Golden, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this easy garbage bread is the ultimate comfort food. Stuffed with savory beef, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in buttery dough, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack, a quick family dinner idea, or an appetizer everyone will rave about, this garbage bread recipe has you covered.
Ingredients for Easy Garbage Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cheesy, delicious masterpiece. Plus, I’ve included some substitution ideas to suit your preferences or pantry stock.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped (Turkey bacon works, too!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar adds extra flavor.)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or crescent sheet
Topping Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley, chopped (Optional, but adds a pop of freshness.)
If you’re out of pizza dough, crescent sheets are a great alternative. You can even swap in homemade pizza dough if you have time to spare. Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to your filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your easy garbage bread.
1. Cook the Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and stir in the chopped bacon. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
2. Roll and Fill the Dough
Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough or crescent sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon the meat and cheese mixture down the center of the dough. Fold the sides over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a loaf.
3. Brush and Top
Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt, sesame seeds, and parsley for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
4. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and thoroughly cooked.
5. Slice and Serve
Once baked, allow your garbage bread to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or even spicy mustard for the perfect finish.
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏰ Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Calories: ~460 kcal per slice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beyond being incredibly easy to make, this garbage bread checks all the boxes for a satisfying dish:
- Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Swap fillings like cooked chicken, pepperoni, or sautéed veggies.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves melty, cheesy goodness wrapped in buttery dough.
Health Benefits of Garbage Bread
While this dish leans more on the indulgent side, it does have its nutritional perks:
- Protein-Packed: With ground beef, bacon, and cheese, this bread delivers a good boost of protein.
- Calcium-Rich: Thanks to the cheese, it offers a dose of calcium for healthy bones.
- Flexible Ingredients: Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra vitamins and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Garbage bread is versatile and pairs well with many accompaniments:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
- Beverages: Pair with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or sparkling water with lime.
- Special Occasion Presentation: Slice into smaller portions for party appetizers.
Creative Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few fun twists on the classic garbage bread recipe:
- Buffalo Chicken Bread: Swap beef for shredded chicken, add buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Veggie Supreme: Use sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, and spinach with a sprinkle of feta.
- Breakfast Bread: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and cheddar.
Tips and Tricks
Want foolproof results? Keep these pro tips in mind:
- Don’t overfill your dough to prevent leaks during baking.
- Cool the filling before adding it to the dough. Warm filling can make the dough soggy.
- Use parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store leftover garbage bread and enjoy it later:
- Refrigeration: Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
To ensure your garbage bread turns out perfectly, avoid these pitfalls:
- Overbaking can dry out the dough. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking.
- Under-filling will leave your bread lacking flavor. Aim for a good filling-to-dough ratio.
- Skipping the seal can cause filling to leak out during baking. Be sure to pinch those edges!
Easy Garbage Bread
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or crescent sheet
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain fat. Stir in chopped bacon. Let cool slightly, then mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Step 2: Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread the meat and cheese mixture down the center. Fold the sides over and pinch to seal into a loaf shape.
- Step 3: Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt, sesame seeds, and chopped parsley.
- Step 4: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make garbage bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef or other leftovers?
Absolutely. Using pre-cooked ground beef or other proteins like shredded chicken is a great time-saver.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and bake two loaves.
Make Easy Garbage Bread Today
There you have it. Easy garbage bread is a simple, cheesy, and satisfying recipe guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned home chef, this bread is a winner every time. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking!