Garbage Bread Recipe
If you’ve never tried Garbage Bread before, prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food mashup. Imagine all your favorite pizza and sandwich fillings—oozy cheeses, savory meat, tangy sauce, and colorful veggies—bundled up inside golden, crusty bread. Garbage Bread is the perfect party centerpiece, weeknight dinner, or game day snack that’s endlessly customizable and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Garbage Bread is all about bold flavors and irresistible textures, and every ingredient plays a role in making this dish unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious loaf—feel free to get creative with the add-ins!
- Pizza dough: The chewy, golden base that holds all the tasty fillings together—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory richness and heartiness; choose your favorite or mix them for extra flavor.
- Chopped onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic note that rounds out the filling.
- Chopped green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a pop of fresh color to every bite.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the filling with classic herby, garlicky flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle punch and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all the other ingredients.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that irresistible cheesy stretch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a pop of color inside the loaf.
- Sliced black olives (optional): For a briny, salty kick that pairs perfectly with the other fillings.
- Banana pepper rings (optional): Bring tang and a little heat—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Adds moisture, tang, and classic pizza flavor inside the bread and for dipping.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top, it creates that gorgeous, shiny, golden crust.
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Garbage Bread bakes evenly and lifts off the pan without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, then sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once everything is fragrant and cooked through, take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes—this makes assembling the bread much easier.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Try to keep the thickness even so your Garbage Bread cooks uniformly. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and try again—it will relax and become easier to shape.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter your meat and veggie mixture evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle on the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. If you’re using black olives or banana pepper rings, sprinkle them on now for an extra punch of flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Seal
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, tucking in the fillings as you go. Pinch the seam and the ends to seal everything inside—this keeps all the gooey, cheesy goodness from escaping in the oven. Place the loaf seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of your Garbage Bread with the beaten egg to give it that beautiful, glossy finish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Let the Garbage Bread cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes slicing much easier. Cut into thick slices and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping—get ready for the oohs and ahhs!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garnishes
Give your Garbage Bread a finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. These simple extras add color and a burst of fresh flavor, making every slice look and taste even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garbage Bread with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of tomato soup for a well-rounded meal. For a party spread, serve alongside chips, pickles, or a colorful antipasto platter to keep things fun and casual.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice your Garbage Bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of marinara for dipping. You can also make mini individual loaves for a personalized touch—kids and adults alike will love grabbing their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices of Garbage Bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack.
Freezing
Garbage Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bread is warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick crisp-up—just avoid the microwave, which can make the crust chewy.
FAQs
Can I make Garbage Bread vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and load up on your favorite sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or extra peppers. You can even add more cheese or a plant-based meat substitute for that classic, hearty texture.
What’s the best way to roll the dough without tearing?
Make sure your dough is at room temperature and work on a lightly floured surface. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to relax the gluten, then try again—slow and steady wins the race!
Can I use different cheeses or fillings?
Definitely! Garbage Bread is all about creativity. Swap in provolone, pepper jack, or gouda, and add in anything from cooked bacon to leftover roasted veggies—just be mindful not to overfill, so the loaf stays intact.
How do I keep the fillings from leaking out?
Seal the edges and ends of the dough tightly, and always place the seam side down on your baking sheet. Brushing with egg wash also helps hold everything together and gives a gorgeous finish.
Is Garbage Bread good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well and makes awesome leftovers for lunch or busy weeknights. You can even assemble the loaf ahead, refrigerate it unbaked, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is one of those recipes that brings people together and sparks smiles with every cheesy, flavorful bite. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and share it with family and friends—once you try it, you’ll want to make Garbage Bread a regular part of your kitchen lineup!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a deliciously stuffed bread loaf loaded with seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheeses, all rolled inside a soft pizza dough and baked to a golden perfection. Served warm with marinara sauce for dipping, this hearty and flavorful dish makes an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings (optional)
Sauce and Finishing
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the bread.
- Cook the meat and vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches to create the base for your filling.
- Assemble the bread: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Layer the cooked meat mixture on top, followed by shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Add optional toppings like sliced black olives and banana pepper rings if desired.
- Shape the loaf: Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam and ends firmly to seal the bread and keep the filling inside during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Place the rolled loaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden shine while baking.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Slice into 6 portions and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize the filling to your liking using leftovers such as cooked bacon, roasted vegetables, or different types of cheese.
- To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers.
- Let the dough rest and rise if using homemade dough for a fluffier texture.
- Egg wash can be skipped if you prefer a matte finish on the crust.
- Serve fresh for the best texture, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
