Brace yourself for a flavor-packed adventure with the Garbage Bread Extravaganza! This cheesy, savory loaf takes everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, spicy meats, zippy veggies—and wraps it all up in a golden, crispy crust. It’s the ultimate “clean out the fridge” comfort food that transforms leftovers and pantry staples into the star of the table. Whether you’re serving this up as a game-day treat, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, Garbage Bread Extravaganza brings a savory surprise in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the gang of ingredients that makes this Garbage Bread Extravaganza so unforgettable! Every item brings something special, whether it’s a punch of flavor, gooey texture, or pops of color. Feel free to mix and match, but don’t skip the basics—each one is essential to the show-stopping outcome.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): The hearty, meaty base that provides classic pizza flavor and satisfying bite.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a rich, aromatic layer that boosts every other ingredient.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle sweetness and depth without the need to chop actual onions.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses those unmistakable herbaceous pizza shop notes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t underestimate these essentials—they bring out the best in everything else.
- Diced pepperoni or salami (1/2 cup): Peppery, salty, and bold—this ingredient adds an irresistible punch.
- Chopped bell peppers (1/2 cup): For freshness, color, and a touch of crunch in every bite.
- Sliced black olives (1/2 cup): Brings a briny contrast and tons of personality to the filling.
- Sliced green onions (1/4 cup): Provides a mild, zingy freshness that lightens up the cheesy filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The melty, stretchy goodness everyone looks for in stuffed bread.
- Shredded provolone or cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Add sharpness and another layer of creamy texture.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 package): The perfect shortcut for a golden, bakery-style bread wrap—use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
- Egg (1, beaten): The glaze for that bakery-worthy sheen and subtle crunch on top.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Deepens the browning and builds out that scrumptious outer crust.
How to Make Garbage Bread Extravaganza
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by warming up your skillet to medium heat, then tumble in your ground beef or Italian sausage. Sauté, stirring and breaking up the meat until it turns irresistibly brown and no pink remains. Drain off any extra fat—you want flavorful, not greasy! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat every morsel. Allow the mix to cool a bit so the cheeses won’t melt prematurely when assembling your Garbage Bread Extravaganza.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Dust your work surface with a little flour and roll out the pizza dough into a generous rectangle. The dough should be about a quarter-inch thick. This magical casing is what will hug all that savory goodness, so aim for even thickness to avoid any soggy spots or burnt edges.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border all around for easy sealing. Now, go wild with your toppings—scatter on the pepperoni, bell peppers, black olives, and green onions. Pile on the mozzarella and provolone or cheddar, making sure every inch gets its fair share. Every layer gives this Garbage Bread Extravaganza its party-in-every-bite reputation!
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting with the long side of your rectangle, roll up the dough jelly-roll style, keeping things snug but not too tight to avoid blowouts. Pinch the seams well and tuck the ends under. This step ensures the bready hug holds in all that bubbling, cheesy filling once it’s in the oven.
Step 5: Prep for Baking
Transfer your behemoth roll seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk your egg and brush the whole log generously. Drizzle or brush with olive oil for maximum golden glory. Finally, use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits along the top—these allow steam to escape and help the Garbage Bread Extravaganza bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide your creation into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes. When the bread is deeply golden and your kitchen smells like a pizza shop at lunchtime, it’s ready! Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing; this helps keep all those glorious fillings tucked inside.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Extravaganza
Garnishes
Bring extra wow factor with a shower of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan, or even some crushed red pepper on top as soon as it comes out of the oven. A little fresh basil is a great way to add aroma and make your Garbage Bread Extravaganza feel even more special.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing better than pairing this bread with something cool and crisp. A tangy green salad, Caesar salad, or even a simple coleslaw balances out the richness perfectly. And, of course, don’t skip a bowl of warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping—this is garbage bread tradition!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing at a party, slice the Garbage Bread Extravaganza into thick sticks for easy grabbing. For lunchboxes, cut into smaller rounds and wrap in parchment. You can even set up a “bread bar” with different dips: garlic butter, spicy ketchup, or herbed yogurt sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap extra slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. Garbage Bread Extravaganza stays fresh for up to 3 days, and you’ll love how the flavors mingle even better after a night in the fridge.
Freezing
Garbage Bread Extravaganza is a freezer hero! Slice up and wrap individual pieces tightly before freezing, or freeze the whole loaf (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes. The crust will crisp right up and the cheese will get all gooey again—just like the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I make Garbage Bread Extravaganza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted veggies, or your favorite plant-based sausage. The cheese and savory fillings will shine just as brightly.
What’s the best sauce to serve with this?
Classic marinara is perfect for dipping, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy aioli work wonders too. Put out a couple of options and let everyone find their favorite match.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Go for it! Homemade pizza dough adds an extra touch of love and uniquely chewy texture to your Garbage Bread Extravaganza, but store-bought is totally acceptable when time is short.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to leave a border around your dough before rolling, and pinch those seams well. If you spot any thin spots or tears, patch them with a scrap of dough. Slits on top help prevent overflows too!
Can I prepare Garbage Bread Extravaganza ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the loaf up to a day ahead, wrap it well, and keep in the fridge until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats for the most even cooking.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Garbage Bread Extravaganza—a recipe that’s as flexible as it is fun to make and utterly delicious! There’s no wrong way to stuff or serve it, so gather your favorite ingredients and enjoy this show-stopping stuffed bread with friends and family. Give it a try and let your kitchen (and your taste buds) go wild!
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Garbage Bread Extravaganza Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Garbage Bread Extravaganza. A flavorful mix of ground beef, cheeses, and veggies all rolled up in pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni or salami
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let cool.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Filling and Roll: Spread the meat mixture over the dough, top with remaining fillings. Roll up jelly-roll style and seal seams.
- Bake: Place on baking sheet, brush with olive oil and egg wash. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños.
- Swap beef for rotisserie chicken or bacon.
- Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
