Easy Garbage Bread Recipe

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Easy Garbage Bread Recipe 🥖🔥 – Cheesy, Meaty, Golden Comfort Food You’ll Crave

What Is Garbage Bread?

Despite the name, Garbage Bread is far from trash. In fact, it’s a beloved, indulgent dish that’s exploding in popularity for one reason: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally customizable. This comforting recipe wraps seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and crave-worthy fillings in buttery French bread dough, then bakes it into a golden, crispy roll that slices beautifully into savory spirals.

Think of it as the ultimate stuffed bread, rolled and baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, serving guests at a party, or just looking for a satisfying dinner, this Easy Garbage Bread is a guaranteed hit.

🛒 Ingredients for the Perfect Garbage Bread

Meat and Flavor Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Add-Ins (Optional but Delicious)

  • ¼ cup chopped pickles (adds a tangy kick)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Cheese (Lots of It!)

  • 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Add mozzarella or pepper jack for extra melt and flavor

Bread Dough

  • 1 can refrigerated French bread dough
    (or pizza dough if preferred)

For the Crust

  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 How to Make Garbage Bread – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Filling

  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
  • Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, chopped bacon, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix until well combined and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Roll Out the Dough

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, unroll the French bread dough into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches).
  • If using pizza dough, roll it into a thin rectangle with a rolling pin.

3. Add the Filling

  • Evenly spread the cooled meat mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
  • Add chopped pickles now, if using.

4. Roll It Up

  • Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, jelly-roll style.
  • Pinch the edges and seam to seal completely.
  • Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.

5. Season and Bake

  • Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

6. Rest, Slice, and Serve

  • Let the bread rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  • Cut into 1-inch thick spirals and serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or burger sauce.

🍔 Why You’ll Love Garbage Bread

  • All-in-One Meal – Protein, carbs, cheese, and veggies in every bite.
  • Feeds a Crowd – Sliceable and shareable, perfect for parties or game day.
  • Customizable – Swap the beef for sausage, chicken, or even vegetarian options.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
  • Freezer-Friendly – Freeze slices or the whole loaf for future meals.

🔥 Variations to Try

1. Philly Cheesesteak Garbage Bread

  • Use sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese.

2. Pizza Style

  • Use marinara, pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.

3. Breakfast Garbage Bread

  • Scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, hash browns, and cheddar cheese.

4. Buffalo Chicken

  • Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.

🧊 Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

  • Freeze individual slices or whole loaf (wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap) for up to 3 months.

To Reheat

  • Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 60 seconds.

🥣 What to Serve with Garbage Bread

  • Ranch or spicy dipping sauces
  • Side salad with balsamic or ranch dressing
  • Pickles or coleslaw
  • Potato wedges or fries
  • Creamy tomato soup

📝 Tips for Success

  • Let the filling cool slightly before adding to the dough to prevent soggy spots.
  • Don’t overfill — too much filling can lead to breakage during baking.
  • Use parchment paper to help roll and transfer the bread easily.
  • Brush the crust with butter and herbs for extra flavor and color.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food in a Roll

This Easy Garbage Bread is one of those meals that combines everything we love: melted cheese, savory meat, crisp golden bread, and endless possibilities. It’s the kind of food that disappears from the table in minutes and gets requested again and again. Whether for dinner, lunch, or your next gathering, Garbage Bread brings the flavor — and the fun — to every bite.

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