Of course! Garbage Bread is the ultimate customizable, easy-to-make, and crowd-pleasing food. It’s essentially all the delicious fillings of a pizza (or any other combination you love) rolled up in dough and baked until golden brown.
Here’s a complete guide to making it, from a classic recipe to creative variations.
What is Garbage Bread?
Think of it as a deconstructed, rolled-up pizza or calzone loaf. The name “garbage bread” comes from the idea that you can throw in whatever “garbage” (leftovers, random ingredients) you have in your fridge, and it will turn out delicious. It’s a staple of party food, game day snacks, and easy weeknight dinners.
Classic Pizza Garbage Bread
This is the most popular and beloved version.
Ingredients
· Dough: 1 loaf (1 lb) of frozen bread dough, thawed OR 1 can of refrigerated pizza crust OR your favorite homemade pizza dough.
· Sauce: ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (more if you like it saucy)
· Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· Meats (choose your favorites):
· ½ cup pepperoni slices
· ½ cup cooked Italian sausage crumbles
· ¼ cup cooked bacon, chopped
· ¼ cup diced ham
· Veggies (choose your favorites):
· ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
· ¼ cup onion, finely diced
· ¼ cup sliced black olives
· ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
· 1-2 tbsp pickled jalapeños (for spice)
· To Finish:
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ tsp Italian seasoning
· Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If your veggies have high water content (like bell peppers or mushrooms), consider sautéing them briefly first to avoid a soggy bread.
- Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. If using canned pizza dough, press the seams together.
- Layer the “Garbage”:
· Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges.
· Sprinkle on about 1.5 cups of the mozzarella cheese.
· Evenly distribute all your chosen meats and veggies.
· Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. - Roll it Up:
· Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style.
· Pinch the seam to seal it shut.
· Carefully transfer the log, seam-side down, to your prepared baking sheet.
· Pinch the ends shut and tuck them under the loaf. - Bake:
· Brush the top and sides of the loaf with olive oil.
· Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
· Use a sharp knife to score 3-4 small slits on the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape.
· Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. - Rest and Serve:
· CRUCIAL STEP: Let the garbage bread rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. If you cut it immediately, the molten cheese will ooze out everywhere.
· Slice into 1.5-inch thick pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Garbage Bread
· Avoid Sogginess: This is the #1 rule. Make sure your ingredients aren’t too wet. Pat cooked meats dry, sauté watery veggies, and don’t overdo the sauce.
· Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to add everything, but too much filling will make it hard to roll and likely cause it to burst open while baking.
· Seal it Well: Pinching the seams and ends securely is key to preventing a cheesy explosion in your oven.
· Let the Dough Rest: If using frozen dough, make sure it’s fully thawed and has come to room temperature. This makes it much easier to stretch and roll without tearing.
Creative Variations (“Garbage” Ideas)
The possibilities are endless! Here are some popular themes:
· Buffalo Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, mixed with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and topped with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
· Philly Cheesesteak: Sautéed thinly sliced steak, onions, and green peppers, topped with provolone cheese.
· Reuben: Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut (squeezed dry!), and Swiss cheese.
· Breakfast Garbage Bread: Scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, cheddar cheese, and diced potatoes (pre-cooked).
· Taco Style: Refried beans, seasoned ground beef or turkey, cheddar cheese, black olives, and diced onions. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
No matter what you put in it, Garbage Bread is always a hit. Enjoy your delicious, customizable creation