Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and customizable meal, Garbage Bread is the perfect dish. Despite its unusual name, Garbage Bread is anything but trash—it’s a savory stuffed bread packed with your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust.
This dish is great for parties, game nights, or even a quick dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying. The best part? You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to clean out your fridge while creating something incredibly tasty.
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is essentially a rolled and stuffed bread, similar to a stromboli or calzone. You take a sheet of pizza dough, layer it with fillings, roll it up, and bake it until crispy and golden brown.
The name “Garbage Bread” comes from the idea that you can throw in any leftovers or extra ingredients—like meats, cheeses, and veggies—so nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients
While you can customize your Garbage Bread however you like, here’s a basic recipe with some of the most popular ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling Options:
Meats (Choose 1-2):
- Pepperoni
- Cooked crumbled sausage
- Shredded or diced chicken
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Ground beef (seasoned and cooked)
Cheese (Choose 1-2):
- Mozzarella (shredded)
- Cheddar cheese
- Provolone slices
- Parmesan (grated, for extra flavor)
Vegetables (Optional):
- Sautéed onions & peppers
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Black olives
Seasonings & Extras:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- Garlic butter (melted butter + minced garlic + parsley)
- Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 12×15 inches. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.
3. Add the Fillings
- Layer your meat first (if using cooked ground beef or sausage, make sure it’s cooled slightly).
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the meat.
- Add vegetables on top, if using.
- Season everything with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper.
Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space around the edges to help seal the bread properly.
4. Roll It Up
Starting from the long side, gently roll up the dough like a jelly roll or stromboli. Tuck in the edges and pinch the seam to seal the roll tightly.
Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter
For extra flavor and a golden crust:
- Brush the top with garlic butter or egg wash.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a little extra seasoning.
6. Bake the Garbage Bread
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
7. Let It Cool & Slice
Let the Garbage Bread cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and prevents it from oozing out too much.
8. Serve with Dipping Sauce
Cut into slices and serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about Garbage Bread is how versatile it is! Here are a few fun variations:
1. Philly Cheesesteak Garbage Bread
- Use sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, sautéed onions & peppers for a cheesesteak-inspired version.
2. Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread
- Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, add cheddar & mozzarella cheese, and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing after baking.
3. Taco Garbage Bread
- Fill with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Vegetarian Garbage Bread
- Use a mix of mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, onions, and lots of cheese for a meat-free version.
5. Breakfast Garbage Bread
- Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and hash browns for a delicious breakfast twist!
Tips for Perfect Garbage Bread
1. Don’t Overstuff It
Too many fillings can make it hard to roll up and may cause it to burst open while baking. Stick to moderate amounts of meat and cheese.
2. Use Cold Dough
If the dough is too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to roll. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll it out.
3. Seal the Edges Well
To prevent cheese from leaking out, make sure to pinch the seams tightly and place the roll seam-side down.
4. Let It Cool Before Cutting
Allow the bread to rest for a few minutes before slicing to avoid cheese spilling out everywhere.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and perfect for using up leftovers in a fun, creative way. Whether you make it for a party, a family dinner, or just a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
With endless variations and customizations, this stuffed bread recipe never gets boring—so have fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors!
Have you tried making Garbage Bread? Let us know your favorite fillings and combinations in the comments!
Enjoy your homemade stuffed bread! 🍞🔥
