Garbage Bread Recipe

Irresistible Garbage Bread Recipe: A Tasty Kitchen Miracle

Unleash a crowd-pleasing sensation that combines classic comfort with unexpected flavors in this mouthwatering garbage bread recipe.

Packed with savory ingredients and bursting with cheesy goodness, this dish turns ordinary leftovers into an extraordinary meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, gooey center that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The simple yet ingenious technique makes this recipe a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Layers of meats, cheeses, and seasonings rolled into a golden-brown bread create an irresistible masterpiece.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and become the hero of your next potluck or family meal.

Garbage Bread: The Ultimate Stuffed Snack Loaf

  • Garbage Bread transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously packed sandwich-style roll that satisfies serious hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Easily swap ingredients to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or creative cooks who love experimenting.
  • Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
  • Straightforward steps and common ingredients mean even beginner cooks can confidently create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

Filling Ingredients That Take Garbage Bread Over The Top

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the garbage bread.
  • Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat that provides an extra layer of deliciousness.
Bread and Cheese:
  • Pillsbury Refrigerated French Bread Dough: The foundation of the recipe that creates a soft and golden exterior.
  • American Cheese: Melty cheese that adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that provide depth and balance to the ground beef.
  • Ketchup, Mustard: Tangy condiments that add zesty flavor to the bread.
Garnish and Binding Ingredients:
  • Dill Pickle Spears: Crunchy pickles that bring a sharp and tangy contrast.
  • Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny crust on the bread.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty texture and visual appeal to the top of the bread.

Tools For Rolling Out Stuffed Bread Like A Pro

  • Large pan: For cooking ground beef and onions.
  • Cutting board: To chop onions, bacon, and pickles.
  • Sharp knife: For precise chopping and slicing.
  • Baking sheet: To bake the garbage bread.
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray: To prevent sticking.
  • Rolling pin: To roll out the bread dough evenly.
  • Pastry brush: For applying beaten egg on the dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.

How To Build The Best Garbage Bread Ever

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

In a large pan, toss in ground beef and diced onion.

Cook the meat, breaking it into small crumbles.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Once fully cooked, drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Stretch The Dough

Take your tube of Pillsbury French bread dough and roll it out on a floured surface.

Aim for a nice big rectangle that’ll hold all your tasty ingredients.

Step 4: Add Zesty Base

Spread a layer of ketchup and mustard across the dough.

Leave a small border around the edges to help seal in all the delicious goodness.

Step 5: Build Your Layers

Create a mouthwatering foundation with these ingredients:
  • Cooked ground beef
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped dill pickles
  • Slices of American cheese

Arrange each layer carefully for maximum flavor impact.

Step 6: Create The Roll

Start from one long end and roll the dough into a tight log.

Pinch the edges to seal everything inside.

Place the roll on your prepared baking sheet with the seam facing down.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Brush the entire surface with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color that signals it’s ready.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Let the bread cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice it up and serve with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Secrets To Gooey, Flavor-Packed Stuffed Bread

  • Pinch the seams and ends firmly to prevent cheese and fillings from leaking during baking.
  • Select lean ground beef for better texture and less grease in your Garbage Bread.
  • Chop dill pickles into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and better flavor in every bite.
  • Brush egg wash generously for a shiny, golden-brown crust that looks professionally baked.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or spicy mayo to elevate the flavor profile.

Creative Garbage Bread Combos You Have To Try

  • Vegetarian Deconstructed: Swap ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternative, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method.
  • Low-Carb Wrap Style: Replace bread dough with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla, maintaining the same filling ingredients for a lighter version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread dough or almond flour-based dough, ensuring all other ingredients remain consistent with original recipe.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Substitute American cheese with feta, replace bacon with chopped olives, and add dried oregano for a Greek-style flavor profile.

Serving Garbage Bread As The Star Of Snack Time

  • Backyard Barbecue Bash: Slice the Garbage Bread into thick portions and serve alongside grilled corn and crispy potato salad for a perfect summer meal.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy football watching snacks, pairing wonderfully with cold beer and extra dipping sauces.
  • Picnic Perfect Meal: Wrap individual slices in foil for a portable lunch that travels well, ideal for outdoor adventures and park gatherings.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat slices in a skillet for a crispy edge, transforming next-day leftovers into a quick and delicious lunch option.

Keeping Stuffed Bread Moist

  • Wrap the leftover Garbage Bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it sealed to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Slice the cooled Garbage Bread into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place wrapped or unwrapped slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Garbage Bread?

The key ingredients are ground beef, Pillsbury French bread dough, bacon, American cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and sesame seeds.

  • Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or ground chicken depending on your preference.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of cheese, meat, and bread, and the flavors are familiar and appealing to children.

  • How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef and avoid adding too much sauce to maintain the bread’s crispy texture.

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Garbage Bread Recipe

Garbage Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Garbage bread combines Italian-American flavors with simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Rolled dough stuffed with meats, cheeses, and herbs delivers maximum satisfaction in each hearty slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or 1 package of store-bought bacon pieces)
  • 11 ounce (311 grams) tube Pillsbury refrigerated French bread dough

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons mustard
  • 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Thousand Island dressing

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions until meat is thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
  3. On a floured surface, carefully stretch the French bread dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring even thickness.
  4. Spread a thin, uniform layer of ketchup and mustard across the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges.
  5. Distribute the cooked beef evenly over the condiment base, followed by crumbled bacon and chopped dill pickles.
  6. Arrange American cheese slices in a single, overlapping layer across the prepared surface.
  7. Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, tucking and pinching the edges to create a secure seal.
  8. Position the rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Gently brush the exterior with beaten egg and generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a rich golden brown.
  11. Allow the bread to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner filling.
  • Drain cooked beef thoroughly to prevent soggy bread and maintain crisp texture.
  • Customize the recipe by substituting ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
  • Add extra flavor by mixing herbs like parsley or thyme into the ground beef while cooking.
  • Prevent dough from sticking by generously flouring the work surface before rolling out the bread.
  • Seal the edges tightly when rolling to keep ingredients from spilling out during baking.
  • Check bread’s doneness by tapping the surface – it should sound hollow and appear golden brown.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate rolled dough for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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