Garbage Bread, also known as Stromboli or stuffed bread, is a versatile and indulgent dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers or catering to a variety of taste preferences. This recipe involves rolling pizza dough around your choice of fillings, which can range from traditional pizza toppings to more creative combinations, resulting in a deliciously stuffed loaf that’s baked until golden brown. Garbage Bread is great for casual gatherings, game day snacks, or as a hearty meal on its own. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love Garbage Bread
- Customizable: Fill with anything from pepperoni and cheese to vegetables and meats.
- Perfect for Leftovers: An excellent way to repurpose leftovers into a tasty new meal.
- Easy to Serve: Slices up easily for sharing, making it ideal for parties or family meals.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of crispy dough and gooey, flavorful fillings is irresistible.
Ingredients Notes
- Pizza Dough: You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Let it come to room temperature for easier handling.
- Fillings: Choose any combination of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. Some popular options include pepperoni, cooked sausage, mozzarella cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and marinara sauce.
- Seasonings: Enhance your fillings with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or any of your favorite herbs and spices.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Add Fillings: Spread your chosen fillings evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Layer meats, vegetables, cheeses, and a light drizzle of sauce or seasoning.
- Roll It Up: Carefully roll the dough up lengthwise, like a jelly roll, tucking in the fillings as you go. Seal the edges and ends well.
- Bake: Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make a few slits on top for steam to escape. Bake until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the garbage bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, with extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the dough soggy.
How to Make Delicious Garbage Bread
Ingredients
- Warm water: 1 cup
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, plus more for greasing
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 to 3 cups
Suggested Fillings:
- Meat: Cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni slices, cooked chicken, bacon bits
- Vegetables: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli
- Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, Parmesan
- Others: Marinara sauce, pesto, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Garbage Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
- Spread your choice of sauce (if using) onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Top with your chosen fillings, spreading them evenly across the dough.
- Starting with the long side, roll the dough up tightly, pinching the seams and ends to seal.
- Transfer the roll, seam side down, to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Brush the top of the bread with a little olive oil or beaten egg for a golden finish. You can also make a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the fillings are heated through.
- Serve:
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.