If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that always impresses, this Garbage Bread Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a wonderfully hearty loaf stuffed with a medley of savory ingredients like sausage, colorful bell peppers, melty cheeses, and fragrant Italian seasoning, all wrapped in a golden, crispy bread crust. This recipe is perfect for a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or whenever you crave something warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying. Once you make this Garbage Bread, you’ll understand why it’s beloved by so many and why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garbage Bread Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and textures. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the juicy, seasoned sausage adding richness or the cheese providing that irresistible gooey pull with every bite.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: A convenient, soft base that bakes into a perfect crust; homemade dough works beautifully too.
- Cooked sausage, crumbled: Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture to the filling.
- Diced bell peppers: Brightens the bread with fresh, sweet crunch and lovely color.
- Sliced mushrooms (optional): Contributes earthiness and moisture for balance.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to create that classic cheesy stretch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy kick that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Sliced black olives (optional): Offers a briny contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
- Diced onions (optional): Adds a mild bite and aroma to the savory mix.
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano: Infuses fragrant herbs to boost the savory notes.
- Olive oil (for brushing): Ensures a beautiful golden crust and a touch of richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny glaze that makes the bread irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a lovely salty finish and extra texture.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your stuffed bread to golden, bubbly perfection. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until you have a rectangle about 12×8 inches. This size is ideal for containing the delicious filling while still being easy to roll up for baking.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper, then mix everything until evenly combined, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Spread the filling mixture evenly along the center of the dough rectangle, leaving roughly an inch clear on both sides. This margin allows the dough to be folded neatly without any filling escaping.
Step 5: Roll Up and Seal
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling and then roll it up like a log, making sure to enclose all the ingredients. Pinch the seams together and tuck the ends underneath to seal the bread tightly—this helps keep everything inside as it bakes.
Step 6: Add a Beautiful Egg Wash
Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the rolled dough. This step is key to achieving a golden, glossy crust that makes the bread look as delightful as it tastes. If you love, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan for an added savory crunch once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your loaf on the prepared baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen and your anticipation will build!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the Garbage Bread cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. This resting time ensures the filling sets slightly, so it slices beautifully without spilling out. Slice into thick pieces and prepare to enjoy a warm, comforting bite.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To add some fresh brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the sliced bread. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a pop of flavor that complements the savory filling brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This Garbage Bread shines as a stand-alone snack, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup makes for a wonderfully balanced meal. The freshness of the salad or acidity of the soup contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, cut the Garbage Bread into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with marinara or ranch dip on the side. You can also elevate it by adding roasted garlic butter on the side, perfect for dipping or spreading.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Garbage Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this savory treat again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this Garbage Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for fresh-baked deliciousness.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, a quick toast in an air fryer or skillet works well to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of sausage?
Absolutely! This Garbage Bread Recipe is incredibly versatile. Pepperoni, ham, bacon, or even cooked ground beef work wonderfully. Feel free to use your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
Is it necessary to include mushrooms and olives?
Not at all. Mushrooms and olives are optional and can be omitted if you prefer. The recipe still shines with just the core ingredients—you can also swap or add other veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough from the store or a homemade recipe, and double-check that all your add-ins are gluten-free. The filling and method stay the same, providing a delicious gluten-free version.
How should I store leftover Garbage Bread?
Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat before serving to restore the bread’s soft and warm texture.
What can I serve with Garbage Bread for a complete meal?
This bread pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or soups like tomato or minestrone. The combination helps balance the richness of the bread with fresh and light flavors.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this Garbage Bread Recipe is a delightful and flexible dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug and satisfies a craving for something hearty and cheesy. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try—you may just find your new favorite way to bring friends and family together around the table.
Print
Garbage Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is a deliciously stuffed bread roll filled with a savory mix of cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Enveloped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish makes a perfect appetizer or comfort food snack that is easy to prepare and customize with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
Filling
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (or any meat of choice, like pepperoni, ham, or bacon)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 8 inches in size, which will serve as the base for the stuffed bread.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage or your choice of meat, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, olives, onions, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Season the mixture well with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir until fully combined.
- Assemble the bread: Spread the filling evenly down the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on each side to allow for sealing the bread.
- Roll up the dough: Carefully fold in the edges of the dough to encase the filling, then roll the dough up lengthwise like a log. Pinch the seams securely to seal the filling inside and tuck the ends underneath to prevent leakage during baking.
- Prepare the egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the top of the rolled dough to achieve a shiny, golden crust. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a slightly crisp finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled roll onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The egg wash will help develop an appealing shine and color.
- Cool and slice: Allow the Garbage Bread to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your preferred meats and vegetables such as ham, pepperoni, or spinach.
- Omitting mushrooms, olives, or onions can accommodate dietary restrictions or personal tastes.
- For a crispier crust, brush the outside with olive oil before baking.
- Refrigerated pizza dough can be substituted with homemade dough if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the seams are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
