Garbage Bread Recipe

Easy Garbage Bread Recipe: Tasty Comfort Food Magic

Packed with savory meats and gooey cheese, garbage bread delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic party appetizers that will surprise your taste buds.

This crowd-pleasing recipe combines simple ingredients in an extraordinary way.

Rolled with precision and baked to golden perfection, the dish brings comfort and excitement to any gathering.

Every slice reveals layers of delicious fillings that blend seamlessly.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread promises to be the star of your next meal.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to dive into this irresistible creation.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of this delectable treat.

What Makes Garbage Bread So Deliciously Messy

  • Quick Weeknight Meal Savior: Whip up this delicious Garbage Bread faster than ordering takeout, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a hearty and satisfying dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings, this recipe guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile Culinary Canvas: Easily customize the filling with different meats, vegetables, or spices to match your family's taste preferences or clean out your refrigerator ingredients.
  • Simple Cooking Skills Required: Beginners can confidently tackle this recipe with basic kitchen skills, minimal chopping, and straightforward assembly techniques that ensure delicious results every time.

What You Need to Stuff Your Garbage Bread

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy and flavorful meat that adds heartiness to the dish.
Pizza Dough Base:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft and flexible canvas for creating delicious rolled bread.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide delicious depth and aroma.
Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A melty and creamy cheese that adds richness.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Spices that bring bold and balanced flavor.
Sauce Blend:
  • Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Tangy sauces that enhance the overall taste.
Butter Coating:
  • Butter, Garlic Powder: A savory mixture for brushing the bread's exterior.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and brightness.
Oil:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth cooking oil for sautéing ingredients.

How to Bake Flavor-Packed Garbage Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Savory Filling

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in the ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it turns a beautiful brown color.

Once cooked, remove any extra grease.

Ingredients for veggie mix:
  • Onion
  • Bell pepper
  • Garlic

Toss these veggies into the skillet and let them dance around until they soften up.

Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Ketchup
  • Barbecue sauce

Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Take the skillet off the heat and let the filling cool down a bit.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your countertop with flour and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape.

Spread the cooled beef mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Shower the surface with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Shape and Seal

Start rolling the dough from the long side, creating a tight log.

Pinch the ends and seal the seams to keep all the delicious filling inside.

Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Buttery Finish

Mix melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl.

Generously brush this magical mixture over the top of the rolled dough.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let the bread rest for 5-10 minutes to set.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Cut the bread into mouthwatering 1-inch slices.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Handy Tips for Rolling and Filling Garbage Bread

  • Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste that elevates the entire garbage bread's profile.
  • Drain excess fat from beef and let filling cool before spreading to avoid making the dough wet and prevent sogginess.
  • Pinch seams carefully and fold ends under to keep cheese and filling securely inside during baking, ensuring a neat presentation.
  • Use minimal sauce in filling to maintain the right texture, preventing the bread from becoming too wet or falling apart.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone to add unique flavor variations to your garbage bread.

Store and Reheat Garbage Bread Without Drying

  • Store leftover garbage bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crispy exterior and keeps the inside soft and delicious.
  • For a quick reheat, microwave individual slices for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Wrap the garbage bread securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve Alongside Garbage Bread

  • Savor with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of Garbage Bread with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that matches its hearty profile and cuts through the fatty beef filling.
  • Create a Zesty Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory bread and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense meat and cheese.
  • Match with Cool Ranch Dressing: Serve alongside ranch dressing for dipping, which adds a creamy, herbal note that enhances the spices in the filling and provides a cool counterpoint to the warm bread.
  • Elevate with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the bold flavors, helping to cleanse the palate between bites and providing a complementary taste experience.

Creative Fillings for Garbage Bread Fans

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a protein-packed plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or substitute with cauliflower crust. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning. Add jalapeños, green chiles, and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pizza dough with large lettuce leaves or thin cheese wraps. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Incorporate more low-carb vegetables to boost nutritional value.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges when spreading the filling and tightly roll the dough. Pinch the seams and tuck in the ends securely to seal the filling inside the bread.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well before adding to the dough.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use equal parts of each herb to replace the pre-mixed Italian seasoning.

  • How do I know when the Garbage Bread is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown crust and ensure the dough is not raw in the center. The bread should sound hollow when tapped and the internal temperature should reach around 190°F for fully baked dough.

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Garbage Bread Recipe

Garbage Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy garbage bread combines Italian-American comfort with irresistible flavor profiles that satisfy serious snack cravings. Melted cheese, savory meats, and crispy bread edges create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you won’t be able to resist sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Bread and Toppings:

  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arranging a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
  2. Create a robust meat mixture by browning ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into crumbly fragments until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  3. Enhance the meat with aromatic vegetables: sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they soften and release their fragrant essence.
  4. Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating seasonings including salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, paprika, ketchup, and barbecue sauce. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to meld together for several minutes.
  5. Transform the pizza dough into a canvas, rolling it into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface, ensuring ample workspace around the edges.
  6. Distribute the cooled meat mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a modest border for sealing. Generously cascade mozzarella cheese over the savory filling.
  7. Carefully roll the dough into a compact log, starting from the longest edge. Meticulously seal the ends and seams to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
  8. Craft a rich butter glaze by combining melted butter with garlic powder, then lovingly brush this mixture across the dough’s surface.
  9. Slide the prepared log into the preheated oven, baking until the exterior transforms into a golden, crispy shell (approximately 20-25 minutes).
  10. Allow the bread to rest and solidify for several minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into appetizing portions and serve warm, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by replacing ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version.
  • To enhance flavor, experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for added depth and complexity.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by patting cooked meat and vegetables dry with paper towels before assembling to remove excess moisture.
  • Elevate presentation and texture by sprinkling everything bagel seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 893 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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