Hey everyone! Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Lasagna Garlic Bread! Imagine the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna combined with the crispy, garlicky perfection of garlic bread. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for cozy nights in, game days, or any occasion that calls for some serious deliciousness.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Serving size: 6-8 slices
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can spread sauce and cheese, you can nail this recipe.
- Flavor Explosion: All the best flavors of lasagna packed into every bite of garlic bread.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or meat for a personalized twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Comfort Food Heaven: Cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 loaf of Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step: Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of Italian bread lengthwise to create two long halves.
- Garlic Butter Time: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Spread this garlicky goodness evenly over both halves of the bread.
- Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna Bread: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the garlic buttered bread. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over everything.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual servings. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, saucy deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side: Perfect alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of hearty soup.
- Appetizer Star: Cut into smaller slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Main Course Magic: Serve with a simple side salad for a quick and easy dinner.
- Dipping Fun: Offer extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Customization
- Add Meat: Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or pepperoni and sprinkle it over the sauce before adding the cheeses.
- Veggie Boost: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach and add them to the ricotta mixture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the top after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs About Lasagna Garlic Bread
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna garlic bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze lasagna garlic bread? I recommend freezing it before baking. Assemble the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.
- Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! French bread, sourdough, or even a baguette would work well.
- What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? You can substitute cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.
- How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? Make sure to not overload the bread with too much sauce. Also, baking it at a slightly higher temperature can help crisp up the bread.
