Garbage Bread is a fun and hearty stuffed bread filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and a tangy blend of ketchup and mustard. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or a special treat, this savory bread is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and melty cheese wrapped in golden French bread dough makes for an irresistible meal or appetizer. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make Garbage Bread step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon or store-bought bacon pieces
- 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain Excess Fat:
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add Condiments and Bacon:
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and crumbled bacon into the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll Out Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
- Add Beef Mixture:
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add Pickles and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the chopped dill pickles evenly over the beef mixture. Place the slices of American cheese on top, covering the beef and pickles.
- Roll Up Dough:
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal. Place the rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Bread
- Brush with Egg Wash:
- Brush the top of the rolled bread with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Serve:
- Allow the Garbage Bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Dough: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly to avoid overstuffing and splitting during baking.
- Cheese: American cheese melts smoothly, but feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese.
- Pickles: Dill pickles add a tangy flavor, but you can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste.
Variations
Italian Garbage Bread
- Italian Twist:
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, and add marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese.
BBQ Garbage Bread
- BBQ Flavor:
- Replace ketchup and mustard with BBQ sauce. Add sautéed onions and shredded cheddar cheese.
Vegetarian Garbage Bread
- Vegetarian Option:
- Use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead of ground beef. Include vegetarian bacon bits if desired.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Salad:
- Serve with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw.
- With Fries:
- Pair with French fries or sweet potato fries.
With Dips
- With Ranch:
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- With Salsa:
- Pair with salsa or guacamole.
Beverages
- With Soda:
- Enjoy with a cold soda or iced tea.
- With Beer:
- Serve with a chilled beer for a casual meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of dough? A: Yes, pizza dough or crescent roll dough can be used. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Garbage Bread? A: Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble the bread ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different meat? A: Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used instead of beef.
Garbage Bread is a savory and satisfying stuffed bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of flavorful beef, bacon, cheese, and pickles wrapped in golden bread dough, this dish is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this meal is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Garbage Bread with your family and friends!
