Imagine pulling apart warm, golden-brown bread, each piece oozing with melted cheese, savory meats, and the perfect blend of spices – that’s Garbage Bread. This isn’t your ordinary bread; it’s a flavor explosion disguised as comfort food, and you absolutely need it in your life. I promise, this recipe is so simple, even beginner bakers can create a show-stopping masterpiece!
Gather Your Goods: The Ingredients List
For the Dough:
- 1 pound loaf frozen bread dough, thawed (or your favorite homemade bread dough)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Talk Garbage (Bread) Philosophy

Okay, so the name “Garbage Bread” might not sound super appealing at first, but trust me, it’s all about the delicious mix of ingredients! It’s basically a pizza in bread form, and it’s incredibly customizable. The beauty of this recipe is that you can literally throw in whatever you have on hand – that’s where the “garbage” part comes in (in the best possible way, of course!). Think of it as a fridge clean-out opportunity that results in a mouthwatering dish.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! You can swap out the pepperoni and sausage for ham, bacon, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts. The key is to use ingredients that you love and that complement each other. This is your chance to make it truly your own signature Garbage Bread!
Essential Tools for Garbage Bread Glory
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (highly recommended for easy cleanup!)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Pastry brush (optional, for brushing the top with garlic butter)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Dough to Deliciousness
Part 1: Prep the Dough and Garlic Butter
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Stir well to combine. This fragrant garlic butter will be the key to adding incredible flavor to your Garbage Bread.
Part 2: Assemble the Garbage Bread
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. If your dough is sticky, don’t be afraid to add a little more flour to your work surface.
- Spread the garlic butter: Brush the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help seal the bread when you roll it up.
- Layer the fillings: Sprinkle the pepperoni, sausage, black olives, and green bell pepper evenly over the garlic butter. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses over the fillings. Don’t be shy with the cheese! The more cheese, the better the Garbage Bread, in my humble opinion.
- Roll it up: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, like you’re making a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
- Slice and arrange: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each slice. They’ll expand as they bake!
- Optional: Brush with more garlic butter: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust, brush the tops of the slices with any remaining garlic butter.
Part 3: Bake to Perfection
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool slightly and garnish: Remove the Garbage Bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
- Dough is too sticky: If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more flour to your work surface and to the dough itself. Knead it gently until it becomes more manageable.
- Fillings are falling out: Make sure you’re rolling the dough tightly enough to keep the fillings contained. You can also pinch the edges of each slice to help seal them.
- Bread is browning too quickly: If the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Cheese isn’t melting: Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you’re using a good quality shredded cheese that melts well.
Garbage Bread Variations: Spice It Up!
Want to take your Garbage Bread to the next level? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Garbage Bread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for an extra kick. You could also use spicy sausage or pepperoni.
- Vegetarian Garbage Bread: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, onions, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts.
- Pizza Garbage Bread: Use pizza sauce instead of garlic butter, and add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, and onions.
- Hawaiian Garbage Bread: Add ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Get This Party Started!
Garbage Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair it with a salad for a light and satisfying meal.
- Bring it to a potluck or party – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Enjoy it as a late-night snack with your favorite movie.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Garbage Bread recipe, you might also enjoy these other cheesy and delicious creations:
- Try the amazing Baked Italian Grinder Sandwiches for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- The Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are another excellent choice for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
- Don’t miss the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi if you’re craving a creamy and comforting dish.
- For a quick and tasty meal, consider the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
- The Garlic Parmesan Burger Bombs are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic Cheesy Garlic Wraps.
Storage Instructions: Keep the Goodness Going
If you happen to have any leftover Garbage Bread (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few seconds or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Final Thoughts: Your Garbage Bread Adventure Awaits!
So there you have it – my ultimate guide to making the most delicious and customizable Garbage Bread ever! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Remember, the key to success is to have fun and experiment with different fillings until you find your perfect combination. Happy baking!
What does the name “Garbage Bread” mean and can I customize the fillings?
The name “Garbage Bread” refers to the mix of different ingredients you can use. It’s highly customizable, and you can use whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Feel free to get creative with fillings like ham, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky when making Garbage Bread?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more flour to your work surface and the dough itself. Knead it gently until it becomes more manageable.
What are some variations I can try to spice up my Garbage Bread?
You can try Spicy Garbage Bread (add cayenne pepper or hot sauce), Vegetarian Garbage Bread (use mushrooms, spinach, etc.), Pizza Garbage Bread (use pizza sauce and toppings), or Hawaiian Garbage Bread (add ham and pineapple).
How should I store leftover Garbage Bread?
Store leftover Garbage Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Easy Cheesy Garbage Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter and stir well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Brush the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the pepperoni, sausage, black olives, and green bell pepper evenly over the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses over the fillings.
- Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, like you’re making a jelly roll.
- Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Arrange the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each slice.
- Brush the tops of the slices with any remaining garlic butter (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.