Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a delightful dish that combines comfort and convenience. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or a casual night in, this recipe stands out with its rich flavors and customizable fillings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, Garbage Bread delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, Garbage Bread is an economical choice for any meal.
- Versatile Filling Options: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can enjoy this delicious dish in just 40 minutes.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings, this bread makes it easy to serve and share with friends and family.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of cheese, meat, and condiments makes this dish appealing to kids of all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Garbage Bread, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly, ensuring great flavor throughout.
- Rolling pin: Helps to flatten the dough perfectly for even cooking and filling distribution.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your Garbage Bread without mess.
Ingredients
Garbage Bread is a delicious, budget-friendly dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 8 slices American cheese
Condiments and Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
Dough and Extras
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving
- 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 the diced onion until fully browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
3. Drain any excess grease after cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle measuring approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Evenly spread:
1. Ketchup
2. Mustard
Leave about a ½-inch border around all edges of the dough.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Distribute evenly:
1. Cooked ground beef mixture over the condiments.
2. Crumbled bacon on top of that.
3. Chopped pickles for extra crunch.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place American cheese slices in a single layer covering all fillings uniformly.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up:
1. The dough from one long end to the other.
2. Seal the edges tightly to keep the fillings contained.
3. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush:
1. The top of the rolled dough with beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle sesame seeds over it for added flavor.
Bake in your preheated oven for:
20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow your Garbage Bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is not only a fun dish to make, but it also offers a variety of serving possibilities that can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious bread.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: The classic choice for dipping, this sauce complements the flavors perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy option that adds a zesty twist to every bite.
- BBQ Sauce: For those who love a smoky flavor, BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of the bread.
As a Meal Centerpiece
- Serve with a Salad: A fresh side salad can balance out the richness of Garbage Bread and add some crunch.
- Accompanied by Soup: Pairing with a warm bowl of soup makes for a cozy meal, perfect for colder days.
For Game Day Snacking
- Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: Perfect for sharing, these smaller portions make Garbage Bread an excellent finger food for gatherings.
- Add Veggie Sticks: Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a crunchy contrast that refreshes the palate.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
To make your Garbage Bread even more mouthwatering, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Seasoning: Don’t shy away from adding spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the beef mixture for added depth.
- Even Layering: Ensure that all fillings are spread evenly to prevent any parts from being too dry or too soggy.
- Seal Carefully: Make sure to seal the edges tightly when rolling. This helps keep all the delicious ingredients contained.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool slightly after baking helps maintain its structure when slicing.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread pairs well with many sides, making it versatile enough to fit any meal occasion. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice, this salad adds crisp romaine and savory dressing that complements the bread.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tangy flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Garbage Bread.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These fries bring sweetness and crunch; plus, they bake up easily alongside your bread!
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans are nutritious options that add color and health benefits to your plate.
- Potato Chips: A simple side that adds crunch—opt for flavored chips like barbecue or sour cream & onion for extra taste.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings summer vibes and sweet juiciness that pairs well with this hearty dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garbage Bread, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Overfilling the Dough: Adding too many fillings can make it hard to roll the dough properly, leading to leaks. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step may result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure that the bread cooks evenly and achieves a golden brown color.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the bread a beautiful, glossy finish. Don’t forget this step — it enhances both appearance and flavor.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can affect how well they blend together. Let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing for better consistency.
- Cutting Too Soon: Allowing the bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing is crucial. Cutting too early can lead to a messy presentation and affect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This may make it slightly soggy.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a savory dish made with ground beef, various condiments, cheese, and other fillings rolled inside French bread dough.
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms or swap out meats based on your preference.
How do I ensure my Garbage Bread doesn’t leak?
Make sure you seal the edges tightly after rolling and avoid overfilling with ingredients.
What’s the best way to serve Garbage Bread?
Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping. It’s great as a snack or main dish!
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that brings together ease and flavor in every bite. This savory roll features a delicious combination of ground beef, cheese, bacon, and zesty condiments all wrapped in soft French bread dough. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings with friends. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, you can create a dish that caters to your tastes while staying on budget. Serve it warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 8 slices American cheese
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface.
- Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Layer cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, and cheese on top of the condiments.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and seal the edges well. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for five minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
