Lasagna Garlic Bread
The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Lasagna garlic bread is the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods—cheesy, saucy lasagna and buttery, garlicky bread. This indulgent dish features layers of ricotta, marinara, and melty mozzarella nestled inside crispy, golden garlic bread. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser and makes for an unforgettable appetizer or main course.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I remember the first time I thought about stuffing lasagna into garlic bread—it was one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments. I was making garlic bread to serve alongside a pan of homemade lasagna, and the idea just clicked. What if the bread itself held all those delicious layers? One bite in, and I knew this was something special.
This recipe is perfect for game days, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving something outrageously delicious. You can customize it with different fillings, add spicy sausage, or even make a vegetarian version with extra veggies.
Ingredient Notes
- French bread – A sturdy loaf works best to hold the lasagna layers without getting soggy.
- Garlic butter – A mix of melted butter, garlic, and parsley for classic garlic bread flavor.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds a creamy, rich layer inside.
- Mozzarella cheese – Provides that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
- Parmesan cheese – Enhances the savory depth of flavor.
- Marinara sauce – Use homemade or store-bought for a saucy layer.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage – Adds heartiness and flavor, but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Italian seasoning – Ties everything together with classic Italian herbs.
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta layer for a creamy, structured filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the bread – Slice a French bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the soft inside to make space for the filling.
- Make the garlic butter – Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley, then brush onto the cut sides of the bread.
- Cook the meat – Brown the ground beef or sausage in a pan, drain excess fat, and mix with marinara sauce.
- Prepare the ricotta filling – Combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the layers – Spread a layer of ricotta mixture inside each bread half, followed by the meat sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake – Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Slice and serve – Let cool slightly before slicing into pieces and enjoying!
Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Garlic Bread
- Use a crusty loaf – Softer bread can get too soggy once filled.
- Don’t overstuff – Keeping the layers balanced ensures the bread stays intact when sliced.
- Bake uncovered – This helps the cheese get nice and golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping sauces – Serve with extra marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Side dishes – Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Toppings – A sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes adds extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the bread, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I make it vegetarian? Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead.
Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Ciabatta or sourdough work great too.
What cheese substitutes can I use? Cottage cheese works instead of ricotta, and provolone can replace mozzarella.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna garlic bread is everything you love about lasagna and garlic bread combined into one irresistible dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, garlicky, and perfect for sharing. Try it out and let me know what you think!
PrintLasagna Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lasagna garlic bread brings together the best of both worlds—cheesy, saucy lasagna and buttery, garlicky bread. With layers of ricotta, marinara, and melty mozzarella tucked inside crispy golden garlic bread, this indulgent dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (crusty, sturdy bread works best)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (omit for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Hollow out some of the inside to create space for the filling.
- Make garlic butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush onto the cut sides of the bread.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce.
- Prepare ricotta filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each bread half. Top with meat sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Slice and serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use crusty bread to prevent sogginess.
- Avoid overstuffing to keep the bread intact when slicing.
- Bake uncovered for perfectly golden cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg