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
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal bread preparation.
- Carefully split the French bread horizontally, gently removing some interior bread to create a generous cavity for filling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layer the bread strategically: spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the bread’s interior, creating a smooth foundation for the subsequent meat sauce layer.
- Generously cascade the meat sauce over the ricotta, then blanket with a luxurious coating of shredded mozzarella for maximum cheesy indulgence.
- Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- 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