Garbage Bread Extravaganza

Get ready to indulge in bold, irresistible flavor overload with our Garbage Bread Extravaganza – the ultimate stuffed bread party you can’t miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garbage Bread is everything you want in a savory bake: cheesy, crusty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge, preparing a game-day snack, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers.

  • Customizable: Use any meats, cheeses, or veggies you have on hand.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or family dinners.
  • Easy Prep: Just mix, stuff, and bake—no dough-making required.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for later.
  • Great Use Of Leftovers: Reduce waste by stuffing in yesterday’s extras.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French or Italian bread
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the loaf lengthwise and hollow out some of the interior to make room for the filling.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, meats, vegetables, sauce, and seasonings. Mix well.
  4. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the mixture, then place the top half back on.
  5. Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: 6–8 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Calories Per Serving: Approximately 300–400 kcal

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Skip the meats and add roasted mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Spicy: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or spicy sausage.
  • Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs and hash browns.
  • Mexican Twist: Substitute salsa for marinara, and add Monterey Jack and black beans.
  • Italian Deli Version: Add salami, provolone, and giardiniera.
  • Vegan: Use plant-based meats, vegan cheese, and dairy-free sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

What Is Garbage Bread Exactly?

Garbage bread is a stuffed bread loaf filled with a mix of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauce. It’s baked until crispy outside and melty inside.

Can I Use Pizza Dough Instead Of French Bread?

Yes, pizza dough is a great alternative. Roll it out, layer the fillings, and roll it up jelly-roll style before baking.

Is Garbage Bread The Same As Stromboli?

They are similar, but garbage bread typically uses a loaf of bread or pizza dough in a more casual, mix-and-match way, while stromboli is more structured and often uses specific Italian deli meats.

Can I Make It Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. Assemble it, wrap it in foil, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I Freeze Garbage Bread?

Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What Sides Go Well With Garbage Bread?

Simple sides like salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies pair well. It also works as a main dish on its own.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a gluten-free loaf or dough and make sure all your fillings are gluten-free.

What If I Don’t Like Olives Or Peppers?

Skip them or swap for other veggies like mushrooms or spinach. The recipe is very flexible.

How Do I Keep The Bread From Getting Soggy?

Don’t overdo the sauce, and bake uncovered at the end to crisp up the crust.

Can I Serve This Cold?

It’s best warm, but it can be served at room temperature or cold if preferred—great for lunchboxes or picnics.

Conclusion

Garbage Bread is the ultimate blank canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re using up leftovers or building your dream flavor combo from scratch, it’s a foolproof recipe that satisfies every time. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always delicious—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

More Cheesy & Comforting Bites to Try

Print
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Close-up of cheesy garlic bread topped with melted cheese, roasted mushrooms, and chopped chives.

Garbage Bread Extravaganza


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 68 slices 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A hearty, customizable stuffed bread filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying a crowd.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf French or Italian bread
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the loaf lengthwise and hollow out some of the interior to make room for the filling.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, meats, vegetables, sauce, and seasonings. Mix well.
  4. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the mixture, then place the top half back on.
  5. Wrap the loaf in foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Great for using up leftover meats and vegetables.
  • You can substitute meats or add other toppings as desired.
  • Vegetarian option possible by omitting meat and adding more vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg