Why Is It Called Garbage Bread?

What Is Garbage Bread? The name “garbage bread” comes from its improvisational nature. The dish allows you to “toss in” whatever ingredients you have on hand, transforming leftovers or scraps into a delicious stuffed bread. Despite its name, there’s nothing wasteful about garbage bread—it’s a creative, resourceful, and flavorful way to make a meal.

Garbage Bread vs. Stromboli

Garbage Bread : Highly customizable and often made with leftovers. The fillings can range from classic savory combinations to unique variations, including vegetarian or dessert styles. Stromboli : An Italian-American dish traditionally filled with Italian meats (like salami or pepperoni), mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. It’s tightly rolled and baked with classic Italian flavors. The main difference is that stromboli has a more defined recipe, while garbage bread is all about flexibility and creativity.

Italian Garbage Bread Recipe

For a traditional Italian twist on garbage bread, try this recipe: Ingredients : 1 pound pizza dough 1 cup marinara sauce 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup pepperoni or salami slices 1 cup sautéed onions and bell peppers 1 beaten egg (for egg wash) Instructions : Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Spread marinara sauce, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables evenly over the sauce. Roll tightly into a log, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

What Is Garbage Bread Pizza Dough?

Garbage bread pizza dough is the base used to create this dish. It’s typically store-bought or homemade pizza dough that’s rolled out, filled with various ingredients, and baked to perfection. Pizza dough works well because it’s sturdy enough to hold a variety of fillings and develops a crispy, golden crust when baked. If you prefer a lighter texture, crescent roll dough or puff pastry can also be used as alternatives.

What Is Garbage Bread? Question N 1

Name: What Is Garbage Bread?
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483617H59M41S
Total time: PT-483617H59M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dough: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); Fillings: 1 cup marinara sauce; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage; ½ cup sautéed bell peppers; ½ cup sautéed onions; Optional: sliced pepperoni, olives, mushrooms; Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: sesame seeds, grated Parmesan, or Italian seasoning

Description

Garbage bread is a versatile, stuffed bread roll filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. It’s similar to a stromboli or calzone but offers endless customization options, making it perfect for using up leftovers or creating new flavor combinations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Fillings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- ½ cup sautéed bell peppers
- ½ cup sautéed onions
- Optional: sliced pepperoni, olives, mushrooms
Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds, grated Parmesan, or Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Add Fillings:
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Distribute the cooked sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and onions evenly over the cheese. Add any optional ingredients as desired.
Roll and Seal:
- Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to making a jelly roll.
- Pinch the seams and ends to seal the loaf completely. Place the loaf seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Apply Egg Wash and Toppings:
- Brush the top and sides of the loaf with the beaten egg to promote browning.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, grated Parmesan, or Italian seasoning if desired.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the crust is firm.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the garbage bread rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into 1–2 inch pieces and serve warm, optionally with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Customization: Garbage bread is highly customizable. Feel free to substitute the fillings with your preferred ingredients, such as different meats, cheeses, or vegetables. It’s an excellent way to utilize leftovers creatively.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and increase the variety of vegetables. Consider using spinach, mushrooms, olives, and artichoke hearts.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover garbage bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Fusion

Keywords: What Is Garbage Bread?