If you’ve never treated yourself to a Garbage Bread Recipe before, get ready for an over-the-top, positively crowd-pleasing experience! Imagine all your favorite pizza flavors—savory beef, crispy bacon, zesty pepperoni, and melty cheese—wrapped up in golden, pillowy dough, and sliced into irresistible hand-held pieces. The “garbage” in its name is simply a tongue-in-cheek nod to its anything-goes spirit, making it perfect for cleaning out your fridge or serving as a main course at parties and game nights. Every bite delivers a parade of flavors, textures, and gooey goodness that’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews from friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garbage Bread Recipe keeps it simple but makes every ingredient count. Each element plays an important role—some add richness, others bring a pop of color or zesty bite—which means the end result is savory, balanced, and perfectly satisfying.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of our bread; use homemade or your favorite store-bought brand for a soft, golden crust.
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and meaty depth—be sure to brown and drain it before rolling.
- Pepperoni: Infuses the filling with just the right touch of spice and classic pizza flavor.
- Bacon: For smoky crunch and a savory layer that takes the filling to the next level; cooked and crumbled is best.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, lending that irresistible stretchy, gooey quality.
- Cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and a lovely color contrast to the cheese blend.
- Red onion: Offers a subtle bite and a touch of sweetness—dice it small for even distribution.
- Green bell pepper: Delivers freshness and a hint of crunch for balance.
- Mayonnaise: Mellow, creamy base for the sauce that keeps everything moist inside.
- Ketchup: A dash of tangy-sweetness brightens up the sauce.
- Yellow mustard: For a slight kick and classic deli flavor—essential in the sauce mix.
- Garlic powder: Savory and aromatic; it ties the sauce together.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch of herbs for that unmistakable pizza-shop aroma.
- Egg: Lightly beaten and brushed on top, it ensures a shiny, appetizing finish.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through, breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s done, drain off the excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly. This not only makes the bread less greasy but also keeps your dough from getting soggy later.
Step 2: Roll Out Your Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a generous rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly straight—homemade always tastes best! The rectangle ensures you can fit all the delicious fillings while still being able to roll everything up neatly.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Sauce
Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy mixture is the secret sauce that keeps the Garbage Bread Recipe so moist and flavorful. Spread it evenly over your dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to allow for easy sealing.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Time to pile on the goodness! Evenly scatter the cooked beef, diced pepperoni, crispy bacon, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, and cheddar over the sauced dough. Take care to distribute each ingredient so every bite gets a little bit of everything. This is where you can swap in any odds and ends you love, truly making it a “garbage” bread.
Step 5: Roll Up and Seal
Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, gently but tightly roll the dough up into a log, much like you would for cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seam to seal and gently tuck the ends underneath. This keeps all those beautiful fillings tucked securely inside.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Place your rolled-up bread seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg to help it bake up glossy and golden. Pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the Garbage Bread Recipe is puffed and evenly browned all over.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once baked, let the bread cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing much neater (trust me—this is worth the wait!). Use a sharp serrated knife and cut into thick slices. Serve while still warm for ooey-gooey perfection!
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The fun of the Garbage Bread Recipe is adding your own twist at serving time! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color, add extra grated cheese or red pepper flakes for more heat, or offer a drizzle of garlic butter on top for an extra-indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty bread is a meal all on its own, but it loves company on your plate. Classic pairings include a simple green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or some roasted veggies. And don’t forget plenty of warm marinara or ranch for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the Garbage Bread Recipe into bite-sized pinwheels and skewer each piece with a toothpick for appetizer-style snacks. For a lunchbox or picnic, wrap slices individually for an on-the-go treat. You can even cut it into thick slabs and top with fried eggs for an outrageously delicious brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (a big “if!”), let the Garbage Bread Recipe cool to room temperature, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days—perfect as an easy meal or late-night snack.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this bread! Once fully baked and cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place individual slices in freezer bags. To enjoy later, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat garbage bread slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. The oven keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty, but a few quick zaps in the microwave will also do the trick if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works just as well as homemade, making this Garbage Bread Recipe even quicker and easier to prepare. Just let it come to room temperature so it’s easy to roll out.
What other fillings can I use?
The beauty of this dish is in its flexibility. Feel free to swap in cooked sausage, leftover roast chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, or any odds and ends you have in your fridge. Cheese varieties are fair game, too.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
The best strategy is to fully cook and drain your meats, and avoid overloading the bread with wet ingredients. Spreading the sauce in a thin, even layer and letting the baked bread rest before cutting also helps prevent sogginess.
Can I make Garbage Bread Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the bread a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated (covered tightly) until ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to slice it cleanly?
Let the bread cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and use a sharp, serrated bread knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts can help ensure every slice looks picture-perfect!
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the Garbage Bread Recipe—whether you’re making it for your family on a laid-back weekend or serving a hungry crowd of friends. It’s easy, wildly adaptable, and always a total hit, so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort food. Grab your favorite fillings and get rolling—deliciousness awaits!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a delicious and versatile stuffed bread that’s perfect for using up leftovers. This recipe features a savory filling of ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, cheeses, and veggies all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Make sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Assemble: Spread the sauce on the dough, add cooked beef, pepperoni, bacon, onion, bell pepper, and cheeses. Roll up the dough tightly.
- Bake: Place the roll on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve with marinara or dipping sauce.
Notes
- This recipe is customizable—use any leftover meats, cheeses, or vegetables you have.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
