Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Souhail
You know that moment when two of your favorite comfort foods collide and create something even more magical than the sum of its parts? That’s exactly what happened the first time I layered delicate dumpling wrappers with savory fillings and melty cheese in my tiny New York apartment kitchen. I was craving both my grandmother’s handmade dumplings and that bubbling, cheesy lasagna I’d order after Broadway matinees, and honestly, I just got impatient waiting to decide between them. So I merged them. And friends, dumpling lasagna was born.
This isn’t your Nonna’s lasagna, and that’s the beauty of it. We’re swapping traditional pasta sheets for silky, tender dumpling wrappers that cook right in the sauce, creating impossibly delicate layers that soak up every bit of flavor. The result? A dish that feels both familiar and excitingly new, with the soul-warming comfort of Italian-American classics meeting the delicate texture of Asian dumplings.
It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Imagine tender wrappers hugging a savory mushroom and spinach filling, all blanketed in a rich tomato sauce and stretchy mozzarella that pulls apart in glorious strings with every forkful. One bite and you’ll understand why this has become my go-to dish for impressing dinner guests or simply treating myself after a long day navigating subway delays.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Absolutely Fall in Love With This Recipe
Let me tell you what makes this dumpling lasagna genuinely special. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together with surprisingly little effort. Here’s why it works so beautifully:
- Those delicate dumpling wrappers transform as they bake, becoming tender and silky while absorbing the sauce’s flavors without turning mushy like some no-boil lasagna noodles can.
- We’re using a savory mushroom and spinach filling that’s deeply umami-rich yet completely vegetarian friendly, making it perfect for mixed-diet gatherings.
- Cottage cheese adds creamy protein without overwhelming richness, and if you love that texture, you’ll adore my cottage cheese lasagna recipe too for another protein-packed twist.
- The whole dish bakes in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your cozy creation.
- It’s endlessly adaptable whether you’re feeding two or twelve, and it reheats like a dream for even better next-day lunches.
My Secret Tips for Dumpling Lasagna Perfection
Before you start layering, let me share my hard won wisdom from many batches tested in my Brooklyn kitchen. First, pat your spinach completely dry after wilting it. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy lasagna, and that extra minute with a clean towel makes all the difference. Second, don’t skip briefly sautéing the mushrooms until they release their liquid and then caramelize slightly. That deepens their flavor dramatically.
Third, tear your dumpling wrappers slightly smaller than your baking dish so they nestle perfectly without folding awkwardly at the edges. And finally, let the lasagna rest for at least fifteen minutes after baking. I know it’s hard when you smell that gorgeous aroma, but this waiting period allows the layers to set so you get beautiful slices instead of a delicious but messy puddle.
Fun Ways to Shake Up Your Dumpling Lasagna
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, the variations are where the real fun begins. This recipe is wonderfully flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
The Turkey Lover’s Version
Swap half the mushrooms for lean ground turkey browned with garlic and ginger. The meat adds heartiness while keeping things lighter than traditional beef lasagna. Just be sure to drain any excess fat thoroughly before layering.
The Extra Cheesy Celebration
For those extra special occasions, layer thin slices of provolone between the dumpling wrappers and sprinkle fontina cheese into the ricotta mixture. The triple cheese situation creates incredible meltiness and depth. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.
The Plant Powered Powerhouse
Make it completely vegan by using firm tofu crumbled and sautéed with nutritional yeast instead of cottage cheese, and swap regular mozzarella for a quality vegan alternative. The umami from the mushrooms and a splash of tamari in the sauce keeps it deeply satisfying.
The Soup Inspired Twist
Love the cozy vibes of lasagna soup? Try this: after baking, gently stir the entire dish with a bit of warm vegetable broth right before serving to create a deconstructed, spoonable version that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s like my lasagna soup recipe decided to have a delicious identity crisis.
Serving Your Masterpiece with Style
Let your dumpling lasagna shine by pairing it thoughtfully. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while garlic roasted broccoli adds a vibrant green pop. For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons and a light dusting of red pepper flakes brings color and gentle heat.
Serve it family style straight from the baking dish for that warm, communal feeling we all crave after a long week.
And if you’re hosting brunch the next morning, try my croissant breakfast sandwiches recipe alongside leftover lasagna for the ultimate comfort food spread.
Keeping It Fresh and Delicious
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover individual portions with a damp paper towel and microwave for 90 seconds, or warm gently in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through.
The oven method preserves the texture best. Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the dumpling wrappers, so plan to enjoy it within a few days.
Creative Leftover Magic
Don’t let those last few slices go to waste. Chop cold leftovers finely and fold into scrambled eggs for an umami packed breakfast scramble. Or, crisp up small squares in a nonstick skillet with a little olive oil for crispy lasagna bites you can dip in marinara. They make an unexpected but delightful appetizer.
How Do You Make it
Dumpling Lasagna
6
servings25
minutes35
minutes385
kcalA comforting fusion dish that layers delicate dumpling wrappers with savory mushroom spinach filling and melty cheese for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.
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Ingredients
12 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
10 ounces fresh spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
0.5 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
24 round dumpling wrappers
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and most liquid has evaporated.
- Transfer mixture to a colander and press gently with a spoon to remove excess moisture.
- Let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the cooled mushroom spinach mixture until well combined.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange 8 dumpling wrappers over the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom completely.
- Spread half the cottage cheese filling evenly over the wrappers.
- Drizzle with 3/4 cup marinara sauce and sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: 8 wrappers, remaining cottage cheese filling, 3/4 cup marinara sauce, and another 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Top with the final 8 wrappers, remaining 1 cup marinara sauce, remaining 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons before serving.
Notes
- Pat cooked spinach very dry to prevent a watery lasagna.
- Dumpling wrappers tear easily when wet. Work quickly when layering and keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel.
- No cottage cheese? Ricotta works beautifully as a substitute.
- For extra crispy edges, broil uncovered for the final 2 to 3 minutes (watch closely!).
- Fresh dumpling wrappers work best, but frozen thawed wrappers are a convenient alternative.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 385kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0.65mg
- Sodium: 0.890mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
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FAQs
Absolutely! Wonton wrappers are slightly thinner but work wonderfully. Just handle them gently and ensure they’re fully covered with sauce to prevent drying out.
This usually happens when the spinach or mushrooms aren’t properly drained after cooking. Always squeeze excess liquid from spinach and let mushrooms cook until their released moisture evaporates completely.
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it starts cold.
I don’t recommend freezing after baking because the delicate wrappers become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the uncooked assembled dish for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Square wrappers work perfectly fine. Simply trim them slightly or layer them in a shingled pattern to cover the pan evenly.
Definitely! Brown 1/2 pound of ground turkey or chicken with the mushrooms for a heartier version. Just drain any excess fat thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
Let’s Make Magic Together
I genuinely hope this dumpling lasagna becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. There’s something so joyful about blending culinary traditions to create something entirely new yet deeply comforting.
When you make it, I’d love to see your creation. Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below telling me how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? I’m always looking for new ideas to try in my next batch.
And if you’re craving more cozy baked goodness, my dumpling bake recipe is waiting for you with open arms. Happy cooking, friends. Your kitchen is your canvas, so paint it with flavor.