Okay, let’s talk about a dish that is the ultimate comfort food and guaranteed to become your new go-to when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously delicious. Garbage bread is like a pizza and a sandwich had a baby, and it’s glorious. Picture this: a crispy, golden crust filled with a mix of savory meats, melty cheese, and any veggie or topping you’ve got in your fridge. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need to be fancy to be fantastic. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

Why You’ll Love Garbage Bread

This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about transforming leftovers into something spectacular. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, throwing together a quick dinner, or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, this bread will steal the show. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can add whatever fillings you like, making it perfect for using up whatever’s in your fridge.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes indulgent but won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: In less than an hour, you’ll have a cheesy, crispy masterpiece.
Customizable: You can adjust the fillings to fit your tastes, whether you’re a veggie lover, meat enthusiast, or cheese aficionado.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a fun, shareable meal that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Garbage Bread

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s all about what you’ve got on hand. You can go wild with the fillings, but here’s the basic breakdown:

Pizza Dough: The base for all the goodness. You’ll want a soft, stretchy dough that bakes up golden and crispy.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to throw in some cheddar, Parmesan, or any cheese you love.
Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, or ham—whatever your heart desires.
Veggies: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives—all add great flavor and texture.
Seasonings: Garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Olive Oil or Butter: To brush on top for a shiny, crispy finish.
Dipping Sauce (Optional): Marinara or ranch dressing for that extra flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible bread:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp, golden finish.

Roll Out the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle or large oval shape, about 12×8 inches. If the dough is a bit sticky, lightly flour the surface or roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper.

Add Your Fillings

Start layering your ingredients on one half of the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. First, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese, then add your meats and veggies. Season everything with garlic, oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Roll It Up

Carefully fold the dough over to cover the fillings, pinching the edges to seal it shut. You can use your hands or a fork to crimp the edges together. This ensures that the filling stays inside and the bread doesn’t leak.

Brush and Bake

Brush the top of the bread with olive oil or melted butter for a golden, crispy finish. Place the bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Finishing Touches

Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to set before cutting. This helps the cheese firm up so you don’t lose all that melty goodness when you slice.

Serve and Enjoy

Cut the bread into slices or serve it whole with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping. Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing with friends, this garbage bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: ~350

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Garbage Bread

This garbage bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even a bowl of soup. For a fun twist, serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Leftover chicken, veggies, or even mac and cheese can make great additions to the filling.
Perfect Sealing: Be sure to seal the dough tightly to avoid leaks while baking.
Make It Veggie-Only: Swap the meat for more veggies for a delicious vegetarian option.
Use Pre-made Dough: If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works just as well for this recipe.
Double the Recipe: This is a great recipe to make in larger batches. Double the ingredients if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.

FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can use crescent roll dough or puff pastry as a substitute for pizza dough for a different texture and flavor.

Can I freeze Garbage Bread?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. For pre-baked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Can I use a different sauce for dipping?
Absolutely! Garlic butter, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing are great options for dipping.

What’s the best way to cut the Garbage Bread?
Once baked, let the bread cool for a few minutes before cutting to prevent the cheese from oozing out.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix and match cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique flavor.

How do I make the bread extra crispy?
Make sure to brush the top with olive oil or butter before baking. It gives the crust a golden, crispy finish.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meats and load up on the veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I add sauce inside the bread?
Definitely! A little marinara or alfredo sauce inside the bread adds even more flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, or it may get soggy.

How can I make it spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Garbage bread is one of those meals that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It’s a no-fuss, tasty, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner or a weekend treat. With a golden, crispy crust and gooey filling, this bread is bound to become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a warm, cheesy slice of comfort. Enjoy!

Garbage Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Baking / Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Garbage Bread is a stuffed bread that’s anything but “garbage”! This savory, indulgent recipe combines seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, onions, and loads of melted cheese, all rolled up in ready-made French bread or pizza dough. Adaptable and full of flavor, it’s perfect for using up leftovers and creating a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until browned and crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, crumble and brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Season with steak seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the green onions and crumbled bacon; mix well until combined.
Open the tube of refrigerated dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape (about 15×10 inches).
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, similar to a jelly roll, and pinch the edges to seal.
Place the roll seam side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with melted butter.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Variations: Feel free to add your favorite extras—chopped pickles, sweet relish, or even different meats (like ground turkey or sausage) to suit your taste.
Dough Options: You can use refrigerated French bread dough or pizza dough; homemade dough works well, too.
Make Ahead: This recipe is great for using up leftovers; double it and freeze extra loaves for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 789 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 1574mg
Fat: 53g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 152mg