Garbage Bread is a fun, customizable, and absolutely mouth-watering savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving a hearty snack. This cheesy, stuffed bread is loaded with a medley of flavorful fillings such as pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and melted cheese, making it a satisfying option for nearly any palate. With its golden, crispy crust and gooey, cheesy interior, Garbage Bread is sure to become a household favorite.
What Is Garbage Bread?
At its core, Garbage Bread is a versatile and easy-to-make stuffed bread, similar to a calzone but with more room for creativity. The term “garbage” refers to the freeform nature of the dish—essentially, it’s a way to use up any leftovers or ingredients you have lying around. You can load it up with whatever meats, veggies, or cheeses you love, making it an incredibly customizable recipe. The combination of melted mozzarella, savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, and fresh vegetables makes this dish a savory dream.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) pizza dough
- 1/2 lb cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. You can use store-bought dough or make your own if you prefer. Roll it out into a rectangle or oval, approximately 12 inches by 8 inches.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set aside. Prepare the other fillings by chopping the bell pepper and red onion, and slicing the pepperoni. In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Spread the filling mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a drizzle of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor. Don’t overstuff the dough to ensure it can roll up properly.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Carefully lift one edge of the dough and roll it up like a jelly roll, encasing the filling inside. Pinch the edges together to seal the bread and prevent the fillings from spilling out during baking. Place the rolled bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake
Brush the top of the bread with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. If you like, you can sprinkle garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top for added flavor. Bake the garbage bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the garbage bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into individual portions. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Customizing Your Garbage Bread
One of the best parts about garbage bread is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, ground beef, or even chicken to your filling mixture.
- Veggie Delight: Skip the meats and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, olives, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, hot sausage, or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Cheese Overload: Feel free to add extra cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda to create a cheesy masterpiece.
Why Garbage Bread is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, serving it as a fun snack, or offering it as a party appetizer, garbage bread is always a hit. It’s easy to make, requires minimal preparation, and offers endless flavor possibilities. The best part? You can fill it with whatever you have on hand, making it a great option for cleaning out the fridge while creating something delicious.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is the epitome of comfort food: cheesy, flavorful, and downright satisfying. It’s perfect for picky eaters, as everyone can customize their bread with their favorite ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to a potluck, Garbage Bread will quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary rotation. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy and delicious, give this garbage bread recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
