Garbage Bread
Introduction
If you’ve ever opened your fridge wondering what to do with leftover bits of meat, cheese, or veggies, then
Garbage Bread is about to become your new favorite recipe.
Despite its funny name, this dish is anything but trash! It’s a warm, golden, flavor-packed loaf filled with
your favorite sandwich or pizza toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, game days, or anytime you want
something delicious without extra effort.
History of Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread originated as a creative solution for using leftovers. Families would gather whatever ingredients
were available—meats, sauces, vegetables, cheeses—and roll them into bread dough to make a complete meal.
Over time, its versatility and rich flavor made it a beloved American comfort food, especially in regions where
pizza rolls and strombolis are popular.
Benefits
- A great way to use leftover ingredients and reduce waste.
- Very customizable—sweet, savory, spicy, anything goes.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as an appetizer.
- Quick, simple, and budget-friendly.
- Kid-approved and highly adaptable to picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (11-oz) tube refrigerated French bread dough
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing — for dipping
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or spray with non-stick spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess grease. - Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the French bread dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Add Condiments: Spread ketchup and mustard evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle beef mixture, bacon, and chopped pickles evenly over the dough.
- Add Cheese: Layer the American cheese slices across the top.
- Roll & Seal: Starting from the long side, roll the dough like a jelly roll and seal the edges.
Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. - Brush & Bake: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. - Cool & Serve: Allow 5 minutes to cool. Slice and serve with Thousand Island dressing.
Method (Short Version)
- Brown → Fill → Roll → Bake → Slice → Serve.
Variations
- Pepperoni Pizza Style: Add pepperoni, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Cheeseburger Style: Use cheddar, pickles, onions, and burger sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken: Add shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch.
- Breakfast Garbage Bread: Eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns.
- Veggie Lovers: Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
For the Lovers
Garbage Bread lovers adore its warm, cheesy, customizable interior wrapped in flaky bread.
It brings families together at gatherings and is always the first dish to disappear at parties.
If you love comfort food, melty cheese, and easy recipes, this dish is made just for you.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re using leftovers or
creating a gourmet version, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try different fillings, get creative, and enjoy a recipe
that’s both convenient and delicious every single time.