Easy Garbage Bread Stuffed Goodness

This garbage bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you need to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort. The concept is brilliantly simple: roll up your favorite pizza toppings in store-bought dough, bake until golden, and slice into portable, flavor-packed portions.

I started making garbage bread when my teenage son brought friends over unexpectedly. What began as a panic meal has become our most requested dish for movie nights and football Sundays.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Provides the perfect sturdy yet tender base for all the fillings
• Cooked ground beef or sausage: Adds hearty protein and savory depth
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves
• Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor contrast to the mild mozzarella
• Pepperoni or salami: Brings that classic pizza flavor and slight spice
• Diced vegetables: Add nutrition, color and textural contrast
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Infuse aromatic flavor throughout
• Egg wash: Ensures a beautifully golden, shiny crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect balance between cooking the filling through and achieving a golden crust without burning.

Roll Out The Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10x14 inches. Aim for even thickness throughout to ensure consistent baking.

Add Your Filling:

Layer your ingredients starting with the cheeses, then meat, then vegetables. Leave a one-inch border around all edges to allow for proper sealing. The order matters here, as placing cheese directly on the dough creates a moisture barrier that prevents sogginess.

Season And Roll:

Sprinkle your seasonings evenly across the fillings, then carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a tight log shape, jelly roll style. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal in all the goodness.

Egg Wash Application:

Beat one egg until smooth and brush generously over the entire surface of your bread log. This step is crucial for achieving that bakery quality golden finish that makes everything look more appetizing.

Bake To Perfection:

Position your bread log seam side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the exterior deeply golden and the center fully cooked through. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to let the filling set.

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My family's favorite variation uses taco meat with Mexican cheese blend and a side of sour cream for dipping. The first time I served it, my daughter declared it "better than actual tacos" which is high praise from a twelve-year-old taco enthusiast.

Storage Solutions

Your garbage bread will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For best results when reheating, place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 30 seconds, though the crust will be softer. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creative Variations

The basic garbage bread formula opens up endless possibilities for customization. Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. For Meatless Monday, load it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, and feta. Buffalo chicken garbage bread combines shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and a ranch drizzle after baking. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility whatever you have in your refrigerator can likely find a home in garbage bread.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, garbage bread truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For game day presentations, arrange slices on a platter surrounded by various dipping sauces including marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even honey mustard. If serving as a main course, consider adding a vegetable side dish like roasted broccoli or sautéed zucchini to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of meat can I use in garbage bread?

Any cooked meat works, such as ground beef, sausage, rotisserie chicken, or ham. You can even use leftovers to add variety.

→ How do I prevent the bread from unrolling during baking?

Make sure to pinch the seam and ends of the rolled dough securely. Place the seam-side down on the baking sheet.

→ Can this bread be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with garbage bread?

Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are popular options, but you can also try garlic butter or a creamy cheese sauce.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version of this bread?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option.