Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread is a delightful twist on traditional comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. This budget-friendly dish combines savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all wrapped in warm, flaky bread. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, game day snacks, or potluck gatherings. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize the fillings to suit your taste!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Family-Friendly: With its tasty ingredients and fun presentation, Garbage Bread is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Endless Customization: Feel free to mix and match fillings based on your preferences or what you have on hand!
• Perfect for Leftovers: Use up leftover meats and veggies by adding them into the mix—no waste here!
• Great for Sharing: Serve this dish at parties or gatherings; it’s easy to slice and share.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Garbage Bread, gather a few essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment will make preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (or non-stick spray)
• Knife for slicing

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat evenly without overcrowding.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the ideal thickness of dough for rolling.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your Garbage Bread without sticking.

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 the Sauces

• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons mustard

For the Extras

• 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
• 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)

For the Cheese Topping

• 8 slices American cheese

For Finishing Touches

• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Dipping

• 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. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Cook until the beef is fully browned.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain any excess grease once cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.

Step 4: Add Condiments

Evenly spread:
1. Ketchup
2. Mustard
over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 5: Layer the Fillings

Distribute evenly:
1. The cooked ground beef over the condiments.
2. 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:
1. The dough from one of the long ends to the other.
2. Seal edges tightly.
3. Place rolled dough seam side down on prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Brush and Bake

Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg:
1. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing:
1. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Garbage Bread!

How to Serve Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread is a fun and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Thousand Island Dressing: This tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the flavors of the garbage bread.
• Barbecue Sauce: A smoky, sweet barbecue sauce adds a delightful twist to every bite.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch offers a cool contrast that complements the richness of the bread.

As Part of a Platter

• Cheese Board: Include slices of your favorite cheeses alongside garbage bread for an appetizer spread.
• Veggie Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery provide a crunchy balance to the savory bread.
• Meatballs: Serve with mini meatballs for a meaty feast ideal for parties.

With Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a fresh taste that contrasts nicely with the richness of garbage bread.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw make it an excellent side dish option.

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How to Perfect Garbage Bread

To achieve the best results with your Garbage Bread, consider these helpful tips. They can elevate your dish to new heights.

• Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your beef well. Extra spices can enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like dill pickle spears and crisp bacon make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavor combinations.
• Keep It Tight: Roll the dough tightly to prevent any filling from spilling out during baking, ensuring clean slices.

Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread

Pairing side dishes with Garbage Bread can elevate your meal significantly. Here are some fantastic options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds an aromatic touch that’s always popular.
2. French Fries: Crispy fries make for a satisfying and indulgent pairing.
3. Onion Rings: Crunchy onion rings bring an extra layer of texture and flavor to your meal.
4. Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil creates a nice contrast to the hearty bread.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch to your meal options.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide a hearty side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Garbage Bread can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always set your oven to the right temperature before you start.
• Overstuffing the Dough: Adding too many fillings might cause the dough to burst. Stick to recommended quantities for a perfect roll.
• Not Sealing Properly: Failing to seal the edges can result in a messy bake. Ensure that you press down firmly along the seams before baking.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold dough and ingredients can affect baking time and texture. Let your dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the bread too soon can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool for at least five minutes before slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Garbage Bread will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Garbage Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Garbage Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garbage Bread?

Garbage Bread is a fun and versatile dish made by rolling ground beef, cheeses, and condiments in bread dough, then baking it until golden brown.

Can I customize my Garbage Bread?

Absolutely! You can add different meats, veggies, or cheeses based on your preferences. This dish is all about personalizing it!

How do I store leftovers of Garbage Bread?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

What is the best dipping sauce for Garbage Bread?

Thousand Island dressing pairs wonderfully with Garbage Bread; however, feel free to try other sauces like ranch or barbecue!

Final Thoughts

Garbage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable, making it an excellent option for any meal. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and tailored to your taste buds. Give this recipe a try today!