Lasagna Garlic Bread is the perfect mashup of an Italian classic and garlic cheese bread! The buttery garlic bread is topped with a marinara ground beef mixture, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheese. Then, the bread is baked (or cooked in an air fryer) until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It saves you from dipping the bread since it’s already loaded with all the lasagna flavors! If you love this, you will want to try my Lasagna Soup, another flavorful twist on the classic!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread: Look for a loaf of Italian bread. Ciabatta bread or another rustic loaf would also work well because it is hearty enough to hold all the delicious toppings!
- Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter: The butter spread is rich and savory, made with unsalted butter, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a common ingredient in lasagna, and it brings some substance to this bread. I would serve the bread as the main course with some sides for a complete meal. For a spicier option, try the bread with Italian sausage. Or, for a lighter option, use ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Marinara: The ground beef is cooked, and then simmered in marinara sauce. I have a delicious marinara recipe you could use. My five cheese marinara sauce would also be delicious! Or, use your favorite brand of sauce. Reserve some marinara for dipping.
- Cheese: I used both mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese for the topping of the garlic bread. Provolone or Gruyere cheese would also be tasty and melt well. For a classic lasagna touch, dollop some ricotta cheese on each half!
Delicious Toppings & Variations For Lasagna Garlic Bread
This bread is great as-is, but there are ways to elevate the flavors in each bite. Try some of these options:
- Pepperoni or sliced Italian sausage
- Sliced black olives
- Green bell peppers
- Dollops of ricotta cheese
- Need more of a kick? Add red pepper flakes (crushed red pepper).
- Sun-dried tomatoes
How To Store Lasagna Garlic Bread
Although best served hot and fresh, you can save leftover lasagna garlic bread to enjoy later. To store the bread, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, keep the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer.
Can I Freeze Baked Lasagna Garlic Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna garlic bread after it has been baked. To freeze, first, let the bread cool to room temperature. Next, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the package with the date for reference. Finally, place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy your delicious bread whenever you want!
Lasagna Garlic Bread
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F.* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise into two halves. Place both halves of the bread onto the lined baking sheet, cut side up.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, parmesan, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Spread the butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Set aside while you make the lasagna mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Top each half of the loaf with half of the marinara mixture, ½ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley. Cut and serve immediately with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Follow the instructions to the point of baking the bread in the oven.
- Place the bread into the basket of your air fryer, cutting them to fit.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This bread is really good (and really addicting)! I loved the Italian seasoning that I could taste in each bite.
Elizabeth
Yum! I love a hearty garlic bread that can be the main dish! I might add a little bit of ricotta cheese to mine next time.
Annabelle
This seems easy to put together, and I think it would be devoured in no time.
Bella
I love garlic bread, but this is next level! The added beef and marinara make it a complete meal. I can't stop eating it.
Selena
This garlic bread is comfort food perfection! So cheesy and flavorful.
