Garbage Bread Recipe

Garbage Bread might have an unusual name, but it’s packed with flavor and perfect for using up a variety of ingredients you have on hand. Essentially, it’s a stuffed bread roll filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables—like a calzone but rolled up into a delicious loaf! Garbage Bread is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, game day, or just as a fun and hearty meal. Let’s dive into how to make this versatile and satisfying stuffed bread.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Garbage Bread
2. Instructions for Garbage Bread
3. Tips & Notes
4. Recipe Variations & Substitutions
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients for Garbage Bread

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb ground beef or ground sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions for Garbage Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.

Step 4: Add the Filling

• Spread the marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about 1-inch of space along the edges.
• Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture over the sauce, followed by the shredded cheese, bell pepper, and black olives (if using).

Step 5: Roll and Seal

• Starting with one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in the ends to seal. Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the top with olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle with a little extra Italian seasoning.

Step 6: Bake the Garbage Bread

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
• Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Notes

• Cool the Filling: Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the dough—this prevents the dough from becoming too soggy.
• Cheese Choices: Use any combination of cheeses you like—cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack work great.
• Seal the Edges: Make sure to seal the edges tightly to avoid any filling spilling out during baking.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Garbage Bread: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and chopped tomatoes instead of meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Breakfast Garbage Bread: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese for a breakfast twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Bread: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I store leftover Garbage Bread?

Store leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

2. Can I freeze Garbage Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Garbage Bread! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

3. Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works great for this recipe and makes it quick and easy to prepare.

4. What can I serve with Garbage Bread?

Serve Garbage Bread with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or alongside a green salad for a more complete meal.

This Garbage Bread is a deliciously fun way to use whatever you have on hand, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or a casual weekend meal, this stuffed bread is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the endless combinations of flavors you can create!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite of this hearty Garbage Bread!