Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garbage Bread is a deliciously indulgent dish that wraps your favorite sandwich or pizza fillings inside a warm, golden-brown loaf of dough. It’s the ultimate comfort food—easy to customize, perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Think of it as a stromboli or stuffed bread loaf packed with meat, cheese, and savory extras.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pizza doughground beef or Italian sausageonionsbell peppersmozzarella cheesesharp cheddar cheesepepperonipizza sauceminced garlicolive oilItalian seasoningsalt and pepperegg (for egg wash)
directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Top with the cooked meat mixture, pepperoni, and shredded cheeses.
Carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style, tucking in the sides as you go.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6-8 slices.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use marinara or Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce for a different flavor.
Include olives, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Try different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for variety.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a stuffed bread filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables—named for the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to use homemade dough?
No, store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time.
How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and make sure to drain cooked meats well before assembling.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
You can, but it will have a lighter, flakier texture compared to pizza dough.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—use sautéed vegetables, beans, and cheese as your filling.
What’s the best way to slice it?
Use a serrated knife to ensure clean slices without crushing the loaf.
Can I use different sauces?
Yes, try BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or pesto for different flavor profiles.
How do I know when it’s done?
The crust should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temp of 190°F.
Can kids help make this?
Yes, kids can help fill and roll the dough—just supervise oven use.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread is the perfect way to transform everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy, shareable meal. It’s endlessly customizable, simple to prepare, and always a hit at gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again with new twists each time.
PrintGarbage Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baked pull‑apart loaf
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty, pull‑apart loaf packed with cheese, pepperoni, veggies and a zesty garlic‑tomato sauce—perfect party or game‑day fare.
Ingredients
- 1 large Italian bread loaf (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup pizza or pasta sauce
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Slice bread loaf crosswise every 1 inch, stopping ¼ inch from bottom so slices stay attached.
- Mix mozzarella, pepperoni, peppers, onion, mushrooms in a bowl.
- Stuff mixture into bread cuts, spreading evenly.
- Warm sauce slightly and spoon it between slices and over top.
- Combine melted butter and garlic; brush over top and between bread.
- Wrap loaf in foil and bake 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bread is golden.
- Sprinkle parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap meats/veggies—use sausage, olives, spinach, etc.
- Make ahead: assemble, wrap and refrigerate up to 12 h before baking.
- Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
- To lighten, use part‑skim cheese and whole‑grain bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 loaf
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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