Introduction:
Garbage bread is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of a pizza wrapped up in a warm, golden-brown dough.
It’s a fantastic option for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a craving for something cheesy and savory.
The combination of sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and a gooey mozzarella filling ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
1 package (16 oz) pizza dough
1/2 lb cooked sausage, crumbled
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s nice and hot for when you’re ready to bake the bread. While the oven is heating up.
lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ensure that your garbage bread doesn’t stick.
Next, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Stretch and shape the dough into a rectangle or an oval, depending on your preference, ensuring it’s even and about 1/4 inch thick.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cooked sausage, chopped pepperoni, bell pepper, red onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Once your filling is ready, spoon it evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to make folding easier.
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal it up like a giant pocket or log.
Place the prepared garbage bread onto the greased or lined baking sheet. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil.
which will help it bake to a golden-brown color and add a nice richness. If desired, sprinkle some additional Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese.
inside has melted and started to bubble. Keep an eye on it to ensure the dough doesn’t burn, especially if your oven runs hot.
Once it’s done, remove the garbage bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into generous pieces.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness.
How to Make:
Making garbage bread is a simple yet rewarding process that yields a satisfying result with minimal effort.
Start by preparing your dough—whether you’re using store-bought or homemade pizza dough, ensure it’s soft and easy to work with.
If you’re using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature before you begin shaping it.
The next step is assembling the filling, and this is where you can get creative. For a traditional take, you’ll want to use a hearty filling like cooked sausage and pepperoni.
but feel free to mix in other meats, such as ham or bacon, if you like. Adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or olives can also be a great way to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
To ensure your garbage bread bakes evenly, it’s important to roll the dough to a uniform thickness, especially along the edges.
This way, it cooks through without leaving a raw center. After filling and folding the dough, make sure the seams are tightly sealed so the cheese doesn’t escape during baking.
Baking at a moderate temperature like 375°F ensures the dough gets golden brown without overcooking the cheese.
The olive oil brushed on top helps to give the bread a beautiful sheen, making it more appetizing.
When the bread is done, the cheese will be melted, and the savory aroma will fill the kitchen, signaling that it’s ready to eat.
Garbage bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can also store leftovers. If you have any leftover bread.
simply wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping! It adds a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy filling and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Variations:
One of the best things about garbage bread is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. If you’re looking to go meatless.
simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and load up on your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or artichokes. You can even add a little ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
For a spicy kick, consider adding some jalapeños or hot peppers to the filling, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the bread before baking.
If you’re a fan of cheese, try using a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for a different flavor profile.
Garbage bread is also an excellent way to use up leftovers. You can throw in any meats, cheeses, or vegetables you have on hand.
making it a great way to avoid food waste. Just be sure to balance the filling so it doesn’t become too heavy or greasy.
If you’re short on time, you can also make individual servings by dividing the dough into smaller portions and rolling.
each one into a mini garbage bread. These bite-sized versions are perfect for parties or as a kid-friendly snack.
For a more decadent twist, you could fill the bread with a combination of cream cheese and shredded chicken.
giving it a creamy and indulgent interior. Add some buffalo sauce for an extra kick if you’re craving something more adventurous.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try different dough options. Instead of traditional pizza dough, you could use crescent.
roll dough or even a whole wheat dough for a healthier alternative. Each type of dough brings its own texture and flavor to the final product.
Finally, if you love a sweeter touch, you could make a dessert version of garbage bread by filling it with chocolate chips.
cinnamon, and sugar. After baking, drizzle it with a glaze or powdered sugar for a sweet treat.
Tips:
Make sure to pre-cook any meats or vegetables that have a high moisture content, like mushrooms, before adding them to the filling. This helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
For an extra crispy crust, you can sprinkle some cornmeal or flour on the baking sheet before placing the bread on it. This adds texture and ensures the bread doesn’t stick.
Don’t overload the filling. While it’s tempting to stuff the dough with as much filling as possible, a moderate amount ensures that it cooks evenly without spilling over.
If the dough seems difficult to roll out, let it rest for a few minutes. This will make it easier to shape without tearing.
When brushing the dough with olive oil, you can also sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking also adds an extra layer of richness.
Let the garbage bread rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set. This prevents the filling from spilling out when you slice it.
If you want to add a bit of extra crispness to the crust, bake the garbage bread on a pizza stone if you have one. This will help the bottom bake evenly and achieve a perfect crisp.
Conclusion:
Garbage bread is a simple yet delicious dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special gathering.
it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The crispy, golden exterior paired with the savory, cheesy filling makes for a truly comforting meal.
With endless variations and customization options, you can make garbage bread your own. Add your favorite ingredients and enjoy this mouthwatering dish that’s both satisfying and fun to make.