Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping: A Comfort Food Classic

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There’s nothing quite as satisfying as combining two all-time favorites into one indulgent dish. Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping is a delightful mash-up that’s perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings. With its crispy garlic bread base, rich Sloppy Joe topping, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a flavorful experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping

CategoryIngredientQuantity
Garlic Cheese BreadItalian bread (sliced lengthwise)1 (14-ounce loaf)
Unsalted butter (softened)8 tablespoons
Fresh parsley (finely chopped)⅓ cup
Garlic (minced)4 cloves
Sloppy Joe ToppingOlive oil1 tablespoon
Yellow onion (petite diced)1 cup
Green bell pepper (petite diced)¾ cup
Garlic (finely minced)3 cloves
Tomato paste1 tablespoon
Ground beef (85/15 lean)1 pound
Tomato sauce1 (8-ounce can)
Ketchup½ cup
Brown sugar2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce2 tablespoons
Yellow mustard1 tablespoon
Kosher saltTo taste
Black pepper (freshly cracked)To taste
Shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)6 ounces

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The richness of Sloppy Joe topping complements the creamy, garlicky bread perfectly.
  • Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps make this a great recipe for any skill level.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or game day snacks.
  • Customizable: Swap the cheese, add spices, or experiment with toppings to make it your own.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping

1. Prepare the Garlic Bread Base

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, finely chopped parsley, and minced garlic until well combined.
  • Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the cut sides of the Italian bread.
  • Arrange the bread halves on a baking sheet and set aside.

2. Make the Sloppy Joe Topping

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onions and green bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Reduce heat to medium and stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, thickening slightly.

3. Assemble and Bake

  • Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the buttered bread halves.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of each bread half.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy

  • Slice the bread into individual portions.
  • Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
  • Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping

  • Choose Sturdy Bread: Italian bread or baguettes work best to hold up under the toppings.
  • Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of ketchup and brown sugar to suit your taste.
  • Experiment with Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gruyère for a rich flavor.
  • Prep Ahead: Make the Sloppy Joe mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving (1 Slice)
Calories330
Protein18g
Fat15g
Carbohydrates28g
Fiber2g
Sodium480mg

Serving Suggestions

  • As a Main Course: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Appetizer: Slice into smaller portions and serve as a party starter.
  • Game Day Spread: Add it to a table of snacks like nachos, wings, and sliders.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping

1. Can I use store-bought garlic bread?

Yes! Pre-made garlic bread can save time; just add the Sloppy Joe topping and cheese.

2. Can I substitute ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and ensure all condiments are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best results.

5. Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe topping?

Yes! Freeze the topping in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling the dish.

6. What other toppings can I add?

Try jalapeños, olives, or crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping is the ultimate comfort food. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick and hearty meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

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Cheesy Garlic Bread with Sloppy Joe Topping


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  • Author: Raven
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Combine the savory richness of Sloppy Joes with the buttery goodness of cheesy garlic bread in this ultimate comfort food mash-up! Perfect for game days, family dinners, or whenever you crave something hearty and indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Cheese Bread

  • 1 14-ounce loaf Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sloppy Joe Topping

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup petite diced yellow onion
  • ¾ cup petite diced green bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
  • 6 ounces shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Bread Base : Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped parsley, and minced garlic until well combined. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the Italian bread. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Make the Sloppy Joe Topping : In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and green bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, then reduce heat to medium and add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  3. Assemble and Bake : Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the buttered bread halves. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each half. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Serve : Slice the bread into individual servings and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this unique twist on traditional sloppy joes!

Notes

  • To save time, you can use store-bought garlic bread as the base.
  • Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the Sloppy Joe topping to suit your taste.
  • This recipe works well with alternative meats like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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