Garbage Bread

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ cup diced onion
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 (11 oz) tube refrigerated French bread dough
⅓ cup ketchup
3 tbsp mustard
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 dill pickle spears, chopped
8 slices American cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Thousand Island dressing for dipping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.
Roll out the French bread dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the surface.
Layer the cooked beef mixture, crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, and American cheese slices evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly, starting from one edge. Seal the edges by pinching and place the loaf seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly across the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the loaf to cool for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Notes

Swap ground beef for sausage, turkey, or vegetarian crumbles as an alternative.
This recipe adapts well to pizza or breakfast-style fillings.
Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Tools You’ll Need

Skillet
Baking sheet
Rolling pin
Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

This cheesy, meaty bread is the ultimate comfort food! A golden loaf stuffed with seasoned beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and gooey cheese is wrapped in buttery French bread dough and baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish you can serve as an appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun weeknight meal. Add a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping, and you’ve got guaranteed flavor-packed bites. Tip: Customize fillings with sausage, turkey, or veggies for a twist, or even turn it into a breakfast classic with eggs and ham. This dish freezes well too, ready for reheating when you’re craving something golden and delicious!

You Must Know

Slices best when allowed to rest for 5 minutes after baking
Each slice contains a complete flavor experience with every ingredient
Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking
My favorite part of this recipe is watching people’s reactions when they take their first bite. The name sets such low expectations that the explosion of flavors always brings smiles and recipe requests. My son once called it “the best accident in culinary history” after learning how the concept originated from using up leftovers.

Make Ahead Magic

This garbage bread can be completely assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply wrap the unbaked roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before applying the egg wash and sesame seeds. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Storage Solutions

Leftover garbage bread stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly. For best results, reheat slices in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 300°F for 3 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but may make the bread slightly soggy.

Endless Variations

The beauty of garbage bread lies in its adaptability. Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cheese and breakfast sausage. Create an Italian version with pepperoni, mozzarella and marinara. Even a vegetarian option with sautéed mushrooms, spinach and feta works beautifully. The technique remains the same while the fillings can reflect your preferences or what needs using in your refrigerator.

From Humble Origins

Despite its unfortunate name, garbage bread has a fascinating history rooted in frugal cooking. Similar to stromboli but less strict about fillings, it emerged as a creative solution for using leftover ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. The concept celebrates resourcefulness and has evolved from necessity into a beloved comfort food that many families now prepare intentionally rather than as a leftover solution.

Pro Tips

Allow refrigerated dough to warm slightly for about 10 minutes before rolling for easier handling
Cool slightly before slicing to prevent fillings from spilling out
Serve with small bowls of extra dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment
Garbage Bread

→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.

→ What dipping sauce pairs well with this bread?
Thousand Island dressing is a fantastic choice, but ranch, marinara, or a spicy mustard also work beautifully.

→ Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it ahead and store in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer for a quick meal or snack.

→ How can I customize the fillings?
You can experiment with different fillings like pizza ingredients (pepperoni and mozzarella) or breakfast options (scrambled eggs and ham).

→ What type of cheese works best?
American cheese melts perfectly, but you can try cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for more flavor.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread dough to make a similar version suitable for gluten-free diets.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes