If you’ve never tried Garbage Bread, you’re in for a treat!
Despite its funny name, this recipe is anything but trash — it’s a warm, golden loaf stuffed with savory meats, gooey cheese, and flavorful veggies all rolled up in pizza dough. Think of it as a cross between a stromboli and a loaded sandwich — easy, hearty, and downright irresistible.
Perfect for game day, family dinners, or even as a creative way to use up leftovers, Garbage Bread proves that sometimes the best meals come from “cleaning out the fridge.”
Why It’s Called Garbage Bread
Don’t let the name fool you — there’s nothing garbage about it! The idea is simple: you can toss in anything you have on hand — leftover meats, cheeses, veggies, or sauces — and bake it all together inside soft pizza dough. The result is a customizable, crowd-pleasing roll of melty, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ lb ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or any deli meats)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- ¼ cup banana peppers or jalapeños (optional)
- ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×15 inches.
3. Add the Fillings
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Top with cooked beef or sausage, pepperoni, diced vegetables, and cheeses.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Roll and Seal
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal completely.
Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden crust.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bread is deep golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool and Slice
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing into thick rounds. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tasty Variations
• Meat Lover’s Garbage Bread
Swap the ground beef for crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, and crispy bacon for a smoky, protein-packed version.
• Chicken or Steak Roll
Use shredded rotisserie chicken or thinly sliced steak for a gourmet twist — great with BBQ sauce or Alfredo instead of marinara.
• Veggie Delight
Go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, black olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts. Add a drizzle of pesto for brightness.
• Breakfast Garbage Bread
Fill your dough with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, and cheddar cheese. Add a splash of hot sauce for morning heat — perfect for brunch or meal prep.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garbage Bread
- Cool your fillings first: Hot or overly wet ingredients can make the dough soggy.
- Drain everything: After cooking meats, drain grease completely; sauté watery veggies like mushrooms or spinach before adding them.
- Seal it well: Pinch the seam and tuck the ends under the loaf before baking. Placing it seam-side down helps keep it intact.
- Rest before slicing: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes so the melted cheese sets. This makes slicing cleaner and neater.
- Use a serrated knife: A gentle sawing motion keeps the slices perfect and the fillings inside.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat:
Wrap individual slices in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Or use an air fryer or toaster oven to bring back that fresh-baked crispness.
Freeze:
- After Baking: Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Before Baking: Assemble the loaf (omit egg wash), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is the ultimate example of creative comfort food — simple ingredients, big flavor, and endless possibilities. Whether you stick to the recipe or freestyle with what’s in your fridge, the result is always delicious, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
It’s easy enough for beginners, customizable for picky eaters, and impressive enough to serve to guests.
So the next time you’re staring at leftovers, roll them up, bake them golden, and remember — one person’s “garbage” can definitely be another’s treasure.
