Easy Garbage Bread Recipe

When it comes to quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meals, garbage bread might just be the ultimate hidden gem. Despite its quirky name, this dish is far from trash. Packed with savory fillings like ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in golden French bread dough, garbage bread is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week.

What is Garbage Bread?

The name may throw you off, but garbage bread is essentially a stuffed bread roll that combines a variety of ingredients inside a rolled dough. It’s versatile, fun to make, and even more enjoyable to eat. The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize the fillings based on what you have on hand. Think of it as a creative, no-waste meal that still delivers on flavor!

Ingredients for Making the Perfect Garbage Bread

The beauty of garbage bread lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to get started:

• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 11 oz tube of Pillsbury refrigerated French bread dough
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp mustard
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or 1 package of bacon pieces)
• 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Thousand Island dressing (for serving)

This combination of savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and creamy cheese, all wrapped in dough, creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.

How to Make Garbage Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Your Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with non-stick spray will make the bread easier to remove later.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with diced onions until fully browned. Add salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess fat. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Dough

Unroll the French bread dough on a floured surface, shaping it into a large rectangle. Spread an even layer of ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges to avoid spillage when you roll it.

4. Add the Fillings

Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the dough, then sprinkle the bacon and chopped pickles on top. Lay American cheese slices across the fillings in a single layer. These ingredients come together to give the bread a hearty, satisfying taste.

5. Roll and Seal the Dough

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. As you roll, tuck in the edges to keep the fillings inside. Pinch the seams to seal the dough, ensuring it stays closed during baking.

6. Brush and Bake

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

7. Cool and Serve

Let the garbage bread cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping, and watch it disappear in minutes!

Notes and Tips for the Best Garbage Bread

1. Customize Your Fillings
The best part of garbage bread is its flexibility. Don’t have beef? Swap it out for ground turkey or chicken. You can even add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.

2. Make It Spicy
For a little heat, add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce before rolling the dough. This will give your garbage bread a fiery kick that spice lovers will adore.

3. Perfect for Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover cooked meats, cheeses, or vegetables in your fridge, they can easily become the filling for your garbage bread. It’s a great way to use up what’s on hand and reduce food waste.

4. Storing and Reheating
Garbage bread stores well! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Garbage Bread

Although garbage bread isn’t typically considered a “diet food,” it can be modified to fit various dietary needs. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a standard serving:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 5%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 15%

Health Benefits

1. Protein-Packed: The beef and cheese in garbage bread provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall energy.
2. Customizable for Lower Calories: Substitute lean meats and reduced-fat cheeses to lower the calorie and fat content without compromising on taste.
3. Whole Wheat Option: For a fiber boost, consider using whole wheat bread dough in place of regular French bread dough.

FAQ

In summary, garbage bread is a fun, easy, and adaptable recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for dinner, as an appetizer, or even meal prepping, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Get creative with the fillings, and you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this comforting, savory bread!

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