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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature if it’s been refrigerated. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle or large oval, about 12×18 inches in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your meat (e.g., Italian sausage, ground beef, or pepperoni) until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add your chopped bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
In a separate bowl, combine the cheeses—mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. If you like things extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese, or mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Step 3: Assemble the Garbage Bread
Once the dough is rolled out, spread a layer of the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface, leaving about an inch of space on all sides. Top with the cooked meat and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal in the filling. Transfer the roll to a greased baking sheet, seam-side down. If you like a golden, crispy crust, brush the top of the roll with olive oil or melted butter. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Garbage Bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. You can check if the bread is done by tapping the bottom—it should sound hollow. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing into it.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your Garbage Bread into thick pieces and serve with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it as-is. It’s great as a main dish or even as an appetizer for parties and get-togethers. The crust will be crispy on the outside and delightfully soft and cheesy on the inside. Every bite is full of savory goodness, and the best part is, you can tailor it to your exact tastes!
Fun Variations of Garbage Bread
The beauty of Garbage Bread is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
- Breakfast Garbage Bread: Make a breakfast version by using scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese as the filling. You can even add hash browns for an extra hearty touch!
- Vegetarian Garbage Bread: For a veggie-filled version, stuff the dough with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, olives, and a variety of cheeses. You can also add ricotta for a creamy texture.
- BBQ Garbage Bread: Try a BBQ-inspired version with shredded rotisserie chicken, red onions, cilantro, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. Drizzle some barbecue sauce over the filling before rolling it up.
- Spicy Garbage Bread: For a bit of a kick, add jalapeños, spicy sausage, and a generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping!
- Dessert Garbage Bread: Who says Garbage Bread has to be savory? For a sweet twist, fill the dough with cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, and nuts, then bake until golden. Serve with a side of vanilla icing or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert everyone will love.
Tips for the Perfect Garbage Bread
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff the bread with every ingredient you love, be careful not to overstuff. The dough needs to be able to seal and cook properly, so leave enough space around the edges to ensure it rolls up securely.
- Make it Ahead: Garbage Bread can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Cutting the Bread: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the cheese set slightly and make the slices easier to cut without making a mess.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread is the ultimate stuffed bread that combines the best elements of pizza, calzones, and savory rolls into one irresistible dish. With its warm, gooey filling and golden, crispy crust, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite for families, parties, and anyone craving comfort food.
The fun part is that you can customize it however you like, making it the perfect dish to use up leftover ingredients or satisfy any craving. Whether you enjoy it as a savory meal or a creative take on pizza night, Garbage Bread is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in the ultimate stuffed bread of your dreams!
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