Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread is a savory, stuffed bread roll filled with a mix of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces — basically anything delicious you want to use up in your fridge. It’s a fun, hearty meal that resembles a stromboli or calzone but with the freedom to include whatever your taste buds crave. Baked until golden and crispy, this dish is perfect for game day, dinner parties, or a creative family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable: Stuff it with whatever leftovers or ingredients you love.
• Easy to Prepare: Uses store-bought pizza or bread dough for quick assembly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, or game nights.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Kid-Approved: Fun, cheesy, and easy to eat — great for picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 roll refrigerated pizza dough or French bread dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles, peppers, or olives (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or Italian seasoning for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Roll the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 10×14 inches.
4. Add sauce and fillings: Spread pizza sauce (and mustard if using) over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the cooked meat, cheese, bacon, and optional vegetables.
5. Roll and seal: Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Add toppings: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian seasoning over the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and slice: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Pizza Style: Use pepperoni, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken: Toss cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Veggie Loaded: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and provolone.
• Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheddar cheese.
• Philly Cheesesteak: Use thin-sliced beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave slices for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of dough works best?

Refrigerated pizza dough or French bread dough works well. Homemade dough is great too if you have the time.

Can I make Garbage Bread vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use beans, cheese, and sautéed vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I freeze Garbage Bread?

Yes. Freeze the baked bread, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F until heated through.

Do I have to use meat?

No. You can use a variety of fillings — veggies, cheeses, or even tofu or plant-based meats.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the bread unbaked. Bake just before serving for best results.

How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?

Make sure your fillings are not too wet. Drain cooked ingredients and avoid overloading with sauce.

Can I use cheese slices instead of shredded?

Yes, but shredded cheese distributes more evenly. Either works based on your preference.

What sauces go well with Garbage Bread?

Serve with marinara, ranch, BBQ, or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Can I make mini versions?

Definitely. Cut dough into smaller portions, fill, roll, and bake for individual servings.

How do I know when it’s done?

The crust should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F.

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is a fun, flexible recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or planning for a party, this stuffed bread is sure to impress. Play with different fillings and flavors to make it your own — because in Garbage Bread, anything goes.

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