Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that brings together a medley of flavors in a delightful, easy-to-make package. Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even a quick weeknight meal, this dish showcases its versatility and satisfying taste. With its rich filling wrapped in golden bread, Garbage Bread stands out as a fun and hearty option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, Garbage Bread keeps your wallet happy while still delivering great flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without stress.
- Customizable Fillings: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Add veggies or use different meats to create your perfect blend.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for kids or adults, this dish appeals to everyone—making it great for gatherings.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of cheese, meat, and condiments creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Garbage Bread, gather your tools and ensure you’re prepared for success in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Knife for slicing
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking and prevents the bread from sticking.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef evenly without overcrowding.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for rolling out the dough.
Ingredients
Garbage Bread is a delicious, budget-friendly dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Dough and Condiments
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
Additional Fillings
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 8 slices American cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing for dipping
How to Make Garbage Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating 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 until fully browned.
2. Add diced onions and season with salt and pepper.
3. Drain any excess grease after cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface:
– Roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Evenly spread ketchup and mustard over the dough:
– Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Distribute cooked ground beef over the condiments:
– Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place American cheese slices in a single layer over the fillings.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up the dough from one of the long ends to the other:
– Seal the edges tightly.
– Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush the top of the rolled dough with beaten egg:
– Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing:
– Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade Garbage Bread!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fun and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or at a gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: The classic pairing for Garbage Bread, its tangy flavor complements the savory fillings perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing adds an extra layer of flavor and is great for those who love a little zest.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky twist, serve with barbecue sauce for dipping. It enhances the meaty goodness of the bread.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich Garbage Bread.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, balancing the heaviness of the bread.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and lightness to the meal.
Add Some Crunch
- Potato Chips: Serve with crispy potato chips for a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the soft bread.
- Vegetable Sticks: Fresh carrot and celery sticks add a healthy, crunchy option alongside your Garbage Bread.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
Perfecting your Garbage Bread can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese to enhance the overall taste.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more fillings, overstuffing can cause the bread to burst while baking. Stick to recommended amounts.
- Seal Well: Make sure to seal the edges tightly when rolling up the dough. This prevents any fillings from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding different meats or veggies based on what you enjoy or have on hand.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes after baking makes slicing easier and helps keep everything together.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavor. Here are some great options:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and complement the savory flavors of Garbage Bread perfectly.
- Onion Rings: Crunchy onion rings add a delightful texture contrast and are great for dipping in sauce.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights can offer an earthy flavor that pairs well with your main dish.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a hearty side that balances out the richness of the bread.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad provides a refreshing coolness that contrasts nicely with warm Garbage Bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Garbage Bread can be a fantastic family meal, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting to season your ground beef can make the filling bland. Always remember to add salt and pepper while cooking.
- Overfilling the Dough: Adding too many toppings can lead to a messy roll. Stick to the recommended amounts to ensure a perfect seal.
- Not Preheating the Oven: If you bake without preheating, your bread may not rise properly. Always preheat your oven before baking.
- Using Cold Dough: Working with cold dough makes it harder to roll. Let the refrigerated French bread dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
- Failing to Seal Properly: An improperly sealed bread can leak filling during baking. Make sure to seal the edges tightly for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garbage Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it in the container.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Label the packages with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garbage Bread is a popular dish, and many have questions about it. Here are some common inquiries.
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a hearty dish made with ground beef, cheese, and various condiments rolled into dough. It’s perfect for using up leftovers and customizing.
Can I use other meats in Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Feel free to experiment with your favorite proteins.
How can I customize my Garbage Bread?
You can customize Garbage Bread by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Use different types of cheese or sauces based on your taste preferences.
Is Garbage Bread freezer-friendly?
Yes! Garbage Bread freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This budget-friendly dish allows you to get creative with fillings and flavors based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy customizing this comforting meal!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that combines a delightful medley of flavors in a simple, easy-to-make dish. This hearty, savory bread is perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or a quick weeknight meal. With its rich filling wrapped in golden dough, Garbage Bread stands out as a fun and satisfying option for any occasion. Customize it to your taste with various fillings like veggies and different meats, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ½ cup diced onion
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 8 slices American cheese
- Ketchup and mustard for condiments
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onions until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle. Spread ketchup and mustard on top.
- Layer the cooked beef, bacon, chopped pickles, and cheese over the condiments.
- Roll up the dough tightly and seal edges; place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 654mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
