If you are craving a hearty, cheesy, and totally indulgent treat, this Garbage Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine a golden-baked, rolled pizza dough stuffed with a delicious mix of seasoned ground beef, zesty pepperoni, crispy bacon, and melty cheeses, all tied together with a tangy spread of ketchup and mustard. Every slice feels like a warm, satisfying hug, perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to enjoy a little slice of heaven with minimal fuss. This Garbage Bread Recipe is endlessly customizable and packed with flavor that hits all the right spots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Garbage Bread Recipe so irresistible are the simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a key role—from the soft yet sturdy pizza dough providing a perfect base, to the savory meats delivering bold flavors, and the cheeses adding gooey richness and color. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of the bread, choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love and freshness.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Seasoned and cooked to add juicy, meaty goodness that binds the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives that subtle aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the meat filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni: Brings a spicy, savory twist and vibrant red color.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds crispy texture and smoky saltiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to give that classic cheesy pull.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and beautiful golden hues.
- 1/4 cup diced pickles or jalapeños (optional): Introduces a tangy or spicy bite for adventurous eaters.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base layer of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a gentle zip that brightens the whole roll.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Creates a glossy, inviting crust once baked.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Meat Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. While the oven warms up, grab a skillet to cook your ground beef over medium heat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for that perfect seasoning blend. Cook the meat until it’s browned and fully done, then drain any excess fat and set the filling aside to cool slightly. This step ensures your filling is flavorful and ready to layer inside the dough without making it soggy.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your working surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 10 by 14 inches. The dough needs to be thin enough to roll up easily but thick enough to hold all those delicious fillings snugly. This step is key for shaping the Garbage Bread Recipe into its inviting final form.
Step 3: Layer Flavors
Spread the ketchup and mustard evenly over the rolled-out dough; these condiments create a tangy base that penetrates every bite. Next, layer on the cooled ground beef, followed by diced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and if you want a little extra kick, sprinkle on pickles or jalapeños. Each layer adds texture and flavor, building toward that ultimate stuffed bread experience.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one long side, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the fillings stay enclosed. Pinch the edges to seal any openings—this keeps everything inside during baking and creates a neat, compact package that bakes evenly.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Place the rolled dough seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top generously with the beaten egg to give it that beautiful golden sheen once baked. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bread is golden and cooked through, with cheese bubbling inside and enticing aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your Garbage Bread Recipe rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This short cool-down period helps the filling set slightly, so when you slice into it, the ingredients stay put and the flavors meld beautifully. Then, slice, serve, and watch your friends and family dig in with delight.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garbage Bread, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top after slicing for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. A light drizzle of ranch or hot sauce can also brighten and layer flavors, making each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This Garbage Bread pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads to cut through its richness or a bowl of tangy tomato soup for a classic comfort combination. You can also serve it alongside pickles or a platter of fresh veggies to add some crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bread into thin pinwheel slices for appetizers at parties or as fun finger food. Wrap individual servings in foil for a portable lunch option or turn leftovers into a hearty sandwich by splitting a slice and adding extra fresh veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Garbage Bread tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its flavor and texture with just a little reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire baked roll before slicing by wrapping it securely in aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer bag. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer, so you’ve always got a comforting meal ready to thaw and enjoy later.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in the Garbage Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for customization. Feel free to swap in cooked sausage, ham, or even leftover grilled chicken for the ground beef or add a variety of your favorite cured meats.
What if I don’t have pizza dough on hand?
You can use store-bought bread dough or even biscuit dough as a substitute, though the texture and rise will differ slightly. For a quicker option, crescent roll dough also works well for smaller portions.
Is the pickles or jalapeños optional in the stuffing?
Yes, they are completely optional. They add a zesty or spicy note that can cut through the richness, but if you prefer a milder bread or don’t like the tang, feel free to omit them without losing the essence of the recipe.
Can I make Garbage Bread Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the meats and amp up the veggies—think sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives. Adding extra cheese and your favorite herbs will keep it just as satisfying.
What are the best dipping sauces for Garbage Bread?
Ranch, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or even marinara are fantastic options. Each offers a different flavor profile, so pick one (or a few!) that matches your mood or complements the fillings you used.
Final Thoughts
This Garbage Bread Recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and a little adventure to your table. Its simplicity combined with bold, layered flavors makes it an easy go-to for busy nights or special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try, customize it your way, and enjoy every irresistible bite. Trust me, once you’ve had it, Garbage Bread will keep making repeat appearances in your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garbage Bread is a hearty stuffed bread featuring a flavorful mix of ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and cheeses all rolled inside pizza dough. This easy-to-make baked dish offers a perfect combination of savory meats and gooey cheese, ideal for a satisfying main course or casual dinner that uses up leftovers creatively.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Meat Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
For the Cheese and Extras
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced pickles or jalapeños (optional)
For the Sauce and Topping
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and allow the beef to cool slightly to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10×14 inches, creating enough surface area to layer your fillings evenly.
- Assemble the Filling: Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough surface. Then layer the cooked ground beef, diced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and optional pickles or jalapeños.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges well to seal the roll and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top evenly with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, with cheese melted inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner slices.
Notes
- Customize this recipe by adding any leftover meats, vegetables, or sauces you have on hand.
- For dipping, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce all pair wonderfully with garbage bread.
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or hot sauce inside the filling.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
