Garbage Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garbage Bread is hearty, cheesy, and endlessly versatile. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers, clean out your fridge, or simply make something fun and satisfying. It’s great for game day, busy weeknights, or anytime you want a meal that’s easy to slice and share. Plus, it’s portable and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough or crescent roll dough
• Ground beef or sausage (browned)
• Pepperoni slices
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Provolone or cheddar cheese slices
• Onion (diced, optional)
• Bell peppers or banana peppers (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Optional dipping sauces:

• Marinara
• Ranch
• Garlic butter

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onions and peppers (if using). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fully browned and drain excess grease.
4. Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Layer with pepperoni slices and cheeses.
6. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam and ends to seal.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people, depending on slice size.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Breakfast version: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese.
• Veggie style: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, and mozzarella.
• Buffalo twist: Add cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with ranch and blue cheese.
• Taco version: Use taco meat, cheddar, black beans, and salsa inside.
• Philly cheesesteak: Fill with shaved beef, provolone, peppers, and onions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. For best texture, use the oven or toaster oven. Avoid freezing if filled with high-moisture veggies or soft cheeses.

FAQs

Why is it called Garbage Bread?

The name comes from the idea of tossing in a mix of leftover meats, cheeses, and veggies—like cleaning out the fridge in the most delicious way.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

What kind of dough should I use?

Pizza dough works best, but crescent roll dough or even puff pastry can be used for different textures.

Can I freeze Garbage Bread?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze a fully baked and cooled loaf. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure cooked ingredients are drained well and avoid overfilling. Baking until golden and letting it cool slightly also helps.

What cheese is best for melting?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, but provolone, cheddar, or a blend work great too.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use sautéed veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of pesto or marinara.

Do I need to use a dipping sauce?

No, but sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter take it to the next level.

Can I use pre-cooked deli meats?

Yes, pepperoni, salami, ham, or turkey slices are all great additions.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use an oven or toaster oven to crisp the outside. The microwave works too, but the crust may be softer.

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is a deliciously flexible recipe that turns a jumble of ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun way to repurpose leftovers, this stuffed bread is a hit every time. With endless filling combinations and cheesy, crispy perfection in every bite, Garbage Bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Garbage Bread

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Garbage Bread is a stuffed, rolled bread filled with a savory mix of meats, cheeses, and veggies. It’s like a customizable stromboli that turns leftovers into a cheesy, golden, shareable meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough or crescent roll dough
• 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage, browned
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices provolone or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers or banana peppers, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Marinara
• Ranch
• Garlic butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with onions and peppers (if using). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease.
4. Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Top with pepperoni slices and cheeses.
6. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
7. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil or melted butter.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Don’t overfill the dough to prevent leaking.
• Drain cooked ingredients well to avoid soggy bread.
• Let rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Use any combination of meats, cheeses, and veggies you like.
• Best reheated in the oven for crispy texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg