Garbage bread is a fun, versatile, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a savory snack. The name may sound a bit funny, but don’t be fooled—it’s a flavorful dish filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheese, and vegetables, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pizza dough. It’s essentially a savory stuffed bread that can be customized with your favorite fillings, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
This homemade garbage bread is so easy to make, and it’s perfect for using up leftovers or simply experimenting with different ingredients. The warm, melty cheese and the blend of meats and veggies wrapped in soft dough is a combination that’s hard to resist. You can dip it in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
•1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
•1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or your favorite)
•1 cup pepperoni slices (or any deli meats of your choice, such as ham, salami, or turkey)
•1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
•1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
•1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
•1/4 cup red onion, diced
•1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
•1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
•1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the dough)
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1 teaspoon dried oregano
•1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
•Salt and pepper, to taste
•Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Prepare the dough: If you are using store-bought pizza dough, unroll it onto a floured surface. If you’re making homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick, making a rectangle or oval shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
3.Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4.Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the diced bell pepper, onion, mushrooms (if using), and any other veggies you like until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5.Assemble the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, pepperoni, cooked bacon, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until all the ingredients are well-mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Garbage Bread
6.Fill the dough: Lay the pizza dough flat on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the filling mixture evenly in the center of the dough, leaving about 1-2 inches around the edges.
7.Roll up the bread: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, and then roll it up tightly from one end to the other, creating a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal the dough and tuck the ends to prevent the filling from spilling out.
8.Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the top of the rolled dough with olive oil. This will help the bread bake up golden and crispy. You can also sprinkle a little extra garlic powder and oregano on top for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Garbage Bread
9.Bake the bread: Place the garbage bread in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can check by gently pressing on the top; it should feel firm and crispy when it’s done.
10.Cool slightly: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
11.Slice and serve: Slice the garbage bread into pieces like a loaf or into smaller portions for appetizers. Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Variations
1.Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and fill the bread with a variety of vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, along with plenty of cheese. Add some olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
2.Cheese Lover’s Garbage Bread: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, load the bread with extra cheese. You can use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and even parmesan for a gooey, cheesy delight.
3.Spicy Garbage Bread: Add jalapeños, hot sausage, or chili flakes to the filling to give the garbage bread a spicy kick.
4.BBQ Chicken Garbage Bread: Replace the sausage and pepperoni with cooked, shredded chicken and toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
5.Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread: For a buffalo chicken version, add cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and a generous amount of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Tips
1.Use Room Temperature Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and less likely to tear.
2.Seal the Dough Well: Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the filling to prevent any leakage while baking.
3.Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load the bread with as much filling as possible, be mindful of overstuffing, as this can make it difficult to roll and may cause the dough to tear.
4.Cut After Baking: For clean, neat slices, allow the garbage bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
5.Customize Your Fillings: Garbage bread is highly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your fillings. Use whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies you enjoy.
Conclusion
Garbage bread is an incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings and impressing your guests. Whether you prefer a meaty, cheesy filling or a vegetarian version, this recipe has something for everyone. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and absolutely delicious! Whether you serve it for a family dinner, a game day snack, or as an appetizer at a party, it’s bound to be a hit.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a convenient and time-saving option. Just make sure to roll it out properly and avoid overstuffing.
2. Can I make garbage bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover garbage bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for the best results, or microwave it if you’re in a hurry.
4. Can I freeze garbage bread?
Yes, garbage bread freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage and pepperoni with any meats you prefer, such as ham, cooked chicken, or turkey. Be creative with your choices!
