Garbage Bread is not only a fun name to say, but it’s truly a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make on repeat. This crowd-pleasing masterpiece rolls up all the cheesy, meaty goodness you love—think pizza meets stuffed bread roll—into one golden, crave-worthy loaf. Every slice is packed with savory ground beef, zesty sausage, gooey mozzarella and cheddar, and a pop of veggies for a little color and crunch. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to make weeknight dinner feel a little more exciting, Garbage Bread is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make Garbage Bread, but each ingredient brings a little something special, whether it’s bold flavor, perfect texture, or cheesy pull-apart magic. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready before you roll up your sleeves.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The chewy, sturdy base that holds it all together—use store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s thawed and ready to roll.
- Ground beef (½ pound): Adds hearty, classic flavor and meaty texture to each bite.
- Italian sausage (½ pound): Brings a little spice and extra depth; go mild or hot, depending on your mood.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a welcome crunch once cooked.
- Green bell pepper, diced (½): Gives a bright pop of color and a fresh, slightly tangy bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts into that dreamy, stretchy layer every Garbage Bread needs.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): For a sharp, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the meats.
- Sliced black olives (¼ cup, optional): If you love a salty, briny note, don’t skip these!
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the whole loaf with a comforting, savory backbone.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A pinch brings all those classic herbs together in every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t forget to season—you want every layer to sing!
- Egg, beaten (1): Brushed on top for that irresistible, glossy golden finish.
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a skillet over medium heat, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Once they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, drain off any extra fat—this helps keep your Garbage Bread from getting soggy, so don’t skip it. Add in the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until they soften up and start to smell amazing. Season the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and let your filling cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to roll everything up later without melting the dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your counter with a little flour and roll out the pizza dough to a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. Don’t worry about perfection here—the main thing is to get it thin enough to roll, but thick enough to hold the filling. If your dough shrinks back, let it rest for a minute, then try again. This is where the magic of Garbage Bread starts to take shape!
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Evenly spread the cooled meat and veggie mixture across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges (this gives your bread a nice, sealed crust). Layer on the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and scatter the black olives if using. Try not to overstuff—spread everything out so each slice gets a bit of every flavor, without exploding out the sides.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long sides of the dough, carefully roll it up into a snug log. Go slow and keep things even, tucking in the filling as you go. Pinch the seam closed and tuck in the ends to help seal everything inside. Place the Garbage Bread seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet—this helps it keep its shape and prevents leaks as it bakes.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of your rolled-up bread with the beaten egg—this is what gives it that irresistible golden sheen. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the whole loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the cheese has time to set and everything holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garnishes
Nothing sets off a fresh-from-the-oven slice of Garbage Bread like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. If you like a little extra heat, try red pepper flakes. And if you want to impress, a drizzle of olive oil just before serving can really tie it all together.
Side Dishes
Garbage Bread is a meal all by itself, but if you want to round out your table or serve a crowd, pair each slice with a crisp green salad, a bowl of marinara for dipping, or a cup of creamy tomato soup. For game day, add crunchy veggies, chips, or even some buffalo wings on the side and watch your friends swoon.
Creative Ways to Present
A showstopper when sliced and fanned out on a big platter, Garbage Bread also makes fun party finger food—just cut into bite-sized pieces and stick toothpicks in each one. For a cozy dinner, slice thickly and serve straight from the oven with little bowls of dipping sauces (like ranch, blue cheese, or classic pizza sauce).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garbage Bread stores like a dream! Simply wrap any cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making an easy grab-and-go snack or lunch for busy days.
Freezing
Got extra or want to plan ahead? Garbage Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have fresh, homemade comfort food whenever you need it.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, pop refrigerated or thawed slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also zap them in the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven gives you back that irresistible crust.
FAQs
Can I make Garbage Bread vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cooked lentils, or any favorite veggie mixture. Just keep an eye on excess moisture so your bread stays nice and crisp.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Definitely! Store-bought pizza dough makes Garbage Bread a true weeknight hero. Just let it come to room temperature so it rolls out easily and bakes evenly.
What’s the best way to prevent the loaf from splitting open?
Be sure to pinch the seams together tightly, tuck in the ends, and always bake seam-side down. Letting the filling cool a bit before rolling also helps keep things neat.
Can I add different cheeses or fillings?
Garbage Bread is designed for flexibility—swap cheeses, try cooked bacon, pepperoni, or your favorite roasted veggies. If you love it on pizza, you’ll love it inside this loaf!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The outside should be deeply golden and sound slightly hollow when tapped. If you have a thermometer, the center should hit at least 190°F for safely cooked dough and melty cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about the cheesy, savory swirl of Garbage Bread that makes every bite a little celebration. Try it just once and you’ll see why it earns a spot in every comfort food lover’s rotation—passing around a platter of warm slices is pure, easygoing happiness. Go ahead and give Garbage Bread a try. You’ll end up with a new favorite to share!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a delicious stuffed bread roll filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, cheeses, and seasonings, all rolled up in pizza dough and baked until golden brown. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add the diced onion and green pepper. Season with spices. Let the mixture cool.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Spread the meat mixture, cheeses, and olives on top. Roll the dough into a log.
- Bake: Place the dough log on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the bread rest before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Garbage bread is highly customizable—use leftover meats, cooked veggies, or any cheese you have on hand.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or hot sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
