There’s something special about pulling a golden, cheesy loaf from the oven and slicing into layers of warm, savory goodness. Garbage Bread, a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza rolls, turns everyday ingredients into an easy dinner recipe that feels both comforting and exciting.

Originally popularized in New York, this creative dish is a cross between a stromboli and a calzone, filled with ground beef, melty cheese, and colorful veggies. It’s perfect for family-friendly comfort food nights, especially when you want something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting game night, or making the most of leftovers, Garbage Bread transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious homemade meal you’ll make again and again.

 

What You Need

Main Ingredients

• Ground beef — 1 pound
• Mozzarella cheese — 1 cup
• Cheddar cheese — ½ cup
• Diced onion — ½ cup
• Minced garlic — 2 cloves
• Bell peppers, sliced — ½ cup
• Black olives, sliced (optional) — ½ cup
• Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper — To taste
• Egg — 1 (for egg wash)
• Pizza dough — 1 (10×14-inch rectangle)

 

How to Make Garbage Bread

1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan, then add diced onions. Cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Cook beef: Add ground beef and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
4. Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers and olives. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll pizza dough into a rectangle.
6. Assemble filling: Spread the beef mixture evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
7. Roll and seal: Roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch seams and ends to seal. Place seam side down.
8. Egg wash: Brush top with beaten egg. Cut a few small slits for steam to escape.
9. Bake: 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.
10. Cool and serve: Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara or ranch sauce.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines all your favorite pizza flavors in one convenient roll.
• A fun, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
• Great for game day, lunchboxes, or make-ahead meals.
• Perfect way to use leftover meats, veggies, and cheeses.

 

Tips

• Use refrigerated pizza or crescent dough for convenience.
• Brush with garlic butter after baking for a flavorful finish.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Let the loaf rest before cutting — it helps keep the filling inside.

 

Variations

• BBQ Chicken Garbage Bread: Swap beef for shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and gouda.
• Taco Garbage Bread: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.
• Vegetarian Twist: Fill with spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta.

 

FAQs

1. Can I make Garbage Bread ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until hot.
3. Can I use different dough? Yes — puff pastry or crescent roll dough works too.
4. What sauces go best? Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter dipping sauce.
5. Can I add pepperoni or sausage? Definitely! Add your favorite pizza toppings.
6. How do I prevent soggy dough? Drain excess grease from beef before assembling.
7. Can I make it vegetarian? Swap beef for sautéed veggies or plant-based crumbles.
8. Can I cook it in an air fryer? Yes — at 350°F for 15–18 minutes until golden.
9. What cheese melts best? Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor.
10. Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.

 

Health Benefits

While Garbage Bread is indulgent, using lean ground beef, whole-wheat dough, and fresh vegetables makes it a more balanced choice. It provides protein, calcium, and iron, making it a hearty meal that satisfies without going overboard.

 

How to Serve

Serve sliced with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside a fresh green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. It’s perfect for movie nights, lunchboxes, or sharing at potlucks.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate before baking (up to 12 hours).
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat until hot and crisp.

 

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is proof that comfort food can be creative, budget-friendly, and downright fun. Whether served for dinner, game night, or casual get-togethers, it’s the easy dinner recipe you’ll crave again and again — warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite.