Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this incredibly easy Lasagna Bread Pizza. Combining the crispy crust of French bread pizza with the rich, savory layers of classic lasagna, this dish is a brilliant twist on two beloved favorites!
If you’re a fan of innovative lasagna recipes, you’ll also adore this One-Skillet Lasagna for effortless weeknight dining, or warm up with a bowl of this comforting Lasagna Soup.
Embracing the New Year with Delicious Dinner Ideas
The turn of the year often brings a feeling akin to a Monday morning. The festive cheer of the holidays has faded, and the next big break seems far off. Much like a Monday, where the excitement of the weekend is a recent memory, and you’re anticipating the next one in the distant future. However, for me, there’s a certain charm to Mondays, and even more so to January. It signals a time for reflection, for organization, and for fresh starts. It’s a blank canvas, full of potential.
While I thoroughly enjoyed sharing a plethora of sweet treats in December – and indeed, I posted quite a few – I’m genuinely thrilled to shift focus back to sharing more savory dinner ideas. There’s something inherently satisfying about a hearty, home-cooked meal, especially after the indulgence of the holiday season.
I’m also excited to resume a more regular posting schedule, including the return of popular series like “Fridays with Rachael Ray” and our “Blogger Spotlight.” Today, “Fridays with Rachael Ray” makes a triumphant return with a recipe that is absolutely essential for your “must-make” list. This isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a game-changer that will quickly become a family favorite.
This particular recipe has been in my collection for a little while. I built up a small stockpile of dinner ideas during December, which was delightfully dominated by desserts. Yet, even weeks after I first prepared and enjoyed it, the flavors and textures remain vivid in my memory, as if I had it yesterday. That, to me, is the true mark of a remarkable recipe.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Lasagna Bread Pizza
I absolutely adore the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna, but the truth is, I rarely make it. The traditional process can be quite time-consuming, involving multiple layers, boiling noodles, and a lengthy bake time. And as anyone who knows me can attest, I am an undeniable bread lover. So, what if we could combine the irresistible elements of lasagna with the delightful convenience of French bread pizza?
This Lasagna Bread Pizza does just that. It marries the savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella of lasagna with the crispy, satisfying crunch of toasted French bread. The result is a delightful, albeit wonderfully messy, dinner that leaves you feeling utterly satisfied without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a dish that brings smiles to the table and is incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule or as a fun meal for entertaining. I would enthusiastically recommend adding this recipe to your regular dinner rotation!
The Best of Both Worlds: French Bread Pizza Meets Lasagna
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the genius behind this fusion. French bread pizza is a weeknight hero. It’s quick, customizable, and inherently delicious, providing a fantastic crispy base for your favorite toppings. On the other hand, lasagna is the epitome of Italian comfort food – rich, layered, and deeply flavorful, a labor of love that’s perfect for special occasions. The challenge with lasagna, however, is its complexity and the time commitment it requires.
Our Lasagna Bread Pizza bridges this gap beautifully. By using a sturdy French bread as the foundation, we eliminate the need for pasta noodles and create an instantly satisfying texture. The bread provides the perfect crispiness to complement the soft, cheesy lasagna filling. The traditional lasagna components – a robust meat sauce, a creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella – are all here, layered generously on top of the toasted bread. This innovative approach delivers all the beloved flavors of lasagna with the speed and simplicity of a French bread pizza, making it accessible for any cook, any night of the week. It’s a testament to how creative twists on classics can lead to truly spectacular results.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Lasagna Bread Pizza
Crafting this incredible dish requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that authentic lasagna flavor on a pizza crust. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- French Bread: Choose a good quality, large loaf of French bread, typically found in your grocery store’s bakery section. Its sturdy crust is essential for holding the rich toppings without becoming soggy. You’ll typically only use one half of a large loaf for one pizza, leaving the other for another delightful meal.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Italian cooking, olive oil is used to brown the ground beef and sauté aromatics, adding depth to the sauce base.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of our “lasagna” meat sauce. You can also experiment with Italian sausage for an extra flavor kick, or a mix of both.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): Chopped onion and minced garlic are fundamental for building a flavorful sauce. They provide a sweet and pungent foundation that elevates the entire dish.
- Tomato Paste & Tomato Sauce: Tomato paste offers concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce, while canned tomato sauce provides the bulk and tanginess. Look for good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Dried Herbs (Thyme & Oregano): These classic Italian herbs are essential for imparting the signature lasagna taste. Don’t skimp on them; they are key to the aroma and flavor profile.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is crucial at every stage to bring out the best in your ingredients.
- Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, fresh ricotta cheese mixture provides the iconic white layer of lasagna. It adds moisture, richness, and a delightful tang.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Mixed into the ricotta and sprinkled on top, Parmesan cheese offers a salty, umami depth that is characteristic of lasagna.
- Egg Yolk: The egg yolk acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture, helping it set and hold its shape during baking.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely minced fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and vibrant color to the ricotta mixture, balancing the richness.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Slices of fresh mozzarella melt beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey, stretchy cheese pull that everyone loves in both pizza and lasagna.
- Fresh Basil (Optional Garnish): A final flourish of torn fresh basil leaves after baking brightens the flavors and adds a gourmet touch.
The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making each bite of Lasagna Bread Pizza an authentic Italian experience.
More French Bread Pizza Creations to Explore
If you love the concept of easy French Bread Pizza, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic variations:
Spinach Artichoke French Bread Pizza
French Bread Pizza with Sausage and Portobello Mushrooms
Taco French Bread Pizza
French Bread Hawaiian Pizza
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Lasagna Bread Pizza
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Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
4
servings
Main Dish
Italian
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of French bread (grocery store size)
- olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil torn (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the large French bread loaf in half lengthwise. You will only use one half for this recipe; save the other half for another delicious meal. From the half you are using (I usually prefer the bottom half for a sturdier base), gently pull out some of the soft bread from the center, creating a shallow trough. Be careful not to tear through the bottom crust. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for just a few minutes until it is lightly toasted. This step helps create a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: While the bread is toasting, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients together, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, and finely minced fresh parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Season this ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper as well, ensuring every layer is flavorful.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the French bread is lightly toasted, remove it from the oven. Evenly spread the creamy ricotta cheese mixture over the toasted bread, filling the trough you created earlier. Next, spoon the rich meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it to the edges. Finally, top generously with slices of fresh mozzarella. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown, bubbly, and melted to perfection. For an extra touch, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves immediately after removing from the oven, if desired. Slice and serve hot, embracing the delicious mess!
Recipe Notes:
lasagna bread pizza, french bread pizza, easy lasagna, pizza dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, ricotta recipe
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Bread: A sturdy, fresh French bread loaf is key. Avoid overly soft or thin loaves, as they might not hold up well to the heavy toppings. A slightly day-old loaf can also work wonders as it tends to be firmer.
- Preventing Soggy Bread: Don’t skip the initial toasting step! This creates a slightly crispy barrier that helps prevent the bread from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce and ricotta, ensuring a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Seasoning in Layers: Remember to season the ground beef mixture and the ricotta mixture separately. Layered seasoning builds depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overfill the bread. A balanced amount ensures even cooking and prevents spillage.
- Golden Brown Finish: If your cheese isn’t browning sufficiently, you can briefly place the bread pizza under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning!
Variations & Customizations
This Lasagna Bread Pizza is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add More Veggies: Sauté finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat sauce for a subtle heat, or more for a bolder spice.
- Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage (sweet or hot), ground turkey, or a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Provolone, Fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add unique flavors.
- Herb Power: Beyond thyme and oregano, consider adding a touch of dried basil to the sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh rosemary.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and instead add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or a can of drained lentils to your tomato sauce for a hearty meatless option.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna Bread Pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness. You could also serve it alongside some steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover Lasagna Bread Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious!
Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust regains some crispness. Microwaving is possible but may result in a softer crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare Lasagna Bread Pizza ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the meat sauce and ricotta mixture a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, toast the bread, assemble, and follow the baking instructions. This makes for an even quicker weeknight meal!
Q: What kind of French bread is best for this recipe?
A: Look for a traditional, somewhat crusty French bread loaf from your grocery store’s bakery. Baguettes can be too thin and dense; you want a loaf that has enough interior to create a trough for the toppings and a good sturdy crust to support everything.
Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Bread Pizza?
A: Freezing is generally not recommended for assembled bread pizzas, as the bread can become soggy upon thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze the cooked meat sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, then assemble fresh when ready to bake.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely! This dish is a fantastic way to get kids excited about dinner. It combines the familiar fun of pizza with the comforting flavors of lasagna. You can even involve them in spreading the ricotta or topping with cheese.