Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread is a hearty and delicious dish, combining ground beef, cheese, and tangy pickles, all wrapped in a golden, crispy bread dough. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any casual gathering, this dish is as satisfying as it is versatile. Whether you’re serving it with a side of Thousand Island dressing or enjoying it on its own, Garbage Bread is sure to become a favorite meal for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garbage Bread is the ultimate comfort food, offering a medley of flavors wrapped in a warm, pillowy bread crust. This recipe is incredibly versatile and budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles creates a rich, satisfying filling that everyone will love. Plus, the golden-brown crust adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you customize the filling or stick to the original recipe, Garbage Bread is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough

• 8 slices American cheese

• Ketchup and mustard for spreading

• ½ cup diced onion

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 3 tablespoons mustard

• 2 dill pickle spears (chopped)

• 1 large egg (beaten)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• Thousand Island dressing for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Beef:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain any excess grease.

3. Roll the Dough:
   Roll out the French bread dough on a floured surface to form a rectangle.

4. Assemble the Filling:
   Spread a layer of ketchup and mustard over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer the cooked ground beef, chopped pickles, and American cheese over the sauce.

5. Roll and Seal the Bread:
   Carefully roll the dough from one long end to the other, making sure to seal the edges well. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Prepare for Baking:
   Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over it.

7. Bake the Garbage Bread:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.

8. Serve:
   Slice the Garbage Bread and serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage:
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating:
  To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread dough?

Yes, you can use other bread dough options like pizza dough or homemade bread dough, but French bread dough gives the perfect texture for this recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Garbage Bread up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

3. What other fillings can I add to Garbage Bread?

You can get creative with the fillings! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even a layer of cooked sausage for extra flavor.

4. Can I make Garbage Bread with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute American cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, depending on your preference.

7. How do I ensure the bread dough is fully cooked?

Make sure to bake the Garbage Bread until the top is golden brown and the bread is firm. If unsure, use a toothpick to check the bread – it should come out clean.

8. Can I freeze Garbage Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Garbage Bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen for an extra 10-15 minutes.

9. Can I add some spice to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling to give the Garbage Bread a spicy kick.

10. What’s a good dipping sauce for this bread?

Thousand Island dressing is perfect for dipping, but you can also serve it with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a tangy BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make and filled with delicious flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tangy pickles wrapped in warm bread dough makes for a truly satisfying dish. Whether served for dinner or as a snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the incredible flavors and ease of this versatile, family-friendly meal!