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Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pairing garlic bread with lasagna, right? Well, this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe takes that classic combo and turns it into a weekend favorite that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. I love how the garlic butter-soaked bread gets that perfect crunch topped with cheesy, meaty lasagna goodness — it’s like comfort food on a slice!

If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of juggling a big dinner. This recipe is a lifesaver because it’s quick, straightforward, and pairs beautifully with just about any pasta night. Plus, dipping that crusty, cheesed-up garlic bread into extra marinara? Game changer. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe will fit right in on your table and have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: You’ll love how straightforward this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe is, perfect for busy nights.
  • Flavor-packed: Combining savory ground beef, rich cheeses, and garlic butter takes garlic bread to a whole new level.
  • Crowd-pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit at family dinners or casual get-togethers.
  • Versatile serving: Excellent as a side, appetizer, or even a main for lighter meals.
A large piece of toasted bread sits on a white marbled surface covered with a thick layer of chunky red meat sauce, topped with a layer of melted yellow and white cheese that spreads evenly across the surface with some browned spots and small green herb sprinkles. Next to it, six sliced pieces are laid out in a neat row with the same three layers visible: the base of toasted bread, the reddish meat sauce, and the melty cheese on top, all sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Near the bread are two small bowls, one filled with a red sauce and the other with finely chopped green herbs, and fresh green parsley resting on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using good quality, fresh ingredients really brings this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe alive. Italian bread with a soft crumb and crisp crust works perfectly, while the cheeses melt beautifully for that gooey goodness you want.

  • Italian bread: Choose a sturdy loaf that holds up well to the butter and toppings—fresh from your bakery is ideal.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes it easy to mix with the flavors and spread evenly.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parm adds a punch of nutty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
  • Garlic salt: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie all the flavors together.
  • Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a meaty lasagna topping without too much grease.
  • Marinara sauce: Choose a sauce with good herb balance—homemade or store-bought both work great.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into a stretchy, creamy topping.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a deeper, tangy note that contrasts nicely with mozzarella.
  • Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens and garnishes the final dish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make this recipe your own! I’ve played around with it a lot—sometimes swapping beef for sausage or adding veggies—and honestly, it’s always a winner. You can tinker with the cheeses too, so it fits your family’s tastes perfectly.

  • Vegetarian: I substitute ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and chopped zucchini, and it’s just as satisfying.
  • Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce gave it an exciting warmth my friends loved.
  • Cheese swap: Try smoked mozzarella or add a little provolone for a different cheesy twist.
  • Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free baguette or bread loaf and you’re good to go.

How to Make Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Bread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this little trick keeps cleanup quick. Slice your Italian bread lengthwise to get two roomy halves for all those tasty toppings. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides; it sets the stage for all those juicy flavors to soak into every bite.

Step 2: Cooking the Meaty Lasagna Topping

Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to crumble it well so the texture stays nice. Once browned and drained, stir in half of your marinara sauce and let it simmer briefly—this blends the flavors and keeps the topping saucy but not soggy. This part is key for that true “lasagna” punch on the bread.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

Top each half of your bread with the saucy beef mixture, then layer on mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes until the bread crisps up and the cheese melts gorgeously. Finish with a quick broil for just a couple of minutes to get that bubbly golden top—but keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

The final touch? Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dunking—trust me, don’t skip the dipping sauce, it elevates the whole experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

  • Don’t Overload the Bread: I’ve learned the hard way that piling on too much sauce makes the bread soggy — go lighter for crispiness.
  • Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese browning happens fast, so stay near the oven for that perfect golden top without burning.
  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated, making a noticeable difference.
  • Opt for Low-Moisture Mozzarella: This keeps the bread from becoming overly wet but still gooey and melty.

How to Serve Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

A close-up of a slice of thick bread toast held by a woman's hand with black nail polish, showing three layers: the bottom layer is light brown toasted bread with airy holes, the middle layer is a chunky red sauce with some brown chunks of meat, and the top layer is a blend of melted yellow and white cheese, slightly browned and bubbly. The toast slice is lifted above other similar slices on a white marbled surface with a blurred green background. The lighting is warm and natural, making the dish look fresh and savory. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh parsley because it adds a nice color and a light herbal note that balances the richness. If you want, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a lovely option to add a subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This garlic bread is fantastic with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted veggies. It also pairs well with a simple pasta dish if you want to keep things classic.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe sliced on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping marinara, parmesan, and fresh herbs on the side—it doubles as a fun, interactive appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool completely, then store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, and you’ll want to warm them gently to keep the bread from getting too tough.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe works great if you want to prep in advance. Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight freezer bag. They freeze well up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy and cheese melty, I like reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes—skip the microwave if possible or your bread might get soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread for this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Italian bread is classic for its texture and flavor, a sturdy French baguette or a ciabatta loaf can work well too—just make sure the bread can hold up under the toppings without getting too soggy.

  2. What’s the best way to avoid soggy garlic bread?

    Don’t overload the bread with sauce and use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to help maintain a crispy crust. Baking it at the right temperature and broiling for a short time helps too!

  3. Can I make this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prep the bread with the buttered garlic mixture and cooked beef topping in advance. Store assembled but unbaked halves in the fridge for a few hours, then bake when ready. It’s great for quick entertaining!

  4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

    Definitely—ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean options and will still taste delicious with the marinara and cheese topping.

  5. Is there an air fryer method for this recipe?

    Yes! After assembling your bread, place the halves into the air fryer basket (cutting to fit), and cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s a quick alternative to baking.

Final Thoughts

Personally, this Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe has become my go-to for a comforting but quick fix that pleases everyone at the table. It’s one of those recipes I can whip up on a busy weeknight or bring out when friends come over without much fuss. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do—trust me, once you try this combo, it’s hard to go back to plain garlic bread again!

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Lasagna Garlic Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Lasagna Garlic Bread featuring a crispy Italian bread base topped with a savory ground beef marinara mixture and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, perfect for a comforting appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread

  • 1 loaf Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups (514 g) marinara sauce, divided

Topping

  • 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar, shredded, divided
  • Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Prepare Bread: Slice the Italian bread lengthwise into two halves and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly over both cut sides of the bread halves. Set aside while preparing the meat sauce.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  5. Add Marinara Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble Bread Toppings: Spoon half of the meat and marinara mixture onto each bread half. Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar on each.
  7. Bake: Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
  8. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and broil the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese turns golden brown.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, cut into slices, and serve immediately with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For Air Fryer: Follow the recipe through assembly, then place the bread halves (cut to fit if needed) in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Make sure to watch closely during broiling to prevent burning.
  • Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid soggy bread.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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