Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fantastic dish that brings together a medley of flavors in a deliciously convenient package. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even potlucks, this recipe combines ground beef, cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped in warm, doughy goodness. What makes Garbage Bread stand out is its incredible versatility; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients and condiments to suit any taste preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, Garbage Bread is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Fillings: Feel free to mix in your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses for a personalized touch.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day—perfect for lunch!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of beef and cheese wrapped in bread; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients means you can enjoy this tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Garbage Bread masterpiece, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking your Garbage Bread evenly.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking ground beef quickly and efficiently.
- Rolling pin: Helps flatten the dough into an even rectangle for easy filling.
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 Condiments and Toppings
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Dipping Sauce
- 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 along with diced onion until fully browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough while leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Evenly 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 all fillings.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up the dough from one long end to another:
– Seal the edges tightly.
– Position rolled dough seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg:
– Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
– Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow Garbage Bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fun and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a main course or a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: The tangy flavor complements the savory fillings perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: A classic favorite that adds a creamy touch to each bite.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce for added heat.
Add Fresh Sides
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens can balance the richness of Garbage Bread.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture contrast to the soft bread.
- Pickles: Serve alongside dill pickles for a refreshing crunch that cuts through the heaviness.
Create Mini Sandwiches
- Cut into Portions: Slice the Garbage Bread into smaller pieces for easy handling during gatherings.
- Sandwich Style: Use two slices of Garbage Bread as a bun filled with extra toppings for a hearty mini sandwich experience.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
Perfecting your Garbage Bread can elevate this dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ground beef and vegetables for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling ingredients based on your preferences, like adding bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Seal Edges Well: Ensure you tightly seal the edges of the dough to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the color of the bread; it should be golden brown but not burnt.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: Allowing it to cool helps maintain its shape and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Pairing side dishes with Garbage Bread can complete your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- French Fries: Crispy fries make for a classic and satisfying side.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds a comforting touch to your plate.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies provide a healthy contrast to the rich bread.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the flavors beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy side pairs well for those craving comfort food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garbage Bread can be fun, but common mistakes can spoil the experience. Here are some missteps to watch out for:
- Skipping the Drainage: Failing to drain excess grease from the cooked beef can make your bread soggy. Always drain before adding the filling.
- Overstuffing the Dough: Adding too many fillings can cause the dough to burst while baking. Stick to a balanced amount of each ingredient.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Not baking long enough can lead to dough that’s undercooked. Keep an eye on it until it’s golden brown.
- Not Sealing Properly: If you don’t seal the dough tightly, it may unravel during baking. Ensure all edges are securely sealed.
- Forgetting the Egg Wash: Skipping the egg wash results in a dull finish. Brush it on for a beautiful golden crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the bread has cooled completely before sealing it.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. This may soften the bread.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garbage Bread:
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a savory dish made with ground beef, bacon, cheese, and condiments rolled in French bread dough.
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like vegetables or different cheeses for added flavor.
How do I store leftover Garbage Bread?
Leftover Garbage Bread should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Is Garbage Bread suitable for kids?
Yes! Garbage Bread is a fun and tasty meal that kids generally love due to its cheesy and meaty goodness.
Can I make Garbage Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for warm, fresh bread.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers, making it a budget-friendly meal option. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful dish; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all wrapped in warm, doughy goodness. This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks, allowing you to mix and match your favorite ingredients to create a personalized delight. With minimal prep time and simple steps, Garbage Bread is a quick dinner solution that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a delicious leftover—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 11 ounces refrigerated French bread dough
- ½ cup diced onion
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 8 slices American cheese
- Ketchup and mustard for spreading
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess grease.
- 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 cooked beef, bacon, and cheese over the condiments.
- Roll up tightly from one long edge; seal the seams well.
- Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with beaten egg; sprinkle sesame seeds on 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 slice (90g)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
