Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

The Ultimate Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Crispy, golden-edged garlic bread transforms any classic lasagna into a mouthwatering feast.

Melted butter mingles with fragrant herbs, creating an irresistible aroma.

Layers of crusty goodness complement the rich, hearty pasta dish perfectly.

Each slice promises a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy lasagna textures.

Homemade versions easily outshine store-bought alternatives, giving you total control over flavor intensity.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this side dish a total game-changer.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible combination.

Lasagna Garlic Bread That’s Bold and Brilliant

Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary bread into a mouthwatering meal that turns heads and satisfies hunger with minimal kitchen effort.

Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this lasagna garlic bread in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or spontaneous dinner cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine two favorite dishes – lasagna and garlic bread – into one irresistible creation that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting flavors.

Versatile Meal Solution: Customize with different meats, swap marinara for alternative sauces, or make vegetarian by using plant-based proteins, ensuring flexibility for various dietary preferences.

Lasagna Garlic Bread Ingredients

Bread Base:
  • French Bread: Sturdy base that holds the delicious lasagna toppings, best when fresh and crusty.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef, Sausage: Hearty protein that adds rich meaty flavor, choose lean meat for less grease.
Cheese Group:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the filling, provides smooth texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor depth.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates golden stretchy top layer.
Sauce and Seasoning Group:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that adds moisture and tangy tomato flavor.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides robust aromatic base for garlic butter.
  • Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb that brightens the overall flavor.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
  • Melted Butter: Creates rich garlic butter coating for bread.
Herb and Spice Group:
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that enhances overall taste.
  • Salt: Enhances all flavors in the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Garnish Group:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy topping for heat lovers.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds bright, fresh final touch to the dish.

Garlic Bread Assembly Guide

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice And Hollow The Bread

Take your French bread and slice it lengthwise.

Use a gentle touch to scoop out some of the inner bread, creating a cozy space for all the delicious fillings.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter

Whip up a flavor-packed garlic butter by combining:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley

Brush this golden mixture generously across the bread’s cut sides.

Step 4: Brown The Meaty Goodness

Heat a skillet and cook your ground beef or sausage until it transforms into a beautiful brown color.

Drain away any extra fat, then stir in marinara sauce for extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Mix The Creamy Ricotta Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan
  • Egg
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until everything becomes a smooth, delectable mixture.

Step 6: Layer With Love

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each bread half.

Pour the meaty marinara sauce on top, then shower the surface with shredded mozzarella.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the prepared bread onto the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let the bread cool briefly, then slice into mouthwatering portions.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil for a final flourish.

Flavor Tips For Lasagna Garlic Bread Combo

  • Choose a sturdy French bread with a thick crust to prevent sogginess and hold the lasagna filling securely.
  • Pat cooked ground beef or sausage with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crisp and not-greasy final dish.
  • Let ricotta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more spreadable filling.
  • Adjust spiciness by increasing red pepper flakes or adding hot Italian sausage for those who enjoy extra kick.
  • Prepare components separately and assemble just before baking to maintain bread's crispness and prevent moisture buildup.

Handling Leftover Lasagna Garlic Bread

  • Store leftover lasagna garlic bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Cover each piece individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps up again. Avoid microwave to keep bread's texture.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the flavors and make leftovers taste like freshly baked bread.

Garlic Bread Lasagna Add-Ons

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty lasagna garlic bread. Its acidity cuts through the cheesy, savory layers while enhancing the marinara's depth.
  • Crisp Caesar Salad Companion: Create a light, tangy side salad with romaine lettuce, homemade Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. The fresh greens balance the heaviness of the bread and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Zesty Antipasto Platter: Arrange marinated olives, salami, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts. This Italian-inspired appetizer plate adds variety and celebrates the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
  • Cool Craft Beer Match: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the robust meat and cheese. The beer's carbonation and slightly bitter notes cleanse the palate between bites, making each mouthful feel fresh and exciting.

Garlic Bread Lasagna Combos to Enjoy

  • Vegetarian Lasagna Bread: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or mushrooms. Use vegetable marinara sauce for a hearty, meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap French bread with gluten-free baguette or cauliflower bread. Ensure all ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini boats or large bell peppers instead of bread. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, cheesy lasagna flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu ricotta. Use dairy-free mozzarella and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for creamy, cheese-like texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can substitute French bread with Italian bread, ciabatta, or sourdough for a unique twist. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love cheese and meat, and the bread format makes it easy to eat. You can adjust spice levels by reducing red pepper flakes or using mild marinara sauce.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat alternatives, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Keep the cheese and marinara sauce components the same.

  • What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal for melting, but you can also blend in provolone or add some cheddar for extra flavor. The key is using a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients.

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Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Layered with rich flavors, cheesy lasagna garlic bread blends Italian comfort and home-style warmth. Melted cheese, herbed garlic spread, and crispy edges invite you to savor each mouthwatering bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 egg

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Bread and Seasonings:

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauces and Garnish:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal bread preparation.
  2. Carefully split the French bread horizontally, gently removing some interior bread to create a generous cavity for filling.
  3. Craft a luxurious garlic butter by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley, then generously coat the bread’s interior surfaces.
  4. In a sizzling skillet, brown the ground meat thoroughly, ensuring complete cooking and draining any excess fat, then infuse with rich marinara sauce for deep flavor complexity.
  5. Develop a creamy ricotta mixture by blending ricotta with grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a balanced touch of salt and pepper.
  6. Layer the bread strategically: spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the bread’s interior, creating a smooth foundation for the subsequent meat sauce layer.
  7. Generously cascade the meat sauce over the ricotta, then blanket with a luxurious coating of shredded mozzarella for maximum cheesy indulgence.
  8. Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  9. Allow the lasagna bread to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then slice into elegant portions and garnish with vibrant red pepper flakes and delicate fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
  • Hollow out bread carefully to maintain sturdy edges, ensuring the filling stays contained during baking.
  • Consider using gluten-free French bread for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Add extra herbs like oregano or thyme to the ricotta mixture for enhanced depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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