The Irresistible Story Behind Garbage Bread
Imagine a dish that combines the ultimate comfort of pizza, the excitement of a stuffed bread, and the convenience of a grab-and-go meal. Welcome to the world of Garbage Bread – a culinary creation that’s about to become your new favorite recipe. Born from the creative desire to use up leftover ingredients and create something unexpectedly delicious, Garbage Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, creativity, and convenience.
This versatile dish got its playful name from its everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to ingredients. Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing “garbage” about this mouthwatering bread except its ability to transform random ingredients into a spectacular meal. Perfect for family dinners, game night snacks, party appetizers, or those nights when you want something truly satisfying, Garbage Bread is about to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
US and European Metric Measurements
- Pizza Dough: 1 package (16 oz / 450g)
- Cooked Sausage: 1/2 lb (227g), crumbled
- Pepperoni Slices: 1/2 cup (75g)
- Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (75g), chopped
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (40g), chopped
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170g), shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g), grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for brushing
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- If not already cooked, brown the sausage in a skillet
- Chop bell peppers and red onions into small, uniform pieces
- Shred mozzarella cheese if using a block
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough
- Aim for a rectangular shape, about 12×16 inches (30×40 cm)
- Ensure the dough is even and not too thin
- Layer the Ingredients
- Leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges of the dough
- Spread cooked sausage evenly across the dough
- Add pepperoni slices
- Sprinkle chopped bell peppers and red onions
- Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dust with Parmesan cheese
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder
- Roll and Seal
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a log
- Pinch the seams and ends to seal in the ingredients
- Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet
- Brush the top with olive oil
- Make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Look for a golden-brown crust
- Cheese should be melted and bubbly
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces
- Serve warm
- Optional: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 2-3 slices
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Sodium: 700-800mg
- Calcium: 20-25% daily value
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4-6 people
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Dough Tip: Let pizza dough come to room temperature for easier rolling
- Moisture Control: Pat meat and vegetables dry to prevent soggy bread
- Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Even Cooking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking
- Customization: Use any combination of meats and vegetables you have on hand
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with roasted vegetables
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use a low-carb tortilla or cauliflower crust
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños
- Breakfast Twist: Use breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare Garbage Bread in advance? A: Yes! You can assemble the bread and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.
Q2: How do I store leftover Garbage Bread? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
Q3: Can I freeze Garbage Bread? A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat in oven.
Q4: What are the best sides to serve with Garbage Bread? A: Great with a side salad, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or as a standalone meal.
Q5: Can I use homemade pizza dough? A: Definitely! Homemade dough can often provide a more flavorful and fresher result.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Best reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes
- Prep Ahead: Chop ingredients and cook meats a day in advance
- Meal Prep: Great for lunch boxes or quick dinners
Enjoy your delicious Garbage Bread – a true crowd-pleaser that proves simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal!