Prepare your taste buds for the ultimate mashup with Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread! Imagine the rich, meaty, cheesy filling of classic lasagna cuddled up inside a golden, garlicky bread boat, then baked until bubbly and irresistible. This recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you serve it as a crowd-pleasing main, a family-friendly appetizer, or cut into hearty slices for a game-day snack, Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread is a true showstopper that always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the impressive look fool you—the ingredients for Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread are wonderfully simple, and each one plays its part in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and that perfect crunchy-chewy texture. Gather these pantry-friendly basics to whip up a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts!
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread: This is the sturdy, crusty foundation for your stuffed creation—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness to the meat and ensures a beautifully browned filling.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and classic lasagna essence.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings the savory, herby punch that makes the filling irresistible.
- 1/2 small onion (diced): Sweet aromatic notes that deepen the savory goodness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for authentic Italian flair right in the heart of the filling.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Ties it all together with tangy tomato richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a warm, herby backbone classic to any Italian dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and lifts all those incredible flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of subtle heat to round things out.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy, smooth, and the secret to that luscious lasagna middle.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta so every bite stays thick and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Brightness and color for both filling and garnish.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty magic—no lasagna (or cheesy bread!) is complete without it.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish to punch up the flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Makes the bread gorgeously crisp and golden once brushed on the crust.
- 2 more cloves garlic (minced): Blended into the butter for that irresistible garlic bread top-note.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A splash of color and fresh finish just before serving.
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Boat
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully slice your Italian loaf or French bread in half lengthwise, just like you would for a giant sandwich, and gently hollow out some of the soft insides to create space for the filling. You want the bread to form sturdy little boats—save the bits you pull out for breadcrumbs later, if you like!
Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat, until it’s browned and fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer and marry together for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Ricotta Layer
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley. Give everything a good stir until it’s smooth and beautifully flecked with green. This simple mixture brings a luscious, comforting layer to your Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna Goodness
Now, assemble perfection! Spread the ricotta mixture evenly inside each hollowed bread half. Spoon the warm, rich meat sauce over that, making sure to pile it all the way to the edges. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top—don’t be shy!
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Magic
Stir the melted butter with the extra minced garlic. Brush this gorgeous mixture all along the exposed edges of the bread—the more, the better! This step gives your Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread signature garlicky aroma and a beautifully crispy, golden crust after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Bliss
Carefully transfer your filled bread halves to a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 8 to 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, melty, and gloriously golden, while the bread edges crisp up beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish, Slice, and Serve Warm
Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Slice into hearty pieces and serve warm, letting everyone marvel at those perfect layers inside each piece of Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread.
How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finish, adding bright color and a hint of herbal taste. For extra flair, try a light dusting of additional Parmesan right before serving, or even a few torn basil leaves if you want an aromatic lift.
Side Dishes
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread is rich and filling, so lighter sides are perfect. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or a simple bowl of roasted veggies. If you want a full Italian feast, a cup of minestrone soup pairs beautifully on colder nights.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the bread into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks for grab-and-go eating. Or, turn it into individual “boats” using smaller rolls for personal servings—kids especially love this version! Stacked on a rustic wooden board with plenty of colorful garnishes, Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread becomes the centerpiece of any get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftover Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread, wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making leftover slices an unforgettable next-day lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and stuff the bread as directed, but do not bake. Wrap airtight in two layers of foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as normal, adding a couple extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy—an oven is your best friend for restoring that delicious crisp!
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite veggies. You can also use your favorite plant-based meat substitutes for a meatless yet just-as-hearty meal.
Can I use store-bought garlic bread?
Yes, if you’re in a hurry, store-bought garlic bread works wonderfully. Simply hollow it out as directed, then stuff and bake—it shaves off a step and layers in even more garlicky flavor.
What’s the best way to hollow out the bread?
Use your hands or a spoon to carefully pull out the soft bread from the center, leaving about a 1/2-inch shell so your Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread holds up to all that delicious filling without falling apart.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can stuff and assemble the bread up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When it’s time to eat, just bake as instructed—perfect for entertaining or evening dinners after a busy day.
What’s the easiest way to slice and serve?
Let the bread cool for a couple of minutes after baking, then use a sharp serrated knife to slice it into thick pieces. This helps keep all those luscious, cheesy layers neatly in place!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to surprise your loved ones with something totally crave-worthy, you have to try Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread. There’s a reason it’s always the first dish to disappear whenever I make it—each gooey, garlicky, meaty bite is pure joy. So pull out your baking sheet and get ready for a new family favorite!
Print
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this irresistibly cheesy Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe. A delicious twist on classic lasagna, this decadent dish features a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted mozzarella, all nestled inside a crusty loaf of bread. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 large Italian loaf or French bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the inside to create a bread ‘boat.’
- Cook the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, diced onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic until browned. Add marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then set aside.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and parsley until smooth.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the ricotta mixture inside each bread half. Top with meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Brush with garlic butter: Mix melted butter with 2 cloves of minced garlic and brush over the bread edges.
- Bake: Cover the bread with foil, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought garlic bread for a shortcut—just hollow it out and fill as directed.
- To make ahead, assemble the bread and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
