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Cheesy sloppy joe garlic bread topped with melted cheese and parsley

Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread Recipe | Bold & Comforting Snack or Dinner

Savory, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent — this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread combines the bold flavors of classic sloppy joes with buttery garlic bread, topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game-day snacks, family dinners, or a fun twist on comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish, Party snack / appetizer
Cuisine American / Comfort Food, Fusion (sandwich/pizza hybrid)
Servings 8 servings (depending on slice size)
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Sheet pan (preheated)
  • Heavy skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grater & knife
  • Oven thermometer
  • Optional: foil/parchment, broiler access

Ingredients
  

Bread base:

  • 1 large Italian or French loaf (or ciabatta/garlic baguette)
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt

Sloppy joe topping:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp vinegar or jalapeño brine
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Cheese layer:

  • 1½ cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar or provolone, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan, grated

Garnish:

  • Parsley, chives, or green onions
  • Optional chili flakes or hot honey drizzle

Instructions
 

  • Garlic bread base: Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Spread on split loaf. Toast at 400°F/200°C for 6–8 minutes.
  • Sloppy joe topping: Brown meat in skillet, season, and drain. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, sugar, paprika, and vinegar. Simmer 6–8 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • Assemble: Spoon topping evenly over toasted bread. Layer mozzarella, cheddar/provolone, and Parmesan.
  • Bake: Return to oven at 425°F/220°C for 8–12 minutes until cheese melts and browns. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for blistered top.
  • Finish: Garnish with herbs and chili flakes. Rest 3–5 minutes, then slice into slabs or party squares.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Sauce can be cooked 2–3 days ahead; garlic butter mixed and chilled.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F/175°C.
  • Freezing: Best to freeze sauce only; assemble fresh for crisp bread.
  • Variations: BBQ-style, Tex-Mex with pepper jack, veggie-forward with mushrooms/lentils, or sweet-heat with hot honey drizzle.
  • Tip: Keep sauce thick and topping modest—this ensures crisp slices and prevents sliding cheese.
Keyword cheesy, Comfort Food, game day, garlic bread, party snack, Sloppy Joe