Garbage Bread is one of those irresistible comfort foods that practically begs to be shared—a golden, crusty loaf packed with gooey cheese, savory meat, and whatever crowd-pleasing fillings you fancy. This fun, flexible recipe lets you clean out your fridge, mashing up all those flavors into one glorious, stuffed bread loaf that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or those nights when you just want to make everyone at the table grin. It comes together easily, bakes up beautifully, and every slice is filled with customizable, craveable goodness thanks to the Garbage Bread magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to form layers of flavor, meltiness, and crunch. Each ingredient contributes something special—whether it’s that stretchy cheese pull, a little tang, savory meatiness, or that classic golden finish on top.
- Pizza Dough: Acts as the hearty vessel, getting gorgeously crusty in the oven and holding everything together.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds a robust, savory centerpiece—choose your favorite or use a mix for extra depth.
- Chopped Onions: These get buttery soft as they cook, adding sweet undertones to the filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The superstar of meltiness, giving you those epic cheese stretches in every slice.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy flavor and richness to balance the other cheeses.
- Pepperoni Slices: A bold, classic pizza element that brings spice and a little crispy edge.
- Banana Peppers or Pickled Jalapeños (optional): Add a pop of zesty, vinegary brightness, totally customizable.
- Pizza Sauce or Marinara: Lends that essential tomato kick and complements the cheeses and meat.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that brings unmistakable classic Italian vibes to the filling.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer so nothing tastes flat.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on top for shine, flavor, and extra crispiness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Optional, but creates the most beautiful golden-brown crust imaginable.
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to turn your Garbage Bread into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent any cheesy topping from sticking. Prepping your pan in advance means you can move quickly once your loaf is assembled!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
Grab a medium skillet and heat it over medium flame. Toss in the ground beef or Italian sausage along with those wonderfully aromatic chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is browned and the onions are tender. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—the filling stays rich, not heavy. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before letting it cool slightly. This way, the meat’s full of flavor and won’t make your dough soggy later.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your counter with a little flour and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, aiming for about 10×14 inches. This shape helps you pack in more filling and get that classic, sliceable bread roll. Take your time here—a nice, even rectangle means every inch of Garbage Bread gets plenty of filling!
Step 4: Layer on the Fillings
Spread a thin but generous strip of pizza sauce or marinara right down the center, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Next, sprinkle on the cooked meat mixture, then follow with a generous handful of both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Layer on pepperoni slices, and if you’re feeling bold, scatter some banana peppers or jalapeños for tang and heat. This combination is unbeatable, but don’t hesitate to riff with whatever leftovers you have on hand.
Step 5: Roll, Seal, and Top
Time to wrap it all up! Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, then roll it up tightly like you’re making a burrito, pinching the seams to seal everything inside. Place the loaf seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil or a beaten egg—this adds shine and crispiness. Don’t forget to cut 2–3 small slits on top with a sharp knife; these allow steam to escape and keep the crust from getting soggy.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide your Garbage Bread into the hot oven for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a loaf that feels crisp to the touch. Let it cool for about 5 minutes once it comes out, so the filling sets up a bit and slicing becomes way easier (plus, you won’t burn your fingers!).
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Grab a serrated knife and slice your Garbage Bread into thick, satisfying pieces. Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garnishes
Garbage Bread is already packed with flavor, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil takes the visuals and taste up a notch. If you want to dial up the heat, pile on some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey. For the ultimate pizza-shop vibe, a bit of grated Parmesan over the slices is always a welcome touch.
Side Dishes
Since this stuffed bread is hearty and filling, pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. For the classic pizzeria experience, serve alongside garlic knots or a bowl of tomato soup for dunking. If you’re feeding a crowd, potato wedges also make a fun and satisfying addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or movie night, slice your Garbage Bread into small pinwheels and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for bite-sized, grab-and-go snacks. You can also get playful with the fillings for themed parties—imagine a Greek version stuffed with spinach, feta, and olives! For a family dinner, place the whole loaf on a cutting board and let everyone help themselves for a casual, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually have leftovers (a rare phenomenon!), wrap the cooled Garbage Bread slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days, making midnight snacks or quick lunches a total breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Garbage Bread cool completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces in parchment before placing in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need later. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months and still taste fresh from the oven.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through and the edges get a bit crisp again (about 10–12 minutes). Microwaving works if you’re in a rush, but the crust will be softer—give it a quick toast after microwaving to bring back its signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Garbage Bread vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meat for roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach, then amp up the cheeses and seasonings. You can also use veggie sausage if you want to keep those savory, meaty notes.
What’s the best way to seal Garbage Bread so it doesn’t come apart?
Rolling tightly and pinching the seams really well is key. You can also lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water or egg wash before sealing for extra stick. Always bake seam-side down to keep everything snug and intact.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble Garbage Bread up to a day ahead, keep it covered and refrigerated, and bake just before serving. Or bake it fully, let it cool, and reheat gently—it’s fantastic both ways and perfect for stress-free entertaining.
What other fillings work in Garbage Bread?
Pretty much anything goes—think leftover grilled chicken, cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or even diced ham. Various cheeses (provolone, fontina, gouda) work too, so don’t be afraid to mix it up based on what’s hanging out in your fridge.
Is Garbage Bread the same as stromboli?
They’re similar, but not quite the same! Garbage Bread is often more rustic and customizable, with looser edges and a “use what you have” spirit, while stromboli usually has a more uniform shape and classic Italian deli fillings. Both are stuffed bread greatness, and both taste fantastic!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about slicing into warm, cheesy, flavor-packed Garbage Bread and sharing it with friends or family. It’s endlessly flexible, fun to make, and nearly impossible to resist. I hope you give this recipe a go—add your own twist, and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a delicious stuffed bread that can be customized with various fillings like meats, cheeses, and veggies. It’s perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Meat Mixture:
½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage, ½ cup chopped onions, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Cheese and Toppings:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup pepperoni slices, ¼ cup banana peppers or pickled jalapeños (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
¼ cup pizza sauce or marinara, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with onions until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Spread sauce, add meat mixture, cheeses, pepperoni, and optional peppers.
- Roll and bake: Roll the dough tightly, seal, and place on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or egg wash. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool, slice, and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe with your favorite leftovers for a unique flavor.
- Great for game days, potlucks, or casual dinners.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
