Introduction
Indulge in a comforting twist on classic lasagna with this innovative recipe for Lasagna Bread Bowls. These delightful cups of Italian rolls are filled with layers of pasta, rich cheeses, savory sausage, and zesty marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a unique party treat, these bread bowls are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 12 large Italian rolls
– 12 tablespoons melted butter
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
– 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 32 ounces pasta sauce
– 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 12 equal slices
Prep Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Add the pasta sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it simmer briefly.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix until well blended.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the tops off the Italian rolls and gently press the interior bread down to create a hollow space for the filling.
Step 6: Make Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and salt. Brush this garlic butter mixture inside each bread bowl.
Step 7: Assemble Each Bread Bowl
For each bread bowl:
– Place a portion of a lasagna noodle at the bottom.
– Add a layer of the ricotta mixture.
– Fold the noodle over the ricotta layer.
– Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the meat sauce over the folded noodle.
– Fold the remaining part of the noodle over the meat sauce.
– Top with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Repeat Assembly
Repeat the layering process for all 12 bread bowls.
Step 9: Wrap in Foil
Wrap each assembled bread bowl in aluminum foil.
Step 10: Bake
Place the wrapped bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
Step 11: Serve
After baking, carefully unwrap the foil, transfer the bread bowls to serving plates, and serve warm.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing
These bread bowls can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be baked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Cooking Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures they hold their shape when layered in the bread bowls.
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through, enhancing its flavor before adding the pasta sauce.
Mixing Cheese Filling
Combine shredded Parmesan cheese, whole milk ricotta cheese, and beaten eggs in a mixing bowl. This mixture creates a rich, creamy filling that complements the noodles and sauce.
Preparing Bread Rolls
Slice the tops off the Italian rolls to create a bread bowl, and gently press the interior to make space for the filling. This step is crucial for holding all the ingredients without making the bread soggy.
Garlic Butter Mixture
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and salt. Brush this mixture inside each bread bowl to enhance flavor and add moisture during baking.
Layering the Ingredients
When assembling each bread bowl, layer the cooked lasagna noodle, cheese filling, meat sauce, and mozzarella in a specific order to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Baking in Foil
Wrap each filled bread bowl in aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking, allowing all the flavors to meld together. This technique also prevents the bread from becoming too crisp.
Serving the Dish
After baking, carefully unwrap the foil and serve the warm bread bowls on plates. This presentation enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread instead of Italian rolls?
Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as hoagie rolls or baguettes, but adjust the baking time if the bread’s thickness varies.
Can I make these bread bowls ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the bread bowls just before baking to ensure freshness.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or vegetables for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to freeze the assembled bread bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread bowls unbaked. Just wrap them tightly in foil and bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix or substitute with other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites for varying flavors.
Conclusion
These Italian bread bowl lasagna creations offer a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, combining the beloved flavors of Italian cuisine in a fun and portable format. The melding of rich cheeses, hearty sausage, and savory pasta sauce within the soft, buttery rolls makes for a satisfying meal that is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, these bread bowls are a unique way to enjoy a classic dish.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Use leftover Italian rolls to create cheesy garlic breadsticks. Brush them with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then bake until golden and crispy.
Stuffed Peppers
Utilize any extra ricotta and sausage by stuffing halved bell peppers and baking them in the oven with pasta sauce topped with mozzarella cheese.
Pasta Bake
Transform leftover ingredients into a pasta bake by mixing remaining noodles, ricotta, sauce, and sausage in a baking dish, layering with mozzarella, and baking until bubbly.
Mini Meatball Subs
Prepare mini meatball subs by filling split rolls with cooked meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella before baking until the cheese is melted and the rolls are crispy.
Vegetable Lasagna Rolls
For a vegetarian option, use lasagna noodles filled with a mixture of ricotta, sautéed vegetables, and spices, then roll them up in pasta sauce before baking.
