Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is a fantastic dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. This unique recipe allows you to use what you have on hand, creating a delicious meal that satisfies everyone. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Garbage Bread brings comfort food to the table with its savory filling and crispy crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this hearty meal ready in no time.
- Versatile Filling Options: Customize your Garbage Bread with leftover meats or veggies for a unique twist every time.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The combination of cheese, bacon, and condiments makes this dish appealing to all ages.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for families looking to save money without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a picnic, or a cozy dinner at home, Garbage Bread fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Garbage Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and mixing in the onions.
- Rolling pin: Helps create an even dough layer for easy rolling and filling.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base to bake the Garbage Bread without mess.
Ingredients
Garbage Bread is a delicious, budget-friendly dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ cup diced onion
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon pepper
– 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
– 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
– Thousand Island dressing for dipping
For the Beef 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 Condiments:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
For the Toppings:
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 8 slices American cheese
For 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 fully browned.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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, approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 4: Add Condiments
Evenly spread:
1. Ketchup and mustard over the dough.
2. Leave a ½-inch border around all edges for sealing.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Evenly distribute:
1. The cooked ground beef over the condiments.
2. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped pickles on top.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place:
1. 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 the edges tightly to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Place rolled dough seam side down on prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush:
1. The top of the dough with beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake in preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow Garbage Bread to cool for at least five minutes before slicing it into pieces. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping!
How to Serve Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is not just a meal; it’s an experience that you can customize to your liking. Here are some fun and delicious ways to serve this savory dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Thousand Island Dressing: The classic pairing! This tangy dressing complements the flavors of the Garbage Bread perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy option that adds a zesty kick.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky flavor, serve with barbecue sauce on the side.
As a Meal
- With a Side Salad: A fresh salad can balance the rich flavors of Garbage Bread. Consider adding vinaigrette for extra zest.
- Paired with Soup: Tomato soup or minestrone make for great companions, creating a cozy meal.
On Game Day
- Slice into Pinwheels: Cut your Garbage Bread into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking during parties or game days.
- Serve with Chips: Add some crunchy potato chips or tortilla chips for texture and added flavor.
How to Perfect Garbage Bread
To ensure your Garbage Bread turns out amazing every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and vegetables will elevate the taste significantly.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Season your beef well to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Roll Tightly: When rolling the dough, make sure it’s tight to avoid any filling leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like jalapeños or cheese varieties for a unique twist.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread while baking; ovens can vary in temperature. Bake until golden brown.
Best Side Dishes for Garbage Bread
Garbage Bread is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some recommendations to complement your meal.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and contrasts with the warm bread.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges add heartiness and flavor.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Extra bread is always welcome! These add a delicious garlicky taste.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or carrots provide a healthy balance and color on your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in creamy Caesar dressing enhances the meal’s richness.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized beauties bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the meatiness of Garbage Bread.
- French Fries: A classic comfort food that kids and adults alike will appreciate alongside their slice of Garbage Bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Garbage Bread is a fun and satisfying dish, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your final result. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Overfilling the Dough: Adding too much filling can cause the bread to burst while baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting to season your ground beef can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt and pepper for a tastier dish.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
- Cutting Too Soon: Slicing into your Garbage Bread right after baking can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool for at least five minutes before cutting.
- Ignoring Storage Tips: Failing to store leftovers properly can lead to soggy bread. Follow storage guidelines for maintaining freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garbage Bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garbage Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
Reheating Garbage Bread
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garbage Bread?
Garbage Bread is a creative dish made with ground beef, cheese, and condiments wrapped in French bread dough. It’s customizable and perfect for any meal.
Can I customize my Garbage Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables, different meats, or unique sauces based on your preferences. This versatility makes it fun!
How do I know when my Garbage Bread is done?
Your Garbage Bread is ready when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped lightly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While American cheese works great, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Garbage Bread is an incredible dish that’s both comforting and versatile. It allows you to get creative with fillings and flavors while being easy on the wallet. Try it out, and feel free to customize it according to your taste!
Garbage Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 slices 1x
Description
Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This savory roll combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a flaky French bread crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is incredibly versatile—allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy a hearty meal that appeals to kids and adults alike. Serve it sliced with your favorite dipping sauces or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete dinner experience. Don’t miss out on this delicious and budget-friendly recipe that promises satisfaction with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 8 slices American cheese
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned; season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread ketchup and mustard on the dough, leaving a border.
- Layer cooked beef, bacon, pickles, and cheese over the condiments.
- Roll tightly from one long end to the other; seal edges well.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet; brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown; let cool for five minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
