Garbage Bread is a fun and hearty dish that combines various fillings like meats, cheeses, and vegetables wrapped in dough, then baked until golden and crispy. It’s essentially a savory stuffed bread that you can customize with ingredients you have on hand, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers. Whether you call it “Garbage Bread” or “Stuffed Bread,” it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a meal, snack, or party appetizer.
Description:
Garbage Bread is a savory stuffed bread that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, as the term “garbage” refers to the variety of ingredients you can toss into the dough. This bread is perfect for customizing to your tastes, whether you prefer pepperoni and cheese or a vegetable-packed filling. It’s baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining warm and gooey inside. It’s like a pizza, but wrapped up in a convenient, delicious bread.
Ingredients:
1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 pound cooked sausage (crumbled)
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup mushrooms (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pizza or marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches in size.
Prepare the Fillings: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. If you’re using other vegetables (like peppers, onions, and mushrooms), sauté them in the same pan until softened. Let everything cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Bread: Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella cheese over the dough. Add a generous layer of sausage, pepperoni, veggies, and then sprinkle with more cheese. Add seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Roll it Up: Carefully roll up the dough, folding the edges in as you go, to encase the filling. Pinch the seams together to seal it, ensuring the stuffing stays inside.
Bake: Place the bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Bake for 20-25 Minutes: Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Tips:
Use Leftovers: This is a great dish for cleaning out your fridge. You can throw in leftover chicken, bacon, or even veggies like spinach and zucchini.
Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Ricotta or cream cheese can be a fun addition for extra creaminess.
Make it Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the unbaked bread and bake it later. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer. When ready, bake it from frozen, but add a little extra time in the oven.
Make Mini Versions: For a party or appetizer, you can make smaller, individual portions of Garbage Bread.
Variations:
Veggie Version: Skip the meat and load it with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Breakfast Garbage Bread: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast twist.
Sweet Version: Use fruit like apples, cinnamon, and a little sugar for a dessert version of garbage bread.
BBQ Chicken: Use shredded BBQ chicken, red onion, and mozzarella for a smoky, savory variation.
Corrections:
If you find that the dough is too tough or hard to roll out, let it rest for a few minutes. This will help it become more pliable.
If the filling is too wet (from vegetables or sauces), try draining excess moisture or using less sauce inside the bread to avoid sogginess.
Enjoy!
Once baked, slice up your Garbage Bread and dive in! The melted cheese, savory meats, and crispy bread are an irresistible combination. Whether you’re eating it as a meal, snack, or sharing it with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit every time.