If you love the comforting layers of Italian lasagna and the irresistible charm of garlic bread, then you’re in for an absolute treat with this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. It’s like two favorite comfort foods fell in love and created a show-stopping dish that’s ooey-gooey, packed with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and bubbling cheese, all encased in crispy, garlicky bread. This recipe turns a humble dinner night into a delicious event that’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet soul-satisfying ingredients. Each component plays its part perfectly, from the savory meat sauce and silky béchamel to the fresh lasagna sheets and classic garlic bread loaves. Together, they weave layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that bring this dish to life.
- Furlani garlic bread loaves: The sturdy, flavorful base and crust that holds all the goodness inside.
- Cheddar cheese (180g grated): Adds sharpness and a lovely golden finish when baked.
- Mozzarella cheese (180g grated): Melts beautifully to create a luscious gooey texture.
- Fresh lasagna sheets (3 large, blanched, cut into strips): The tender pasta layers that make it truly lasagna in bread form.
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish: Brings fresh green color and a burst of bright herbal aroma.
- Ground sausage (454g): Provides a fragrant, hearty, and juicy meat sauce base.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Bell pepper (diced): Sweet and crunchy texture for balance in the sauce.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies tomato flavor with a rich, concentrated taste.
- Passata (500ml): Creates a luscious and smooth tomato sauce.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The fat base for the creamy béchamel sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the béchamel into a silky sauce.
- Warmed milk (1 1/4 cups): Ensures a smooth and lump-free béchamel.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To season and add slight heat.
- Baby spinach (5 oz, chopped): Melds into the béchamel for a hit of color and nutrition.
How to Make Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking the ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. Remove the sausage and drain excess grease so the sauce won’t feel too heavy. In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking them until tender and aromatic. Stir in the tomato paste to deepen the flavors, then add the passata. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before folding the sausage meat back in and letting the sauce thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes. This sauce is the heart of the dish, carrying rich, robust flavors that will seep into every bite.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
While the meat sauce simmers, it’s time to make that silky béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s bubbly, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly so you end up with a creamy, lump-free sauce. Add the Dijon mustard for a subtle kick and season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss in the chopped spinach just before finishing — the heat will wilt it gently, blending a delicate green freshness into the sauce before setting it aside.
Step 3: Prebake the Garlic Bread
Slice each Furlani garlic bread loaf into halves, placing the top and bottom halves inside a baking dish to create two tight V-shapes — this clever arrangement forms a perfect “pocket” to hold the layers of lasagna. Give a quick sprinkle of cheese to the bottoms of the V shapes; this helps the layers stick while adding an early cheesy kick. Pop the bread into a 375°F oven for about 6 minutes to toast lightly and prepare it to soak up the delicious fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now the fun begins! Start building inside each V by layering the blanched lasagna noodles over the cheese base. Spoon on a generous layer of the rich meat sauce, then add more noodles and spread the creamy béchamel sauce over them. Add a sprinkle of cheese for gooey goodness, followed by another noodle layer, and finish with the remaining meat sauce and cheese. This layering ensures every forkful tastes like a perfect bite of lasagna encased in golden garlic bread.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Bread
Slide the stuffed loaves back into the oven and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and slightly golden, and the bread feels toasty and crisp on the edges. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that hints at all the wonderful flavors waiting just beneath the crust.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bundles from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and herbal brightness, and let the lasagna stuffed garlic bread rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps everything settle so you get clean, satisfying slices when you cut into it. Serve alongside warm leftover béchamel sauce for dipping, making it even more luscious.
How to Serve Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds vibrancy and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the richness of this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe. You can even add a pinch of chili flakes if you crave a spicy kick to complement the savory depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite the star on its own, but a crisp green salad or a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad create wonderful lightness on the side. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup make it an even more comforting meal, rounding out the hearty bread-stuffed lasagna extravaganza.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or cozy gatherings, consider cutting the stuffed garlic bread into thick slices and serving them on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra meat sauce, béchamel, or even a chili-infused olive oil for dipping. It turns serving into a fun, interactive experience that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — although that might be rare — wrap the lasagna stuffed garlic bread tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it an excellent next-day treat.
Freezing
This Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled, unbaked assembled loaf tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the bread’s crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the meat sauce?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or a mix of meats work wonderfully depending on your preference. The sausage adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up.
Do I need to blanch the lasagna sheets before layering?
Yes, blanching the fresh lasagna sheets softens them just enough for easy layering inside the bread without making the final dish soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables to build a rich, meat-free sauce.
Is the béchamel sauce necessary?
The béchamel adds a creamy layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the heartiness of the sausage, elevating the dish to true comfort food status.
What type of garlic bread works best?
Use sturdy, thick garlic bread loaves like Furlani for the best structure. The bread needs to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining two beloved classics into one incredible dish, and this Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe does just that to perfection. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try and watch how this unique, comforting meal becomes a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
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
This delicious Lasagna Stuffed Garlic Bread combines the best elements of classic lasagna with the irresistible flavors of garlic bread. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory sausage meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of melted cheese come together inside soft, prebaked garlic bread loaves, creating an impressive and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
For the lasagna:
- 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
- Make meat sauce: Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Remove the sausage and place it in a strainer to drain excess grease. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until tender. Stir in tomato paste, then add the passata and bring to a simmer. Return the sausage to the skillet, mixing well, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
- Make béchamel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the flour and cook until a smooth paste forms. Gradually pour in warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Whisk in Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper. Add chopped baby spinach, then turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
- Prebake garlic bread: Slice the garlic bread loaves in half lengthwise to create top and bottom halves. Place them into a baking dish forming two tight V-shapes. Sprinkle some grated cheese onto the bottom halves. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 6 minutes to lightly toast the bread and melt the cheese.
- Assemble lasagna layers: On the cheesed bottom halves of the garlic bread, layer the blanched lasagna noodle strips. Spread a layer of the prepared meat sauce over the noodles, followed by another layer of noodles. Spoon béchamel sauce over this layer, then sprinkle with more grated cheese. Add a final layer of noodles, top with the remaining meat sauce, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cheese over the top.
- Bake the stuffed garlic bread: Place the assembled loaves back in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Slice carefully and serve warm, accompanied by the leftover béchamel sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Blanch lasagna sheets beforehand by boiling them briefly until pliable to prevent breaking when assembling.
- Using fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhances the flavor and presentation.
- Feel free to substitute ground sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different twist.
- Ensure the béchamel sauce is not overcooked to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Allow the loaf to rest before slicing to help the layers set and prevent spillage.
