The Garbage Bread Recipe is your new favorite way to transform pizza night into a craveable, crowd-pleasing adventure. Imagine a golden, crusty loaf stuffed to the brim with savory meats, ooey-gooey cheese, and pops of veggies, then sliced and dunked into marinara — pure, irresistible comfort. This dish masterfully balances flavor, texture, and fun, and it’s endlessly adaptable to whatever you need to use up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a party appetizer, this recipe will quickly become your go-to way to shine in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Garbage Bread Recipe are wonderfully flexible, but each one plays a role in creating its hearty bite and big flavor. Gather these staples, personalize as you please, and watch the magic happen.
- Pizza dough: This is the fluffy, golden foundation that keeps all the fillings tucked safely inside; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra wow factor.
- Ground beef: Adds savory richness and protein, giving the filling its hearty, mouthwatering base.
- Italian sausage: A classic touch that infuses each slice with herby, slightly spicy flavor — remove casings for easy crumbling.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning your meat and amplifying all those delicious flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives the filling a cozy warmth and subtle kick.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers herby depth that brings everything together with a classic, pizzeria aroma.
- Diced onion: Sweet, aromatic, and always welcome in savory fillings, onions add balance and texture.
- Diced green bell pepper: Pops of fresh, crunchy, and colorful pep in every bite.
- Sliced black olives (optional): For a briny, slightly tangy twist that’s impossible to resist for olive lovers.
- Pepperoni slices: Brings a classic pizza flavor and bold, meaty kick that takes this loaf over the top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create those coveted gooey cheese pulls in every slice.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy with a gorgeous orange hue that contrasts the mozzarella perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Savor the nutty, salty punch that only Parmesan can bring.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top, it ensures a glossy, golden-brown finish your guests can’t resist.
- Marinara sauce for dipping: The classic finishing touch — tangy, savory, and perfect for dunking.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats and Sauté Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they brown. Once fully cooked with no pink left, drain off any excess fat. Toss in your diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing everything for 3–4 minutes until the veggies have softened but still hold a bit of bite. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything to ensure those flavors get cozy, then let the mixture cool just a bit so it doesn’t melt your cheese in the next step.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches is perfect. Evenly spread the slightly cooled meat and veggie mixture across the dough, leaving a one-inch border on all sides. Next comes the fun: sprinkle on the pepperoni, black olives if you love them, and then shower your cheeses evenly across the top. Layer after layer, you’re building a flavor-packed masterpiece that makes every bite amazing.
Step 3: Roll and Seal the Garbage Bread
Now, here’s where it gets exciting! Starting from one long edge, gently but firmly roll up the dough, tucking and rolling tightly just like a giant cinnamon roll. Pinch in the sides a bit as you go, so nothing escapes. Place your filled log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps keep all the goodness inside as it bakes, preventing any oozing surprises.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg, then brush it evenly over the top and sides of your rolled-up loaf. This step creates that irresistible, glossy golden crust. Slide your sheet into the preheated oven, and bake for 25–30 minutes until the bread is beautifully puffed and deep golden brown. The aroma will have everyone hovering near the kitchen! Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes out of the oven, allowing the cheese to set slightly for cleaner slices.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the loaf is slightly cooled, grab your sharpest knife and slice it into thick, hearty rounds. Serve the Garbage Bread Recipe with warm marinara sauce alongside for dipping, and watch every piece disappear in record time.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or basil brings a pop of color and a breath of fresh flavor right on top of the Garbage Bread Recipe slices. If you want that classic pizza shop vibe, try a dusting of extra grated Parmesan or even a light drizzle of garlic butter over each slice before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garbage Bread Recipe with a bright Caesar or garden salad to balance the richness and add some crunch. Steamed broccoli, roasted veggies, or even a cup of tomato soup complements the savory, cheesy notes and rounds out your meal in pure comfort-food fashion.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garbage Bread Recipe into a party centerpiece by slicing it into bite-sized pinwheels and serving on a rustic wooden board with assorted dips (think ranch or spicy aioli). Hosting a game day gathering? Stack slices on a platter with little toothpicks for easy grabbing. For family dinner, serve it whole on a board and slice it at the table for a wow factor everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garbage Bread Recipe keeps beautifully. Wrap any extra slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as satisfying the next day!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, Garbage Bread Recipe freezes like a dream. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Label and pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When the craving strikes, you’ll have homemade comfort just minutes away.
Reheating
To reheat, simply unwrap and place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until heated through and the cheese returns to its gooey glory. You can microwave in a pinch, but the oven will give you the best texture — crispy on the outside, melty in the middle.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for Garbage Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap in diced ham, cooked bacon, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. The foundation offers endless flexibility, so use whatever you have on hand or what your family loves.
What’s the best way to keep the bread from getting soggy?
Let the filling cool a bit before adding it to the dough, and make sure to drain any excess fat from cooked meats. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps your crust golden and crisp.
Can I make Garbage Bread Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the meat and amp up the veggies: try mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or even cooked lentils. Extra cheese and your favorite meatless pepperoni or sausage round it out perfectly.
How do I keep the roll closed while baking?
Sealing matters! Be sure to pinch the long seam and sides of your loaf firmly before placing it seam-side down on the baking sheet. The egg wash also helps hold it all together during baking.
Is Garbage Bread Recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Bake a loaf, slice it up, and pack individual portions for easy lunches or snacking throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully and keeps its flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, shareable comfort food, you simply have to try this Garbage Bread Recipe. It’s a fuss-free, fun-loving way to use up leftovers and make something magical out of simple ingredients. Once you slice into that cheesy, savory loaf, you’ll see why this is a dish people request again and again!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a crowd or a cozy night in. This recipe features a savory filling of ground beef, Italian sausage, cheeses, and more, all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned; add onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Bread: Roll out pizza dough, spread meat mixture, add toppings, roll up dough tightly, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with any leftover meats, veggies, or cheeses you have on hand. Try cooked bacon, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
