Garbage Bread is a fun and customizable recipe where you can stuff pizza dough with all kinds of meats, cheeses, and veggies—basically, anything goes! Despite the name, it’s a delicious and satisfying bread filled with your favorite ingredients and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even as a snack to share with friends and family.
Advertisements
Ingredients
- 1 loaf refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced, optional)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for spreading inside or for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Marinara or ranch (for serving)
Instructions
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 Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage (or both) with the diced onions until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the meat with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. The dough should be thin but not too stretched.
Step 4: Add the Fillings
- Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the meat mixture.
- Add any optional fillings such as pepperoni, crumbled bacon, baby spinach, or diced bell peppers. If you want, you can spread a thin layer of marinara sauce inside as well.
Step 5: Roll the Dough
- Starting from one of the long edges of the dough, carefully roll it up into a log shape, tucking in the sides as you go to seal in the fillings.
- Pinch the seams to close the dough securely and place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
- Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg to help it get golden brown while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted inside.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Cook Notes
- Fillings: Garbage bread is highly customizable—feel free to add any ingredients you have on hand like mushrooms, olives, or even leftover roasted veggies.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar work great, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as provolone, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Sealing the Dough: Be sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well to prevent the fillings from leaking out during baking.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread: Use shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded mozzarella for a buffalo-flavored twist.
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Garbage Bread: Combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and BBQ sauce for a burger-inspired version.
- Vegetarian Garbage Bread: Load it up with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and onions, and add some marinara sauce for a veggie-packed option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make garbage bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze garbage bread?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked or baked bread. If freezing unbaked, assemble the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing baked, cool the bread completely, wrap it, and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I serve with garbage bread?
Garbage bread pairs well with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even garlic butter. It’s great served alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
Garbage Bread is a delicious, cheesy, and customizable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky pizza dough and savory, stuffed filling, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, bake until golden and crispy, and enjoy this flavorful snack or meal!