Introduction
Garbage Bread might have an unconventional name, but it’s anything but trash! This beloved American comfort food is an incredible fusion of stuffed bread packed generously with flavorful meats, gooey cheeses, savory vegetables, and spices. Often described as a delicious hybrid between pizza, stromboli, and calzones, Garbage Bread is an irresistible combination of crisp crust, melted cheese, and savory fillings. Originally popularized in upstate New York, it’s now enjoyed everywhere for its versatility, hearty portions, and ability to satisfy diverse tastes. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or crowd-pleasing snack at parties and game nights, this delightful creation has something for everyone.
The charm of Garbage Bread lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can effortlessly customize it by adding your favorite fillings, from classic pepperoni and sausage to spinach, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Once baked to golden perfection, this savory loaf becomes a culinary masterpiece that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. If you’ve never tried it before, this recipe will guide you through creating a deliciously cheesy, hearty Garbage Bread guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly dust your working surface with flour. Stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 12×18 inches. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Next, add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the sauce. Spoon the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the filling.
Step 4: Roll and Seal the Bread
Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seams and ends securely to seal the loaf completely. Place the rolled bread seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the top and sides of your bread with the egg wash. Sprinkle the top generously with the extra grated parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Variation
- Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Use ranch or blue cheese dressing instead of marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian Garbage Bread: Replace meat with additional veggies like spinach, zucchini, eggplant, or olives for a wholesome vegetarian alternative.
- Cheesesteak Garbage Bread: Replace ground beef with thinly sliced steak strips sautéed with onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and use provolone cheese instead of cheddar.
COOKING Note
- Allowing the bread to rest after baking helps prevent the filling from spilling out when sliced.
- Be careful not to overfill the dough to avoid tearing during rolling and baking.
Serving Suggestions
Garbage Bread pairs perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter dipping sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or crisp steamed vegetables. Cut the loaf into thick slices for easy sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Tips
- Dough Handling: Ensure your dough is at room temperature before stretching; cold dough tends to retract.
- Prevent Sogginess: Drain meat and veggies thoroughly to remove excess moisture and grease before filling the dough.
- Perfect Bake: Baking on parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Storage: Leftover Garbage Bread can be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices briefly in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
(Nutritional values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs
Can I freeze Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and often adds superior flavor and texture to your Garbage Bread.
Why is it called Garbage Bread?
The quirky name comes from the idea of putting various leftover ingredients—”garbage”—inside the dough. It’s a creative way to use up leftovers deliciously.
What other meats can I use?
Feel free to experiment with diced chicken, turkey, sausage, or even cured meats like salami or pepperoni.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread is a fun, delicious, and endlessly adaptable recipe that delights anyone who tries it. Its rich filling of seasoned meats, veggies, and gooey cheeses wrapped inside golden, crusty bread makes for an extraordinary meal or snack. Easy to customize, this recipe ensures you can create your own perfect combination, catering to various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a filling meal, or just craving comfort food, Garbage Bread promises to impress and satisfy every time. Try it once, and you’ll understand why this uniquely named bread has become a cherished favorite.