Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fantastic dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a family dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, Garbage Bread checks all the boxes. Its unique combination of ingredients allows for endless variations, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in under an hour.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef and French bread dough, Garbage Bread is easy on your wallet.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fillings, from different meats to veggies or cheeses.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors wrapped in warm bread – it’s a guaranteed hit!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is great for using up leftover meats or vegetables you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Garbage Bread masterpiece, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in cooking efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your Garbage Bread evenly without mess.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to the perfect size for easy filling and rolling.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef and onions thoroughly before assembling.
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
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
Flavor Enhancers
- 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
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 and diced onion until the beef is fully browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
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:
– The ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Evenly distribute:
– The cooked ground beef over the condiments.
– Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place:
– The American cheese slices in a single layer over the fillings.
Step 7: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up:
1. The dough from one of the long ends to the other.
2. Seal the edges tightly.
3. Place the rolled dough seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush:
– The top of the dough with beaten egg and 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.
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is not only a hearty meal but also incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: This classic pairing adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the bread.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly and adds a fresh taste.
- Barbecue Sauce: For those who love a smoky sweetness, BBQ sauce is an excellent choice.
As a Meal
- With Salad: Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the Garbage Bread.
- With Pickles: The crunch and acidity of pickles can elevate the flavors even further.
- As Party Food: Cut into smaller pieces for appetizers at gatherings; they’re easy to grab and enjoy.
Kids’ Favorite
- Cut into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes that kids will love, making it an exciting meal for them.
- Serve with Fruit Slices: Add some fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast to the savory bread.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
To make sure your Garbage Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ground beef and vegetables for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overload your bread with fillings, as this can make it difficult to roll.
- Seal Edges Well: Ensure that you seal the edges tightly to prevent any of the delicious fillings from leaking out during baking.
- Adjust Bake Time: Keep an eye on your bread in the oven; baking times may vary depending on your oven’s calibration.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Pairing side dishes with your Garbage Bread can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some great options.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch alongside the hearty bread.
- Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw provides a nice contrast and balances flavors well.
- French Fries: Classic fries are always a hit; try seasoning them with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices complement the savory elements of Garbage Bread beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a delightful burst of flavor and is perfect for summer meals.
- Chips and Salsa: For a crunchy, zesty side, serve tortilla chips with salsa as a fun accompaniment.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs nicely with savory dishes like Garbage Bread, making it a satisfying combo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garbage Bread, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring the Dough Thickness: Rolling the dough too thin can cause it to tear during baking. Make sure it’s about ¼ inch thick for a sturdy bread.
- Overfilling with Ingredients: Adding too many fillings can lead to a messy roll. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Omitting the egg wash will result in a dull-looking bread. Brush it on for a golden, glossy finish.
- Cutting Too Soon: Slicing the bread right after baking can cause filling to spill out. Let it cool for at least five minutes before cutting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the bread is completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bread for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds. Check and repeat if necessary.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garbage Bread that you might find helpful:
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a savory dish made by rolling up various ingredients in refrigerated dough. It’s perfect for using up leftovers!
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables, different cheeses, or replace ground beef with sausage or turkey for varied flavors.
Is Garbage Bread suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it an excellent choice for quick meals throughout the week.
How do I serve Garbage Bread?
Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. It pairs well with salads or as part of a casual gathering!
Can I make Garlic Butter Garbage Bread?
Certainly! Brush garlic butter over the rolled dough before baking for an extra layer of flavor that complements the fillings.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy this satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is a deliciously versatile dish that combines savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a medley of flavorful ingredients wrapped in warm, golden French bread dough. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe offers endless customization, allowing you to mix and match your favorite fillings. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that is not only budget-friendly but also a surefire hit among kids and adults alike. Serve it with your choice of dipping sauces or alongside fresh salads for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 8 slices American cheese
- Optional: Crumbled bacon, pickles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess grease.
- Roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a border.
- Layer cooked beef, bacon, pickles, and cheese on top.
- Roll up the dough tightly and seal the edges; place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and allow to cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
