Garbage Bread Recipe
If you’ve never tried a Garbage Bread Recipe before, get ready to meet your new obsession! Imagine all your favorite pizza and sandwich fillings—savory meat, gooey cheese, and colorful veggies—wrapped up in golden, crusty dough. It’s the ultimate comfort food, adaptable to whatever you have on hand, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or just craving something hearty and fun, this Garbage Bread Recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture, creating a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and a crispy, golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Pizza Dough: The foundation for your Garbage Bread Recipe, giving it that irresistible chewy texture and golden crust.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds hearty, meaty flavor—choose your favorite or use up what’s already in your fridge.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle kick and warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the savoriness without the need to chop fresh onions.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the filling with classic herbs for that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating those dreamy, cheesy pulls in every bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a little sharpness and extra richness to the filling.
- Chopped Pepperoni or Salami (optional): For a pop of spice and flavor—totally customizable based on your cravings.
- Sautéed Onions and Bell Peppers (optional): Toss in for a sweet, colorful crunch and to sneak in some veggies.
- Pizza or Marinara Sauce: Binds everything together and brings that classic pizza taste—don’t forget extra for dipping!
- Olive Oil: Brushed on top for a glossy finish and a bit of extra flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over the top for a salty, nutty crust you can’t resist.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so clean-up is a breeze and your Garbage Bread Recipe won’t stick. This step ensures a golden, even bake and sets you up for success from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This is where your filling’s flavor is built, so don’t rush it—let those seasonings mingle!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. The rectangle shape makes it easy to roll everything up later, and spreading the dough out evenly ensures every bite of your Garbage Bread Recipe is packed with filling.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Evenly layer the cooked meat, mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni or salami (if using), and any sautéed onions or bell peppers you like. This is where you can get creative—use up leftovers or whatever’s calling your name in the fridge.
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough up jelly-roll style. Pinch the edges and seam to seal—a tight seal keeps all that cheesy goodness inside. Place your roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet so it keeps its shape as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top of your Garbage Bread Recipe with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful, flavorful crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this keeps all the fillings from oozing out and gives you perfect, clean slices.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan for a pop of color and flavor. A little cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on top can also give your Garbage Bread Recipe a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This stuffed bread is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of tomato soup. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a platter of crunchy pickles or olives to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Garbage Bread Recipe into thick rounds and arrange them on a platter with ramekins of warm marinara or ranch for dipping. For parties, cut smaller pieces and serve them as finger food. You can even make mini individual rolls for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making this a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
Garbage Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy crust. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the bread’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Garbage Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works like a charm and makes this recipe even quicker to put together. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough adds a special touch, but both deliver delicious results.
What other fillings can I use in Garbage Bread Recipe?
This recipe is incredibly flexible—try cooked chicken, taco meat, roasted veggies, or different cheeses. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and personalize your Garbage Bread Recipe to your family’s tastes.
Can I make Garbage Bread Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the meat and load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, olives, or any other favorite veggies. Amp up the cheese for extra heartiness if you like.
How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain your meat and sautéed veggies well, and don’t overdo the sauce inside. Baking on parchment and letting the bread rest before slicing also helps keep everything crisp.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids love anything stuffed with cheese and served with sauce for dipping! Plus, you can sneak in veggies or let them help layer the fillings for a fun kitchen activity.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Garbage Bread Recipe has become a staple in so many kitchens—it’s endlessly customizable, totally comforting, and a lot of fun to make (and eat!). Give it a try, mix in your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the magic of turning leftovers into something truly crave-worthy. You’ll want this recipe on repeat!
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Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a deliciously stuffed bread roll packed with savory ground beef, melted cheeses, pepperoni, sautéed veggies, and pizza sauce, all wrapped in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect way to use leftovers and satisfy your pizza cravings in a handheld form.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pizza or marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
For the Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni or salami (optional)
- 1/4 cup sautéed onions and bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until evenly browned and fully cooked through. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even distribution. Drain any excess grease, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large 10×14-inch rectangle, creating an even thickness throughout to hold the filling well.
- Assemble the layers: Spread a thin, even layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the cooked meat evenly on top, followed by shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, optional chopped pepperoni or salami, and the sautéed onions and bell peppers if using.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough up in a jelly-roll style, ensuring the filling stays inside. Pinch and seal the seam well to prevent filling escape during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Place the roll seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the roll’s top generously with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, cooked through, and cheeses inside have melted nicely.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the garbage bread rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the filling to set. Slice into portions and serve warm, accompanied by extra marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- This recipe is excellent for using up leftovers — feel free to swap the ground beef with taco meat, cooked chicken, or other protein choices.
- You can add any vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, olives, or spinach, to customize your flavors.
- Make garbage bread ahead of time and reheat slices in the oven or air fryer to enjoy warm and fresh.
- Ensure the dough seams are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
