Lasagna Dip

Name: Lasagna Dip
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3 cups dip (36 chips).
Ingredients: 6 uncooked lasagna noodles; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Oil for deep-fat frying; DIP:; 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage; 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 cup spaghetti sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

My lasagna noodle chips turned out great and are out-of-this-world crispy. And the dip truly tastes like rich, cheesy Italian-American lasagna. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Ingredients

6 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Oil for deep-fat frying
DIP:
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 cup spaghetti sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Directions

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain. Cut noodles into 2-in. pieces; prick each piece several times with a fork. Mix Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry noodles in batches 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with cheese mixture.
For dip, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into fine crumbles. Stir in ricotta, spaghetti sauce, garlic and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Transfer to a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle with Italian cheese. Microwave, covered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until cheese is melted. Serve with lasagna chips.

Originally published as Lasagna Dipper in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2014