Garbage Bread

Ingredients Needed

For the basic Garbage Bread, you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons mustard
• 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
• 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Thousand Island dressing for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garbage Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
3. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
4. Add Condiments: Evenly spread the ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Layer the Fillings: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the condiments. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.
6. Add Cheese: Place the American cheese slices in a single layer over the fillings.
7. Roll and Seal: Carefully roll up the dough from one of the long ends to the other, sealing the edges tightly. Place the rolled dough seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush and Bake: Brush the

top of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Delicious Variations to Try

BBQ Chicken Garbage Bread

• Ingredients:
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Mozzarella cheese
• Instructions:
  • Spread barbecue sauce over the rolled-out dough.
  • Add shredded chicken and red onions.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Roll, seal, brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake as directed.

Pizza Garbage Bread

• Ingredients:
  • Pizza sauce
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh basil leaves
• Instructions:
  • Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
  • Add fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
  • Roll, seal, brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake as directed.

Breakfast Garbage Bread

• Ingredients:
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Green onions, chopped
• Instructions:
  • Spread scrambled eggs over the dough.
  • Add cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  • Roll, seal, brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake as directed.

Vegetarian Garbage Bread

• Ingredients:
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • Onions, thinly sliced
  • Spinach
  • Cheese of your choice
• Instructions:
  • Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach until tender.
  • Spread over the dough and add cheese.
  • Roll, seal, brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake as directed.

Mexican Garbage Bread

• Ingredients:
  • Refried beans
  • Seasoned ground beef or turkey
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Jalapenos, sliced
• Instructions:
  • Spread refried beans over the dough.
  • Add seasoned meat, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos.
  • Roll, seal, brush with egg, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake as directed.
  • Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Garbage Bread

1. Use a Floured Surface: Rolling out the dough on a floured surface helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to handle.
2. Seal the Edges Well: Ensuring the edges are tightly sealed keeps the fillings from spilling out during baking.
3. Avoid Overfilling: Be moderate with your fillings to prevent the dough from bursting.
4. Let it Rest: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to keep the fillings intact and easier to handle.
5. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative. This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers and trying new flavor combinations.
6. Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the bread and adjust the baking time as needed until it’s golden brown.
7. Serve Fresh: Garbage Bread is best served fresh out of the oven or after a brief rest. Reheating it in an oven or air fryer can help retain its texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 714 kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 41g | Sodium: 1919 mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g

Nutritional Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients used. For accurate nutritional information, use a calculator with the exact brands and quantities you use.

Garbage Bread is more than just a clever way to use leftovers; it’s a versatile and delicious meal that your whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with new fillings, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness and the satisfaction of creating a meal that reduces food waste and pleases everyone at the table. Happy cooking!