavor explosion you didn’t know you needed—until now. These Bacon-Wrapped Kimchi Lasagna Rolls blend tangy fermented cabbage, melty cheeses, a creamy ricotta filling, and crispy turkey bacon into one ridiculously craveable bite. Whether you’re serving them as a wild party appetizer or leveling up your weeknight dinner, this fusion dish brings boldness to the table with every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a sucker for creative mashups, and this one checks all the boxes—cheesy, spicy, smoky, savory. It’s also the ultimate upgrade if you’re bored with traditional lasagna. Each roll is like a self-contained explosion of flavor: creamy ricotta, spicy kimchi, savory ground beef, and a smoky bacon hug. And yes, it’s as indulgent and satisfying as it sounds.
Ingredients
Kimchi Filling:
- 2 cups chopped cabbage kimchi, drained
- 1 lb ground beef (optional: use birria-style for rich depth)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (optional, adds spicy-savory heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
Assembly:
- 8–10 cooked lasagna noodles (al dente)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 8–10 whole turkey bacon strips (for wrapping rolls)
- Olive oil (for searing)
Swaps and Notes
- No turkey bacon? Use regular bacon, but precook it halfway before wrapping to ensure crispiness.
- Vegetarian version? Skip the ground beef and double the kimchi for an extra-fermented punch.
- No gochujang? Sub with sriracha or your favorite chili paste—or skip entirely for a milder bite.
- Make ahead? Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate, and sear/bake just before serving.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Kimchi–Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in chopped kimchi and gochujang.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the flavors combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Mix the Ricotta Base
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay out a lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
- Spread about 2 Tbsp of the ricotta mixture.
- Top with 2–3 Tbsp of the kimchi–beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of cheddar and mozzarella.
- Roll jelly-roll style and press gently to seal.
4. Wrap with Turkey Bacon
- Wrap one strip of turkey bacon around each roll.
- Use a toothpick if needed to secure.
5. Sear to Crisp
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil.
- Place rolls seam-side down.
- Sear each side until turkey bacon is crispy and golden.
6. Bake to Finish
- Transfer rolls to a baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese melts and bubbles.
7. Serve
- Let rest for a few minutes.
- Remove toothpicks, garnish with chopped bacon or scallions, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Drain the kimchi well to avoid soggy rolls.
- Don’t overfill the noodles—it makes rolling harder and messy.
- Use al dente noodles so they hold their shape when rolled.
- Crisp that bacon! Searing before baking is key for texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These rolls shine as a main dish or party appetizer. Serve them alongside:
- This Blueberry Lemonade for a sweet-tart contrast
- A light side salad with sesame vinaigrette
- Crispy kimchi pancakes or pickled radish for a full Korean-Italian fusion feast
- Or go bold and pair with The Slippery Drank for a unique sip
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, bacon-wrapped rolls before searing. Thaw overnight and continue with searing and baking.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F or a few minutes in the air fryer to crisp up the bacon again.
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Kimchi Lasagna Rolls are the kind of over-the-top, flavor-loaded recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. Whether you’re into global mashups, bold spices, or just love bacon-wrapped anything, this dish delivers. Try it out, snap a pic, and tag us!
Loved this recipe? Leave a comment below and follow ChefManiac for more unique comfort food spins, party favorites, and wild kitchen experiments.
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