Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread: A Savory, Cheesy Delight

Garbage Bread is a delicious and fun-to-make dish that combines all the comforting flavors of pizza into a portable, rollable format. Imagine everything you love about pizza – from the cheesy goodness to the savory meats and veggies – rolled up in a golden, flaky dough.

Whether you’re looking for a snack, a hearty meal, or something to share at a party, this Garbage Bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it can be filled with whatever you prefer, making it an ideal option for family meals, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Garbage Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own homemade dough.

1/2 lb ground beef or sausage: For a savory base, cooked and drained to avoid excess grease.

1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Or you can choose any deli meats of your choice, such as salami or ham, to add that classic pizza flavor.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the traditional cheese used in pizza, offering a gooey, melty texture.

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar adds an extra depth of flavor to complement the mozzarella.

1/2 green bell pepper, diced: For a bit of crunch and freshness that contrasts with the richness of the meat and cheese.

1/2 onion, diced: Onions bring sweetness and savoriness to the mix.

1/4 cup banana peppers or jalapeños (optional): These optional ingredients give your Garbage Bread a tangy or spicy kick, depending on your preference.

1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce: Used as the base sauce, bringing that classic pizza flavor.

1 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and other herbs to add that signature Italian flavor to your bread.

1 egg: Beaten, for an egg wash to give the bread a golden, shiny finish when baked.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking and to make cleanup easier. The parchment paper will also help in ensuring the Garbage Bread bakes evenly and doesn’t get stuck.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Place the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12×15 inch rectangle.

Be sure to keep the dough as even as possible to allow for even cooking. This will be the canvas for your savory filling, so make sure it’s large enough to hold everything comfortably.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

Spread 1/4 cup of marinara or pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges. This will be the base flavor for your Garbage Bread.

On top of the sauce, layer the cooked ground beef or sausage, followed by pepperoni slices, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, and shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

For some extra flavor, add the banana peppers or jalapeños (if you prefer a spicy kick). Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top to infuse the entire filling with aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Roll and Seal the Dough

Once the fillings are added, it’s time to roll up the dough. Starting from one of the long sides of the dough, carefully roll it up like a jelly roll.

Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside and to prevent any ingredients from spilling out during baking. Make sure the seam is facing down once you place the roll onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake

To give the Garbage Bread a beautifully golden crust, brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg. This egg wash will give it that bakery-style finish, making the bread look as delicious as it tastes

. Place the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown. During baking, the cheese will melt and bind everything together, while the dough becomes crispy and golden.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Once the bread is baked to perfection, let it cool for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. This also makes it easier to slice. After cooling, slice the bread into thick rounds, perfect for dipping and serving.

Tips for Success

Dough Choice: While store-bought dough is a time-saver, homemade dough gives you more control over the flavor and texture of the crust. If you’re making your own dough, make sure to let it rise properly for the best results.

Customize Fillings: The beauty of Garbage Bread lies in its versatility. You can swap the beef for chicken, add mushrooms, olives, or even spinach for a more veggie-packed version. The possibilities are endless!

Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add extra jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling. You can also try using spicy sausage or chorizo for added flavor.

Add Garlic: Brush the dough with garlic butter after baking for an extra layer of flavor. This will complement the Italian seasoning and add a rich, garlicky kick to each bite.

Serve with Dipping Sauces: Marinara sauce is the classic choice, but you can also serve it with ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic dip.

Storage

Garbage Bread is best served fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry – it stores well too! To store, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1–2 months if you’d like to enjoy it later.

To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave the slices for 30–45 seconds, though the oven method will help maintain the crispy texture of the crust.

Serving Suggestions

Garbage Bread is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to make the meal even more satisfying:

Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the bread.

Soup: Serve it alongside a comforting bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato soup for a cozy, hearty meal.

Pickles: The tanginess of pickles or pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory, cheesy bread.

Fries: For a more indulgent option, serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is the kind of dish that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends and family, or simply treating yourself to a pizza-inspired meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

With its gooey cheese, savory meats, and flavorful veggies all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, it’s a fun and customizable dish that can be tailored to your tastes. Serve it up with a side of marinara for dipping, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food in one bite.

Not only is it easy to make, but Garbage Bread is also a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. So next time you want to indulge in something delicious, try making this cheesy masterpiece, and watch everyone enjoy!