If you’ve never tried Garbage Bread, you’re in for a treat! Despite its funny name, this recipe is anything but trash—it’s a delicious stuffed bread packed with meat, cheese, and veggies, then baked until golden brown.
Think of it as a cross between a stromboli and a loaded sandwich, perfect for game day, family dinners, or when you just want to clean out the fridge and make something amazing.
Why It’s Called Garbage Bread
The name comes from the idea that you can toss in just about anything you have on hand—leftover meats, cheeses, veggies, even sauces—and roll it all up in pizza dough. It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 lb ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any deli meats)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1/4 cup banana peppers or jalapeños (optional)
1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 12×15 inches).
Add fillings – Spread marinara sauce across the dough, leaving 1 inch around the edges. Layer on cooked beef, pepperoni, veggies, and cheeses. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Roll & seal – Starting from the long side, roll dough into a log, pinching edges to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Egg wash & bake – Brush top with beaten egg for a golden crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until deep golden brown.
Cool & slice – Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick rounds. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations
For a truly meat-lover’s experience, swap the standard ground beef and pepperoni for a combination of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, and crispy bacon. This creates a richer, smokier flavor profile that is incredibly satisfying.
You can also incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken or even thinly sliced steak for a more gourmet twist, ensuring every bite is packed with protein.
If you’re catering to vegetarian preferences or simply want to load up on garden vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and black olives offer a classic pizza-like flavor, while roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts add a sweet, sophisticated touch.
For a flavor boost, consider mixing a tablespoon of pesto into the marinara sauce or sprinkling in some sun-dried tomatoes before rolling the dough.
Don’t limit yourself to savory combinations; a breakfast version is a fantastic way to start the day.
Fill the rolled-out dough with a layer of scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese.
A dash of hot sauce mixed into the eggs can provide a pleasant kick. This all-in-one breakfast log is perfect for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead morning meal.
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