If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup. Imagine everything you love about classic lasagna—the rich tomato base, savory sausage, gooey cheeses, and tender noodles—swirled together in a steaming, creamy soup, with a golden, bubbly hunk of cheesy garlic bread for dunking. This soul-satisfying recipe transforms familiar Italian-American flavors into a one-pot wonder that’s impossible to resist, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends at casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup isn’t fussy, but every ingredient brings something special to the table, from the savory sausage and robust tomatoes to the finishing touch of fresh herbs. Get ready to enjoy layers of flavor and texture in every spoonful!
- Olive oil: A silky start that sautés everything to robust, Italian perfection.
- Ground Italian sausage (or ground beef): Brings hearty, savory flavor—choose mild or spicy to suit your preference!
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, building a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that aromatic warmth, infusing every bite with delicious garlicky notes.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the broth beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle, but crucial for that signature herby, comforting taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—add more or less depending on your spice level!
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): The hearty, tangy backbone of the soup, so use a good-quality brand.
- Chicken broth: Lightens things up while letting the other flavors shine through.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): They soften up in the soup and mimic all your favorite lasagna bites.
- Heavy cream: Swirls in creamy, dreamy richness for a truly velvety finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the soup for maximum stretch and goo factor.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings that authentic lasagna creaminess—don’t skip it!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth—stir some in and sprinkle more on top if you’re feeling fancy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for drawing out all the flavors—always taste and adjust at the end.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped): A sprinkle of green brings freshness and a pop of color.
- Baguette (sliced): The perfect base for your cheesy garlic bread.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes your bread spread irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Garlic (minced): Gets mingled with butter for aromatic, toasty flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings the bread to life—herby and delicious.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into golden, bubbly bliss right on top of every slice.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef if you prefer) and break it up with a spoon. Sauté until browned and fragrant, letting those tasty bits develop flavor. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep the soup lighter but still rich.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
Toss in the diced onions and keep cooking for a few minutes until they turn soft and sweet. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a minute or two to bloom—the aroma at this stage is pure comfort-food magic!
Step 3: Create the Tomato Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to unlock every last bit of flavor. Bring everything to a cheerful boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. You’re building a rich, savory soup base that’s truly irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles right into the pot—no need for perfect pieces! Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but not mushy. They’ll soak up all that tomatoey goodness and start to thicken the broth just like traditional lasagna.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Now it’s time for peak comfort. Gently stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Watch as the soup transforms into a rich, creamy creation—stir until the cheeses melt and everything is luxuriously incorporated. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cheesy Garlic Bread
While the soup bubbles away, preheat your oven broiler. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Slather this onto your baguette slices, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye until the bread edges are golden and the cheese is perfectly melty and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup into big bowls and crown each one with a little extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve hot, with the cheesy garlic bread right on the side or dipped right in. Get ready for pure comfort in every bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Nothing makes this soup feel more special than a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. Add extra Parmesan for saltiness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or even a dollop of ricotta right in the center for maximum lasagna vibes.
Side Dishes
Honestly, Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup with its golden, melty bread is a meal all on its own, but a simple green salad dressed with a bright Italian vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch. For heartier appetites, try adding a platter of roasted veggies or a bowl of marinated olives to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, restaurant-style twist, serve the soup in oven-safe bowls, top each with more mozzarella and broil until bubbly, just like French onion soup. Or go family-style: bring the pot to the table and let everyone help themselves, with a basket of cheesy garlic bread for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just note the noodles will soak up more broth over time, so the soup will get thicker (which honestly makes for an amazing leftover lunch!).
Freezing
To freeze, ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the noodles, adding freshly cooked noodles when reheating to ensure they’re perfectly tender.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, just splash in a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving to revive those just-made flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the sausage (or use a plant-based alternative) and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get all the cozy, cheesy flavors—meatless and marvelous.
What kind of lasagna noodles work best?
Classic lasagna noodles are traditional, but you can use oven-ready or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the simmering time based on your chosen noodles to make sure they’re perfectly cooked.
Can I use store-bought garlic bread instead of making it?
You can, but homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread is so fast and takes this dish to the next level! If you’re short on time, just bake or broil store-bought slices until golden and serve on the side.
How can I make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. If serving to a group, keep extra pepper flakes or hot sauce on the table so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Will the soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, the noodles will soak up some of the liquid as the soup cools and sits. Just stir in extra broth when reheating to bring it back to your preferred consistency—easy and delicious each time!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup a try—this twist on classic comfort food is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s cozy, deeply flavorful, and just plain fun to eat, especially with gooey garlic bread for dipping. Grab your pot and a big spoon, and let’s make a meal everyone will rave about!
PrintCheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on classic lasagna in soup form, topped with cheesy garlic bread for a delicious meal in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Cheesy Garlic Bread:
- 1 baguette (sliced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Soup: In a large pot, cook Italian sausage in olive oil until browned. Add onion, garlic, tomato paste, seasonings, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer with noodles until tender. Stir in cream and cheeses.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Mix butter, garlic, and seasoning. Spread on baguette slices, top with cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Serve the soup hot with cheesy garlic bread on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
- This soup thickens when refrigerated; add more broth when reheating if needed.
- You can make it meatless by omitting the sausage or using plant-based crumbles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl soup + 1 slice garlic bread
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg