Cheesy Lasagna Garlic Bread Delight
Cheesy Lasagna Garlic Bread Delight combines the comforting layers of creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta with the irresistible aroma and crunch of garlicky toasted bread. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, and anyone craving a luscious and satisfying meal with a fun twist on classic lasagna.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Lasagna Components
- 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Bread Topping
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano and basil)
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Drain excess fat, stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let simmer gently to deepen the flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular noodles, cook them al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water. No-boil noodles can be used directly in layering.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy layer.
- Assemble the Lasagna Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, then layer noodles. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, and repeat layers until ingredients are used. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread Topping: Sauté minced garlic in melted butter until fragrant. Brush the garlic butter over bread slices, then either place the bread atop the lasagna layers or bake separately for extra crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the garlic bread topping is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
- Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushiness; they should be slightly firm before baking.
- Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes before serving to set the layers.
- Choose high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for noticeable flavor improvement.
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for added freshness and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesy lasagna, garlic bread, lasagna recipe, comfort food, Italian fusion, baked pasta, family dinner, garlic bread topping