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There’s something so irresistibly comforting about this Garbage Bread Recipe that feels like a big, warm hug from the inside out. Imagine a golden, flaky French bread crust packed with juicy ground beef, savory bacon, melty American cheese, and that perfect tangy hit of ketchup and mustard—all rolled up into one spectacular loaf. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal, great for sharing or any time you crave a hearty, flavor-packed treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garbage Bread Recipe keeps things straightforward and delicious with a handful of essential ingredients, each bringing its own special touch to the final flavor and texture. From the rich ground beef to the crispy bacon and the soft, chewy bread, every component plays a vital role.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the rich, meaty base that’s full of flavor and satisfying protein.
- Diced onion (½ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the beef.
- Refrigerated French bread dough (11-ounce tube): Delivers a soft yet crusty bread crust that wraps up all the fillings beautifully.
- Cooked bacon (6 slices, crumbled): Brings smoky crunch and a salty kick that elevates every bite.
- American cheese (8 slices): Melts perfectly into a gooey, creamy layer, balancing the savory meats.
- Ketchup and mustard: Classic condiments that give a tangy, slightly sweet zing, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the bread a gorgeous golden shine and a slight crispness.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for an added nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that make sure every bite is perfectly balanced.
How to Make Garbage Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your Garbage Bread from sticking and makes cleanup easy, ensuring your final masterpiece slides right off without a hitch.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion. The onions soften and sweeten as you cook, melding beautifully with the savory beef. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper while cooking to bring out all those rich flavors.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your refrigerated French bread dough into a neat rectangle. This will be your canvas for all the delicious fillings that come next, offering a soft yet sturdy package for all the savory goodness.
Step 4: Spread the Ketchup and Mustard
Now, spread ketchup and mustard evenly across the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edge. These condiments introduce that comforting tang that cuts through the richness, brightening every bite.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
Layer the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the sauced dough, then sprinkle on the crumbled bacon for that smoky edge. Top it all off with the American cheese slices, letting them blanket the fillings so they’ll melt beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Seal the Dough
Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one end to the other, like a delicious, savory cinnamon roll. Make sure to pinch and seal the edges well to keep all the fillings secure during baking—nobody wants any tasty leaks!
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Place your rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny crust and sprinkle on sesame seeds for that nice finishing touch. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the loaf looks beautifully browned and smells irresistible.
How to Serve Garbage Bread Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, let your Garbage Bread rest for a few minutes before slicing. For extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A little greenery brightens up the presentation and adds a fresh pop that complements the rich flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the bread. Roasted veggies or a bowl of tomato soup also pair wonderfully, giving a cozy, comforting meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Garbage Bread into thick rounds and serve with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or, turn leftovers into hearty sandwiches for lunch the next day—just add a crisp pickle and a smear of extra mustard, and you’re in sandwich heaven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and sometimes that’s hard!), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Garbage Bread stays tasty for up to 3 days when stored properly, making it a great next-day snack or easy meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked loaf after assembling but before baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the egg wash and baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for Garbage Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and adds classic flavor, you can try cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick. Just make sure to use cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives like seasoned veggie crumbles and vegetarian bacon or omit them altogether and add extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare Garbage Bread Recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the bread, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight before baking. Just add the egg wash right before baking to ensure a perfect golden crust.
What can I do if I don’t have refrigerated French bread dough?
If you don’t have refrigerated dough, pre-made pizza dough or even biscuit dough can work in a pinch. The texture and flavor will vary slightly, but your Garbage Bread will still be tasty and satisfying.
How can I make the bread crust extra crispy?
Brush the loaf generously with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds or coarse salt on top. Baking on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone also helps create a crispier bottom crust.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Garbage Bread Recipe, it’s going to become one of those go-to comfort foods you crave again and again. It’s simple to make, wildly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends over a cozy meal. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy every cheesy, meaty, saucy bite—it’s worth every moment in the kitchen and every second at the table.
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Garbage Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garbage Bread is a savory and satisfying stuffed bread roll filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, bacon, and cheese, all wrapped in soft French bread dough and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe combines classic American flavors with a fun twist, perfect for a hearty meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
Meat and Fillings
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 8 slices American cheese
Dough and Toppings
- 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
- Ketchup, for spreading
- Mustard, for spreading
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle to create a base for the fillings.
- Add Condiments: Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges to help seal the roll later.
- Layer the Fillings: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef mixture over the condiments. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top, followed by layering the slices of American cheese.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, ensuring the fillings are enclosed. Pinch and seal the edges well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for variation.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for an egg-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
