Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a hearty and delightful dish that combines savory fillings with the comforting goodness of bread. Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even as a unique weeknight meal, this recipe stands out for its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite among all ages. With its crunchy exterior and gooey interior, Garbage Bread is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, Garbage Bread is an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Customizable Fillings: Change up the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences for endless variations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for kids or adults, everyone loves the combination of flavors wrapped in warm bread.
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve with Thousand Island dressing or your favorite sauce for an added flavor boost.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools will make assembling Garbage Bread easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking and easy cleanup when lined with parchment paper.
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the ground beef evenly while allowing room for other ingredients to be added later.
Ingredients
Garbage Bread is a delicious, budget-friendly dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Dough
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
For Spreading
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
For Toppings
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 8 slices American cheese
For Finishing Touches
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Dipping
- Thousand Island dressing
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat 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:
1. Cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Spread the ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough:
– Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent spills during baking.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Distribute the cooked ground beef mixture over the condiments:
– Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top for added flavor and texture.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place American cheese slices in a single layer over the fillings:
– Ensure even coverage for maximum cheesiness!
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up the dough starting from one of the long ends:
– Seal edges tightly to keep all fillings inside.
– Place rolled dough seam side down on prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg:
– Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top.
– Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow Garbage Bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing:
– Serve with Thousand Island dressing alongside for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is not only a hearty meal but also an exciting dish to serve for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your Garbage Bread experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: This tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of Garbage Bread.
- Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy option that complements the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Spicy Ketchup: Add some heat to your meal with a spicy twist on classic ketchup.
As Part of a Platter
- Charcuterie Board: Slice your Garbage Bread and include it on a board with meats, cheeses, and olives.
- Vegetable Platter: Serve with fresh veggies for crunch and color, offering a balance to the hearty bread.
- Fruit Skewers: Add some sweetness with fruit skewers alongside the savory bread.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair well with the warm, cheesy bread.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds brightness to your meal while balancing the rich flavors.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
To achieve the best results when making Garbage Bread, consider these helpful tips. They will help enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and quality ground beef for maximum flavor.
- Roll Evenly: Ensure your dough is rolled out evenly to prevent uneven baking and filling distribution.
- Seal Edges Well: Take care to seal the edges tightly when rolling to keep all fillings inside during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add different meats or veggies based on your preferences.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to rest for a few minutes after baking helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is delicious on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options.
- French Fries: Crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft bread.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges add heartiness and flavor contrast.
- Garden Salad: A light salad offers freshness that complements the rich flavors of Garbage Bread.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs nicely with savory meat in the bread.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy pasta salad adds comfort and texture diversity to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a delightful pop of flavor that balances well with your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garbage Bread, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure proper baking.
- Overfilling the Dough: Adding too many toppings can make rolling difficult. Stick to recommended amounts for a neat roll.
- Ignoring the Seal: Failing to seal the edges tightly can cause filling leaks. Make sure to pinch the seams well before baking.
- Underbaking: Pulling it out too soon may leave the dough doughy. Bake until golden brown for perfect texture.
- Not Letting It Cool: Cutting right after baking can make it fall apart. Allow at least five minutes of cooling before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garbage Bread that can help you master this dish.
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a fun and versatile dish that incorporates various fillings wrapped in dough, making it a great way to use leftovers.
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
How long does it take to prepare Garbage Bread?
The total time from prep to bake is approximately 40 minutes, making it a great quick meal option.
What should I serve with Garbage Bread?
It pairs well with dips like Thousand Island dressing or even marinara sauce for added flavor.
Can I use different types of dough?
Yes! You can experiment with pizza dough or puff pastry if you want a different texture or flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using leftovers or trying out new combinations, this recipe adapts beautifully. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it with your favorite flavors!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is a mouthwatering dish that brings together various savory fillings wrapped in warm, fluffy dough. Perfect for any occasion, this customizable recipe allows you to use up leftovers while satisfying your family’s cravings. With its crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, Garbage Bread is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. In just 40 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces like Thousand Island dressing or spicy ketchup. This versatile dish can be tailored to suit your taste preferences, making each bite an exciting experience.
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
- 8 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Roll out French bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread ketchup and mustard on the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Layer ground beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and American cheese on top.
- Roll up the dough tightly 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; let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (175g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
