Garbage Bread Recipe
If you’ve never tried Garbage Bread before, you’re in for a delightful surprise with this Garbage Bread Recipe. It’s a cozy, stuffed bread roll bursting with savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and vibrant veggies, all rolled up in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for game day or a comforting weeknight treat, this recipe delivers big flavors with simple ingredients and a fun twist on classic stuffed bread. Once you taste it, it’s hard not to go back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Garbage Bread Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible and satisfying.
- Pizza dough: The soft, chewy base that holds all the delicious fillings together—store-bought or homemade works great.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness that forms the savory core of the bread.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the meat’s flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Bring an aromatic depth and warmth to the filling.
- Chopped onions and green peppers: Provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese: The ooey-gooey, melty combo that makes every bite dreamy.
- Sliced pepperoni (optional): Adds a smoky, spicy kick if you want to amp up the flavor.
- Ketchup and mustard: A tangy-sweet duo that ties the filling together with a subtle zest.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the dough, ensuring a golden, slightly crispy crust.
- Marinara or ranch (optional): Perfect for dipping and adding a little extra flavor pop when serving.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef. Season it well with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the meat is almost cooked through, toss in the chopped onions and green peppers to soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, stir in ketchup and mustard to add a tangy-sweet layer, then remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prep the dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a neat rectangle, roughly 10 by 14 inches. This shape will make it easy to evenly spread your flavorful meat mixture and roll it up tightly without tearing.
Step 3: Assemble the Garbage Bread
Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to help seal the bread later. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. If you’re using pepperoni, scatter it over the cheese layer for that irresistible meaty touch.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a log shape, tucking the sides in as you go to keep everything inside. Pinch the seam firmly to seal and place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the entire top of the roll with olive oil to promote a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your Garbage Bread into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and firm to the touch. Let the bread rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick, satisfying pieces. Serve it warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce to elevate every bite.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While Garbage Bread is magnificent on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan on top adds a fresh and savory finish. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or a touch of garlic butter for an indulgent presentation that invites second helpings.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance its richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a bowl of tomato soup complement the cheesy, meaty flavors harmoniously and keep things cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Garbage Bread into bite-sized pinwheels for party platters. You can also serve it alongside an array of dips such as marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo to keep everyone dipping and delighted. It’s a fun finger food option that always steals the show at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The bread remains delicious, and flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated slices just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
Garbage Bread freezes beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the assembled but unbaked roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. If freezing cooked bread, slice it first for easy reheating and portion control.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside. You can also microwave leftovers for convenience, but baking keeps that irresistible crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this Garbage Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about garbage bread is its versatility. Feel free to substitute ground beef with sausage, ham, bacon, or even leftover cooked meats to customize it to your taste or use up fridge scraps.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes or simply increase the amount of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use your favorite cheeses and seasonings to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
What dips go well with Garbage Bread?
Marinara and ranch are classic choices, but you can also try garlic aioli, spicy mustard, or even a creamy herb dip. The key is picking something that complements the cheesy and meaty filling without overpowering it.
Can I prepare Garbage Bread in advance for a party?
Definitely. Assemble it ahead of time, store it refrigerated, and bake it just before your guests arrive. This way, you can enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen!
How do I know when Garbage Bread is fully cooked?
Look for a beautifully golden-brown crust and a firm texture when you gently press the loaf. The internal filling should be hot and bubbling, and the dough should feel cooked through and springy rather than doughy.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this incredible Garbage Bread Recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try soon! It’s a wonderfully comforting and versatile dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special. Perfect for sharing and sure to become a fast favorite, this recipe proves that sometimes the best meals come from mixing a little bit of “everything” into one delicious bite. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Garbage Bread is a savory American stuffed bread recipe featuring a flavorful mixture of ground beef, onions, peppers, and cheeses rolled inside pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. This hearty and customizable dish is perfect for parties, game day, or using up leftover meats and veggies, delivering a satisfying combination of melted cheese and seasoned meat in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Optional
- Marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once browned, add chopped onions and green peppers, cooking until softened, approximately 3–4 minutes. Stir in ketchup and mustard to combine, then remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dough and layer: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches. Evenly spread the cooled meat mixture over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around all edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the meat mixture, and add pepperoni slices if using.
- Roll and seal: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, tucking in the sides as you go to encase the filling. Pinch the seam closed to seal the roll and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into thick pieces. Serve warm with optional marinara or ranch dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with sausage, ham, bacon, or any leftover meats and vegetables you have, making this recipe highly versatile and a great way to reduce food waste.
- Ideal for parties and game days due to its easy portability and shareability.
- Use marinara or ranch or your favorite dipping sauces to complement the rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
