Garbage Bread Recipe

Irresistible Garbage Bread Recipe: Transform Leftovers Magically

Weeknight meals spark excitement when you craft this mouthwatering garbage bread packed with savory ingredients.

Comfort food finds a new champion in this delightful rolled creation.

Melted cheese and hearty fillings merge into a delectable twist on traditional recipes.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine for maximum flavor impact.

Each slice promises a delicious adventure that satisfies hunger and curiosity.

Quick preparation meets crowd-pleasing results in this irresistible dish.

Dive in and make dinner magic happen tonight!

Why Garbage Bread Is a Hearty Treat

  • Crush Flavor Combinations: Packed with mouthwatering ingredients like ground beef, bacon, cheese, and pickles that create a delicious burger-inspired meal in one handy bread roll.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you need a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will devour in minutes.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires basic cooking skills and uses convenient refrigerated bread dough, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that lets you swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different meats, or spicy seasonings to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Garbage Bread

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that forms the core flavor base of the Garbage Bread.
  • Bacon: Adds a crispy and smoky element to enhance the overall taste.
Bread Base:
  • Refrigerated French Bread Dough: Provides the perfect vessel for holding the savory filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
  • Ketchup, Mustard: Contribute tangy and rich flavor profiles to the beef filling.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • American Cheese Slices: Provides melty, creamy texture and additional richness.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Dill Pickles: Introduces a sharp, tangy crunch to balance the meat flavors.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the beef mixture.
  • Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty garnish and textural contrast to the bread exterior.
  • Beaten Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy finish on the bread surface.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Thousand Island Dressing: A complementary dipping sauce that adds extra flavor.

How to Make Garbage Bread

Step 1: Create Savory Beef Mixture

Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Break beef into small crumbles while cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat. Let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Crumbled bacon

Mix ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Dough Base

Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Roll out French bread dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread beef mixture evenly across dough, leaving a small border around edges. Add layers of:
  • Chopped dill pickles
  • American cheese slices

Carefully roll dough into a tight log, pinching seams and ends to seal completely. Position rolled bread seam-side down on baking sheet.

Step 3: Add Final Touches

Brush top of rolled bread with beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds over surface for extra crunch and flavor. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let Garbage Bread cool for a few minutes. Slice into sections. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners.

Pro Tips for Garbage Bread

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat from the skillet to prevent soggy bread and ensure a crisp, flavorful filling.
  • Seal Edges Completely: Pinch the seams and ends tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking and maintain a neat appearance.
  • Control Moisture Carefully: Don't add too much ketchup or mustard, as excess liquid can make the bread soggy and difficult to roll.
  • Slice Pickles Thin: Chop dill pickles finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks from creating uneven texture in the bread.
  • Egg Wash Trick: Brush the bread generously with beaten egg to create a golden, shiny crust that looks professionally baked and adds a beautiful finish.

Variation Suggestions for Garbage Bread

  • Vegetarian Garbage Bread: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra spices like smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Skip the bread and use large lettuce leaves to wrap the beef mixture, creating a carb-conscious alternative that's light and fresh.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Swap ketchup and mustard with salsa, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired filling.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread dough or almond flour-based dough. Ensure all ingredients like bacon and cheese are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.

Pairing Ideas for Garbage Bread

  • Burger-Style Beer Pairing: Grab a cold, hoppy IPA to match the rich beef and bacon flavors. The beer's bitterness cuts through the fatty meat and complements the tangy ketchup and mustard.
  • Pickle-Friendly Beverage Match: Select a crisp, light pilsner that echoes the dill pickle notes. Its clean, refreshing profile balances the heavy, savory filling perfectly.
  • Comfort Food Wine Option: Choose a medium-bodied red zinfandel with fruity undertones. Its bold character stands up to the hearty meat mixture while adding a sophisticated touch to this casual dish.
  • Dipping Sauce Companion: Pour a chilled hard cider to enhance the Thousand Island dressing's creamy tang. The apple notes provide a bright, sweet counterpoint to the rich, meaty bread.

Storage Advice for Garbage Bread

  • Store leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Slice the bread into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap the bread and place on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds. For best results, place a damp paper towel over the slice to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs for Garbage Bread

  • What are the key ingredients in Garbage Bread?

The key ingredients include ground beef, French bread dough, bacon, dill pickles, American cheese, ketchup, and mustard, creating a hearty and flavorful stuffed bread.

  • Is this recipe considered a main dish or appetizer?

This Garbage Bread can be served as both a main dish and an appetizer, making it versatile for different meal settings like game day parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

  • Can I customize the filling if I don't like some ingredients?

Absolutely! You can swap out ingredients like using different meats, cheeses, or adding more vegetables to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the basic stuffed bread technique.

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Garbage Bread Recipe

Garbage Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Garbage bread rolls hearty ingredients into a delightful culinary adventure, blending savory meats, gooey cheeses, and zesty seasonings. Italian-inspired comfort wraps flavor and fun in each irresistible slice, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon or store-bought bacon pieces
  • 8 slices American cheese

Bread and Dough:

  • 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Seasonings and Condiments:

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

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust filling by sizzling ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Crumble the meat thoroughly while cooking, ensuring even browning. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
  2. Cool the meat mixture slightly, then fold in ketchup, mustard, and crumbled bacon until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
  4. Roll out the French bread dough into a generous rectangular shape on a floured surface.
  5. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the dough, maintaining a small border around the edges.
  6. Scatter chopped dill pickles uniformly over the meat layer.
  7. Strategically arrange American cheese slices to completely cover the meat and pickle foundation.
  8. Carefully roll the dough into a compact log, starting from the longest side. Seal the seams and endpoints meticulously.
  9. Position the rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Brush the exterior with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread achieves a rich golden-brown coloration.
  12. Rest the Garbage Bread briefly after removing from the oven, then slice and serve warm with Thousand Island dressing as a complementary dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful filling without excess grease.
  • Drain beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy texture.
  • Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for healthier protein options.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for enhanced flavor profile.
  • Toast sesame seeds briefly before sprinkling to release deeper, nuttier taste and aromatic qualities.
  • Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate for more intense flavor development.
  • Allow bread to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make slicing easier.
  • Use parchment paper for effortless removal and minimal cleanup after baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 464 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 942 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 98 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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