Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a delightful dish that combines convenience and flavor in one easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a snack during game day, this versatile meal allows you to customize the fillings based on your preferences. With its delicious blend of savory ingredients wrapped in warm bread dough, Garbage Bread stands out as a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ground beef and bread dough ensures you can make this dish without breaking the bank.
- Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients in the filling for a unique twist every time.
- Great for Leftovers: Any extra pieces can be easily reheated for lunch or snacking later.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love this fun-to-eat dish, making it a hit with the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Garbage Bread, gather your essential kitchen tools to streamline the process. These items will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking the Garbage Bread evenly.
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the ground beef and onion thoroughly before assembling.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to ensure even thickness for perfect baking.
Ingredients
Garbage Bread is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Dough and Condiments
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
Toppings
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 8 slices American cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing for dipping
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 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.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Evenly spread the ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the condiments. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place the American cheese slices in a single layer over the fillings.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fun and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a party, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: This classic sauce perfectly complements the flavors of Garbage Bread.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch adds a zesty kick that pairs well with the savory filling.
- Barbecue Sauce: For those who love smoky flavors, barbecue sauce provides an excellent contrast.
As a Party Snack
- Slice and Share: Cut the Garbage Bread into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings.
- Platter Presentation: Serve it on a large platter with colorful veggies and dips for an inviting look.
Paired with Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing balances the richness of the bread.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that complements the hearty filling.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
To make your Garbage Bread even more enjoyable, consider these tips to enhance its flavor and presentation.
- Flavors: Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika to elevate the taste.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Extra Fillings: Feel free to include additional ingredients like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be mindful not to overload the dough; too much filling can cause it to burst during baking.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the Garbage Bread warm right from the oven.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
When enjoying Garbage Bread, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Breadsticks: These soft and buttery sticks add an irresistible aroma to your table.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and balances out the richness of the bread.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, these fries make a delightful contrast to Garbage Bread’s savory flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs offer a gourmet touch to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked potato wedges serve as a hearty side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies with dip offer a crunchy, healthy option that pairs nicely with any rich dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Garbage Bread is easy to make, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Overstuffing the Bread: Adding too many fillings can make it hard to roll and seal the dough properly. Stick to the recommended quantities for the best results.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season your ground beef can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use salt and pepper generously while cooking.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect the rise and texture of your Garbage Bread. Always preheat the oven before baking.
- Using Cold Dough: If you roll out cold dough, it may crack or be hard to manage. Let the refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into your Garbage Bread immediately after baking can lead to a messy presentation. Allow it to cool for at least five minutes for easier slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garbage Bread is a popular dish with many curious about its preparation. Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a stuffed bread dish made with ground beef, cheese, bacon, and condiments, all rolled up in French bread dough.
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! You can add different meats, vegetables, or cheeses according to your preference. Feel free to experiment!
How do I know when my Garbage Bread is done?
Your Garbage Bread is done when it turns golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I make Garbage Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before baking or freeze it unbaked for later use.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This dish allows for countless customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that brings together convenience and flavor in one delicious package. This hearty dish features a savory filling of ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty condiments all wrapped in soft French bread dough. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a satisfying snack, Garbage Bread is your go-to recipe. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes! Serve it warm with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable treat that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned; season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread ketchup and mustard on the dough, leaving a border.
- Layer cooked beef, crumbled bacon, pickles, and cheese over the condiments.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other and seal the edges.
- Place seam side down on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; cool for five minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
