If you’re searching for a dish that’s satisfyingly cheesy, loaded with bold flavors, and unfussy enough for even the busiest weeknights, then Easy Garbage Bread is about to become your new obsession. This recipe bursts with the best parts of your favorite sub sandwichโsavory meats, melty cheese, and zesty seasoningsโall lovingly wrapped in golden baked dough. Whether you serve it as a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a late-night snack, Easy Garbage Bread nails that perfect balance of crispy, gooey, and totally craveable. And the best part? Itโs endlessly customizable, meaning no two loaves have to taste the same (unless you want them to!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Garbage Bread lies in its short, flexible ingredient list where each item layers on flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Donโt be afraid to swap, dip, or doubleโthese ingredients are your canvas for creating magic.
- Pizza dough: Grab a ball of store-bought or homemade dough; its pillowy texture creates the perfect crusty envelope for your fillings.
- Italian meats: Think salami, ham, pepperoni, or turkeyโeach slice brings a different savory, spiced note.
- Shredded cheese: Mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, but donโt be shy with provolone or cheddar for extra oomph.
- Sautรฉed veggies: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach tuck in color, sweetness, and extra nutrition.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: A spread of sauce ties everything together, keeping the inside moist and tangy.
- Egg wash: Brushed on top for that irresistibly shiny, golden finish.
- Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle on top or inside brings herby aromas and a punch of classic flavor.
How to Make Easy Garbage Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you get rolling (literally!), get all your fillings ready. Slice up your favorite meats, shred your preferred cheese blend, and give those veggies a quick sautรฉ. The key here is to keep the fillings relatively dry and cool, so your bread isnโt soggy or hard to handle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your countertop and rolling pin with flour, then stretch or roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about a quarter-inch thick. Aim for a shape roughly the size of a baking sheet, because that gives plenty of room for all the goodies inside your Easy Garbage Bread.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or marinara across the dough, leaving a border along the edges for sealing. Next, pile on your meats, spreading them evenly, followed by generous handfuls of cheese and your sautรฉed veggies. Donโt be afraid to get creativeโthis step is what makes every loaf of Easy Garbage Bread unique.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from one long side, gently but tightly roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seams well so nothing leaks out while baking, and tuck in the ends for a neat, sealed loaf. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top with egg wash for a gorgeous sheen, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and bake in a preheated 400ยฐF oven for 25โ30 minutes. When your Easy Garbage Bread emerges golden, bubbly, and crisp, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into thick, cheesy rounds. Absolute heaven!
How to Serve Easy Garbage Bread
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped parsley over the hot bread for a pop of color and savory bite. A drizzle of garlic butter or a scatter of red pepper flakes adds extra flavor if youโre feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Garbage Bread with a bright, crunchy salad to balance all that melty richness. A bowl of warm marinara for dipping is practically mandatory, but itโs also lovely alongside a light minestrone soup or some garlicky green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf into thick rounds for a stunning appetizer platter at parties or game nights. For a grab-and-go snack, cut into sticks and serve in parchment cones. You can even turn Easy Garbage Bread into a meal kit: set out bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Easy Garbage Bread tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container once completely cooled. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its soft, cheesy interior and crisp crust.
Freezing
Planning ahead? Unbaked or baked Easy Garbage Bread freezes like a charm. For unbaked, assemble then wrap well and freeze; bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes. If itโs already baked, slice and wrap individual portionsโjust pop them straight in the oven when a craving hits.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat slices in a 350ยฐF oven for 10 minutes. The microwave will do in a pinch, but youโll miss out on that toasty exterior. Reheating directly from frozen? Just add a few extra minutes to the oven time and cover loosely with foil if the top starts to brown too much.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a fantastic time-saver, and it bakes up just as deliciously. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling so itโs easier to stretch and wonโt snap back.
Whatโs the best way to prevent soggy bread?
The trick is to drain any excess moisture from your veggies and meats, and donโt overdo the sauce. You want just enough to keep the filling moist without making the dough wet.
Can I make Easy Garbage Bread vegetarian?
Of course! Skip the meats and load up on your favorite sautรฉed veggies, add olives, or even toss in some crumbled feta for extra punch. Anything that melts or lends flavor is fair game.
Which cheeses work best?
Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, but provolone, cheddar, fontina, or even a little Swiss can add character. Use what you love or have on handโthere are no wrong answers with Easy Garbage Bread.
Is Easy Garbage Bread good for parties?
Itโs fantastic for parties! Slice it into rounds for an instant crowd-pleaser, and serve alongside a couple of dipping sauces. Everyone loves the surprise of whatโs inside, and guests will beg for the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If youโre ready to make weeknight magic or wow your party crowd, give Easy Garbage Bread a bakeโyouโll wonder how you ever lived without it. Donโt be afraid to play with different fillings, sauces, or cheeses. Itโs the ultimate make-it-your-own meal that always disappears faster than you think!
PrintEasy Garbage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a fun, customizable stuffed bread that tosses your favorite pizza toppings, cheese, and savory fixings into one irresistibly golden loaf. This easy recipe is perfect for using up leftovers, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, party, or game day snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeรฑos or sliced peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sautรฉed vegetables (such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef or sausage, mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, olives, optional jalapeรฑos, sautรฉed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
- Add the Filling: Evenly scatter the filling over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges so you can seal it.
- Roll the Bread: Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a loaf, pinching the seams and ends to seal. Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Topping: Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the garbage bread to cool for 10 minutes. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in any cooked meats, cheeses, or leftover veggies for the fillingโit’s a great fridge-cleanout recipe!
- The bread is just as delicious at room temperature as it is warm, making it easy to take to potlucks or picnics.
- If you want a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thick slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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