Garbage Bread

Garbage Bread is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting family dinner. This savory bread roll is filled with seasoned ground beef, bacon, pickles, and cheese, all wrapped in a golden brown crust.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground Beef: 1 pound, cooked and crumbled, providing a savory base for the filling.
• Onion: ½ cup, diced. Adds a slight sweetness and enhances the flavor of the beef.
• Salt and Pepper: ¼ teaspoon each, to season the beef.
• French Bread Dough: 11 ounce tube of Pillsbury refrigerated dough, used as the bread base for the recipe.
• Ketchup: ⅓ cup, adds a tangy sweetness to the filling.
• Mustard: 3 tablespoons, complements the ketchup with a bit of tanginess.
• Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled, or 1 package of store-bought bacon pieces, for a smoky flavor.
• Dill Pickle Spears: 2 spears, chopped, adding a crunchy and tangy element.
• American Cheese: 8 slices, providing a creamy and melty texture.
• Egg: 1 large, beaten, used for brushing the dough for a golden finish.
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Served on the side as a dipping sauce, perfect for adding extra flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2:

In a large pan over medium heat, cook and crumble 1 pound of ground beef with ½ cup of diced onion. Season the mixture with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the mixture aside.

Step 3:

On a floured surface, roll out the 11 ounce tube of Pillsbury refrigerated French bread dough into a large rectangle. Spread ⅓ cup of ketchup and 3 tablespoons of mustard evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 4:

Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef mixture over the ketchup and mustard. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon (or bacon pieces) and chopped dill pickles on top of the beef. Lay 8 slices of American cheese in a single layer over the toppings.

Step 5:

Starting from one long end, carefully roll up the dough into a log, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Pinch the edges to seal the roll. Place the rolled dough seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:

Brush the surface of the dough with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. This will give the bread a shiny, golden finish and add a slight crunch.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 8:

Slice the bread into individual pieces and serve warm. We recommend serving it with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping, adding a creamy and tangy flavor to complement the savory filling.

Serving and Storage Tips

Garbage Bread is best served warm, right out of the oven. It makes for a great party appetizer, game day snack, or a fun family dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds, though the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

Helpful Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite toppings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also switch up the cheese—cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack would be delicious. For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you're a fan of a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the filling.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Jamie Oliver suggests using high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to cheese and meats. Chef Nigella Lawson recommends allowing the bread to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together. According to Chef Bobby Flay, brushing the dough with garlic butter before baking can add an extra layer of flavor and aroma.