If you have ever dreamed of a comfort food that combines the irresistible flavors of savory meats, melty cheeses, and fresh veggies all wrapped up in a golden, crusty bread, then this Garbage Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This dish is the perfect way to use a variety of ingredients you love, all rolled up inside soft pizza dough for a hearty, satisfying meal or snack. It’s flavorful, fun to make, and surprisingly simple—making Garbage Bread a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward but crucial to achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a role in creating the complex yet comforting profile that makes Garbage Bread so special.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This forms the soft and chewy base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- Cooked sausage: Adds savory richness and protein, but feel free to swap it with pepperoni, ham, or bacon based on your preference.
- Diced bell peppers: Brings a mild sweetness and delightful crunch along with a pop of vibrant color.
- Sliced mushrooms (optional): For an earthier flavor that complements the meat and cheese beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts wonderfully, lending creaminess and stretchiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a slightly sharper taste for extra depth.
- Sliced black olives (optional): Introduces a tangy, briny bite that contrasts nicely with the richness.
- Diced onions (optional): Brings mild sweetness and a bit of bite when cooked inside.
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano: Essential for that classic Italian herbaceous touch that ties everything together.
- Olive oil: For brushing on top, helping create a golden, appetizing crust.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- Egg: Used to make the egg wash that gives the bread a beautiful shine and golden color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A final sprinkle that amps up the savory flavor and adds a lovely crusty texture.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 8 inches. This shape is perfect for holding all your fillings without being too bulky or tricky to roll.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Combine your cooked sausage (or chosen meat) with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and both shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Toss in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir everything until evenly mixed. This is where all those fantastic flavors come together.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Spread the filling evenly down the center of your rolled-out dough, leaving about an inch clear on each side to give you room to seal the bread properly. This step is crucial to keep your delicious goodies tucked safely inside while baking.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Carefully fold in the edges of the dough and roll it up like a log, fully enclosing the filling. Make sure to pinch the seams tightly and tuck the ends underneath to prevent any filling from escaping as it bakes.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it all over the rolled dough. This creates a gorgeous golden shine once baked. If you want, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a little extra flavor and a bit of crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled Garbage Bread on the prepared baking sheet and pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust that’s cooked through—this signals your bread is ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. This resting time allows it to set up and makes slicing easier and cleaner. Then, cut into thick, inviting pieces and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of freshness that brightens the rich flavors inside. For an added flavor kick, drizzle a touch of garlic butter or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These simple garnishes elevate the whole experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
Garbage Bread is quite hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some tangy coleslaw adds a lovely contrast and balances the meal. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato soup are fantastic options if you’d prefer something warm and comforting alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe is versatile enough to shine on any table—try slicing Garbage Bread into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or serve individual portions alongside a dipping sauce bar with various cheeses and spreads. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the bread soft and fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, when the flavors are still vibrant and the bread hasn’t dried out.
Freezing
You can freeze extra Garbage Bread by wrapping it well in foil and sealing in a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer—making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing slices on a baking sheet and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly baked texture and crust.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and can add a personal touch, but refrigerated dough is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing taste.
What other fillings can I use in Garbage Bread Recipe?
The fun part about this recipe is how flexible it is—swap in cooked chicken, different cheeses, or even vegetables like spinach or artichokes. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Is Garbage Bread Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Simply omit the sausage or replace it with plant-based meat or extra vegetables and cheese. It’s easy to customize for vegetarian diets while still keeping it flavorful.
How long does Garbage Bread take to bake?
Typically, it needs 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F to get a golden brown crust and ensure the inside is cooked and melty.
Can I prepare Garbage Bread ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Garbage Bread Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate—warm, hearty, and packed with wonderful flavors from simple ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you crave something comforting and delicious. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garbage Bread is a deliciously stuffed bread roll featuring a medley of seasoned cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses wrapped in pizza dough. Baked until golden and topped with a shiny egg wash and Parmesan, this savory bread makes a perfect hearty appetizer, snack, or meal component, ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
Filling
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (or any meat of choice, like pepperoni, ham, or bacon)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing, optional – not specified in steps but listed in ingredients)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 8 inches to create the base for your filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, olives, onions, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Season the mixture evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir to blend all flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the filling mixture evenly down the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving about one inch of dough uncovered on each side for sealing.
- Roll up the dough: Fold in the edges of the dough and carefully roll it up like a log to enclose the filling completely. Pinch the seams closed and tuck the ends underneath to secure the stuffing inside.
- Prepare the egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it liberally over the top of the rolled dough to achieve a golden, shiny finish after baking. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Cool and slice: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before slicing into thick pieces. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with any cooked meats or favorite vegetables you have available.
- Mushrooms, olives, and onions are optional and can be omitted or substituted depending on preference.
- The egg wash is key for a beautiful golden crust but can be skipped for an egg-free option.
- Serve this bread warm to fully enjoy the melty cheeses and flavorful filling.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
