If you love the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine and adore garlic bread, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s a fun, flavorful twist that combines the hearty layers of lasagna with the crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread, turning a classic side into the star of your meal. Imagine the ooey-gooey cheeses, savory sausage meat sauce, tender spinach béchamel, and fresh herbs all nestled inside a golden crusty garlic loaf—it’s pure, indulgent joy that you’ll want to share with everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a starring role in the incredible layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe unforgettable. From the rich cheeses to the vibrant veggies, they all come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Furlani garlic bread loaves: A sturdy yet soft base perfect for stuffing and baking.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melts beautifully to create gooey layers.
- Grated mozzarella cheese: Offers that classic stretchy, stringy texture loved in Italian dishes.
- Fresh lasagna sheets: Blanched and cut to fit snugly, these bring traditional lasagna structure.
- Chopped parsley or basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens up every bite.
- Ground sausage: Provides rich, savory meatiness with a great texture.
- Diced onion and bell pepper: Infuse sweetness and slight crunch to the meat sauce.
- Tomato paste and passata: Create a deep, luscious tomato base.
- Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour: The classic duo forming the base of the creamy béchamel sauce.
- Warmed milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and complexity to the béchamel.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Enhances flavor with a gentle heat.
- Baby spinach: Adds a pop of green, nutrition, and mild earthiness to the sauce.
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking the ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully browned and flavorful. Drain the excess grease—this keeps the sauce from becoming too oily. In the same pan, toss in diced onions and bell peppers, cooking them until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Stir in tomato paste to deepen the flavors, then add the passata. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before mixing in the browned sausage. Let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and all those lovely flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms—this is your roux. Slowly pour in warmed milk, whisking constantly to keep the sauce silky and lump-free. Add Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the béchamel’s flavor profile. Finally, fold in chopped baby spinach, letting it wilt gently before setting the sauce aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Bread Loaves
Slice the Furlani garlic bread loaves in half lengthwise and arrange the bottom and top halves in a baking dish, creating two tight V-shapes ready to be filled. Sprinkle a layer of mixed cheddar and mozzarella on the bottom halves—this creates a melting foundation that will hold the lasagna layers beautifully. Pop these into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 6 minutes until the cheeses start to bubble and meld into the bread.
Step 4: Build the Lasagna Layers
Start layering by placing strips of blanched lasagna noodles on top of the melted cheese layer. Spoon a generous amount of the rich meat sauce over the noodles, then add another noodle layer followed by a good spread of the creamy béchamel sauce. Sprinkle more cheese, add a final noodle layer, spoon the rest of the meat sauce evenly, and finish with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella. This careful layering creates the delicious internal “lasagna” effect, making this garlic bread truly one-of-a-kind.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your stuffed garlic bread at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted thoroughly, golden on top, and bubbling with excitement. The crust will crisp beautifully while the filling stays hearty and moist—ready to impress at the first cut.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over your masterpiece for a fresh, fragrant touch. Allow the loaves to rest for about 5 minutes; this lets the filling settle, making the slices hold together better and flavors meld perfectly before serving. For a little extra decadence, serve with some warm leftover béchamel sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil aren’t just pretty—they add a burst of bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat sauces. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a gentle kick if you want a bit of heat. Don’t underestimate the power of a final drizzle of good olive oil to bring everything together.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to balance it out, light sides are the way to go. Think crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad. These keep your meal balanced and bright without competing with the flavors of the lasagna stuffed garlic bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing party centerpiece, slice your lasagna stuffed garlic bread into individual portions and serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, extra béchamel, or pesto. You can also cut smaller “bite-sized” pieces for a fun appetizer platter that guests can grab and enjoy while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any uneaten portions tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors improve as they sit, and you’ll find reheated slices just as comforting and delicious the next day.
Freezing
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the baked and cooled loaves securely in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight so the texture stays as close to freshly baked as possible.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and the cheeses melted just right. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic bread instead of Furlani garlic bread?
Yes, you can use any sturdy garlic bread loaf that holds up well to slicing and baking. The key is having bread that’s not too soft so it can contain all those delicious layers without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative to maintain the hearty texture and depth of flavor.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Definitely. The meat sauce and béchamel sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking for the freshest results.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh lasagna sheets?
Pre-cooked or no-boil noodles work well, too. Just cut them to size and layer carefully. Make sure they aren’t too dry before layering, adding a splash of sauce if needed to keep them moist.
How spicy is this recipe?
The original recipe is mild and savory, perfect for most palates, but you can easily add chili flakes or spicy sausage if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe is a joyful blend of two beloved classics that elevates your meal time in the most delicious way. It’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining friends, or treating yourself to something special. Once you try it, this recipe will no doubt become a coveted favorite in your home, so go ahead and make it soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread is a delicious fusion recipe combining the hearty flavors of classic lasagna with the crispy, garlicky goodness of garlic bread. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory sausage meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are baked inside garlic bread loaves for a comforting and visually impressive dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread
- 2 Furlani garlic bread loaves
- 180g grated cheddar cheese
- 180g grated mozzarella cheese
- 3 large fresh lasagna sheets, blanched and cut into 2-inch strips
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
For the Meat Sauce
- 454g ground sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500ml passata
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warmed milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5 oz baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, then remove the sausage and drain the grease through a strainer. Using the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until tender. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the passata and bring to a simmer. Return the sausage to the skillet, stir, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside the meat sauce.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the chopped baby spinach, mix well, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Bread Bases: Place the top and bottom halves of the two garlic bread loaves in a baking dish to form two tight V-shapes. Sprinkle the bottom of each V with some grated cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 6 minutes to lightly toast and melt the cheese.
- Layer the Lasagna: On each garlic bread base, layer the lasagna strips followed by a layer of meat sauce, then another layer of noodles, topped with béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese, add another layer of noodles, spoon over the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the Stuffed Bread: Bake the assembled garlic bread lasagnas at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil, and allow the loaves to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with warm leftover béchamel sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Blanch the fresh lasagna sheets briefly in boiling water to soften before layering.
- Use ground sausage for a richer, more flavorful meat sauce, or substitute with ground beef or turkey according to preference.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and omit the meat sauce.
- Ensure the béchamel sauce is not too thick; adjust milk quantity for a creamy but spreadable consistency.
- Let the bread rest after baking to allow the layers to set, which makes slicing easier and cleaner.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add freshness and color to the dish.
