Ah, Garbage Bread – the perfect embodiment of comfort food wrapped up in a delightful, cheesy embrace! I remember the first time I tried this dish at a friend’s potluck; it was like discovering a treasure chest of flavors that I didn’t know existed! Back then, I thought, who doesn’t love pizza in a portable loaf form? Fast forward to today, and I can tell you it’s become one of my go-to recipes for gatherings, game days, or even just a cozy night in. It’s simple to make, ridiculously satisfying, and you can customize it to your heart’s content. What’s not to love?
Picture this: a lovely golden-brown bread crust, filled with a savory blend of ground meat and vegetables, harmoniously layered with gooey cheese and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The name “Garbage Bread” might sound a bit unappetizing, but trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s a guilty pleasure in my kitchen. Let’s dig into how to make this irresistible treat!
What’s in Garbage Bread?
Ground Beef (or Sausage): I usually go for ground beef, but using ground sausage gives this dish a flavorful kick. Sometimes, I mix both for an extra meaty goodness!
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies not only add a pop of brightness but also bring a nice sweetness to the filling. Any color works—red, green, yellow, or orange—so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Onion: A must-have for that pungent flavor! I prefer sweet onions, but any onion variety works just fine.
Mushrooms: They offer a lovely earthiness and a juicy texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Sliced champignons are my usual go-to, but feel free to experiment with different types!
Shredded Cheese: I love using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy, tangy filling, but you can always play around with your favorite cheeses.
Pizza or Marinara Sauce: This is the glue that holds everything together! Either will work, but if you have homemade sauce lying around, don’t hesitate to use that glorious stuff.
Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Because we all need a little shortcut sometimes! You can use homemade, but I find store-bought dough so much quicker and just as delicious.
Egg Wash: Just an egg beaten with a splash of water to give that golden, glossy finish.
Sesame Seeds: These little gems not only add a nutty flavor but also a beautifully textured topping. You can skip them if you’re not a fan, though!
Is Garbage Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a sec – we aren’t exactly calling this a health food. But here’s the thing! While Garbage Bread is indulgent, it can have its perks, too.
**Ground Beef:** Provides a hefty dose of protein and iron, essential for those late-night cravings.
**Bell Peppers:** Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re great for your immune system. The more colorful the peppers, the more nutrients you’re getting!
**Mushrooms:** They are low in calories and high in fiber, which is a win-win for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
**Cheese:** While rich and indulgent, it also provides calcium and protein. Just be mindful of portion sizes—remember, indulging occasionally is perfectly okay!
Overall, this dish can fit into a balanced diet as long as you don’t make it your every-meal main course. And there’s the option to tweak it! Throw in more veggies or lean proteins to make it a little lighter.
Ingredients for Garbage Bread
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
– 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
– 1 cup onion, diced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
– 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional spices: garlic powder, Italian seasoning
*Serves 4-6*
How to Make Garbage Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The smell of baking bread to come is already fantastic!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. If there’s excess grease, give it a little drain.
3. Toss in those diced bell peppers, onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, just until the veggies have softened and are a bit glossy.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, make sure everything is well-coated, and season with salt, pepper, and any fun spices you fancy. Take it off the heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Onto a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle—think, like a big ol’ canvas for our masterpiece!
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the dough, then the meat and veggie mixture evenly on top, leaving a border around the edges for rolling.
7. Top with the remaining cheese because, let’s be honest, more cheese is always better.
8. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the ends to seal it tight; we don’t want any filling leaking out!
9. Place the rolled garbage bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the bread. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for that lovely crunch.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown. The aroma is going to be incredible!
12. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your Garbage Bread!
Garbage Bread Secrets from My Kitchen
– Want to mix it up? Consider adding olives, jalapeños, or even some spinach for an extra health kick!
– If you have leftovers (which is rare but could happen!), pop them in the fridge and reheat for a quick lunch. Just wrap it in foil and toss it in the oven for a warm-up that keeps the crust crispy.
– I like to serve it with a side salad to balance things out. The freshness complements the richness perfectly!
I hope you give this delightful recipe a whirl and fall in love with it just like I have! If you do make it, share your experience or any twists you made; I would love to hear how it goes! Happy cooking!
