One chilly evening, while flipping through an old recipe box tucked away in my kitchen drawer, I stumbled upon a worn, handwritten card labeled “Garbage Bread.” The name alone piqued my curiosity. It wasn’t a fancy name, but something about it felt honest and homey. I decided to try it that very night, not expecting much beyond a simple, quick dinner.

What greeted me was a symphony of flavors wrapped in soft bread, with each bite revealing a perfect blend of savory beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and melted cheese. That night, I found a new favorite comfort food that felt both nostalgic and fresh.

This recipe reminded me of the beauty of humble ingredients coming together in unexpected harmony. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t ask for extravagance—just good basics treated with care. Over the years, I’ve made it countless times, tweaking little things here and there, but the heart of Garbage Bread remains the same.

It’s perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in with a bowl of soup on the side. This recipe is proof that great food can come from what seems like a mix of “leftovers” or odds and ends, turning into something irresistible.

Short Description

Garbage Bread is a savory, rolled French bread loaf filled with seasoned ground beef, bacon, pickles, cheese, and a tangy ketchup-mustard spread. Baked until golden and served with Thousand Island dressing, it’s a delicious, hearty dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for casual meals.

Key Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef
½ cup diced onion
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 dill pickle spears, chopped
8 slices American cheese

For the Dough & Spread:

1 (11 oz) tube refrigerated French bread dough
⅓ cup ketchup
3 tbsp mustard

For Garnish:

1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp sesame seeds

For Serving:

Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)

Tools Needed

Skillet or frying pan
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy. Set aside.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. On a clean surface, roll out the refrigerated French bread dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches.

Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Evenly spread the ketchup and mustard over the entire surface of the rolled dough, creating a tangy base layer.

Step 4: Layer the Filling
Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped pickles across the top. Finally, lay the American cheese slices to cover the filling.

Step 5: Roll and Seal
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a loaf. Pinch the edges to seal the seam and ends. Place the loaf seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Seeds
Brush the beaten egg over the top of the loaf, then sprinkle sesame seeds evenly across the surface. This will give a beautiful golden color and a slight crunch.

Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. The crust should be crisp to the touch.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool for 5 minutes to let the filling set. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your dough feels too sticky when rolling, sprinkle a small amount of flour on your surface and dough edges to prevent sticking, but use it sparingly to keep the bread soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Deliciously savory with a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and smoky flavors

– Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients

– Versatile as a party appetizer or a casual meal

– Hands-on fun to assemble and bake

– Can be served warm or at room temperature

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

One common mistake is overfilling the dough, which can cause it to burst open during baking. To avoid this, spread the filling evenly and leave a small margin on the edges before rolling. If the dough tears, pinch the seam tightly and patch with a bit of extra dough if needed.

Another pitfall is not draining the cooked beef properly, which can make the filling soggy. After cooking, drain all fat carefully. If the beef mixture still seems too wet, cook it a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.

For uneven baking, ensure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer helps. If the top browns too fast before the loaf cooks through, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Garbage Bread sliced thick for a hearty main dish or cut into smaller pieces as a party snack. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.

For a cozy night, enjoy it alongside a cup of tomato soup or chili. Drinks like iced tea, light beer, or sparkling water complement the savory flavors perfectly.

Present it family-style on a platter, letting guests dip into the Thousand Island dressing and savor each bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Garbage Bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze wrapped well in foil and plastic for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack work great. Just use about 8 slices or 1.5 cups shredded cheese.

2. What if I don’t have refrigerated French bread dough?
You can substitute with pizza dough or homemade bread dough, but cooking times may vary slightly.

3. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef and bacon for cooked mushrooms, sautéed vegetables, or a meat substitute like plant-based crumbles.

4. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the beef mixture for heat.

5. Is Thousand Island dressing necessary?
Not at all. Ranch or even plain ketchup make tasty dipping options.

Tips & Tricks

Use a sharp knife when slicing to keep the loaf intact. Resting the loaf before slicing helps the filling settle and reduces messy spills.

For extra flavor, sauté onions in a bit of garlic before adding beef. If you like a crunchier crust, brush the loaf with a mixture of egg and a little water.

Recipe Variations

BBQ Garbage Bread: Swap ketchup and mustard for BBQ sauce. Add sliced jalapeños and use smoked gouda cheese for a smoky kick.

Cheesy Veggie Garbage Bread: Omit meat and layer sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Add Italian seasoning to the sauce for extra flavor.

Spicy Garbage Bread: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese, and mix a little hot sauce into the ketchup spread.

For each variation, follow the same rolling and baking steps but adjust filling ingredients to taste. These tweaks personalize the dish while keeping the cozy, satisfying core.

Final Thoughts

Garbage Bread holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together without fuss. Its layers of savory beef, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles wrapped in soft, golden bread remind me that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. This dish is both comforting and fun to make, perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.

I love how it lets you experiment with flavors without complicating the process. Every time I bake it, the aroma fills the house and sparks smiles around the table. It’s a humble recipe but one that never disappoints — an old favorite that’s easy to share and hard to forget.

Easy Garbage Bread

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Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat. Set aside.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet. Roll out French bread dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Layer the Filling
Top sauce with beef mixture, crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, and American cheese slices.

Step 5: Roll and Seal
Roll dough tightly from one edge, pinch seams to seal, and place seam-side down on baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Seeds
Brush beaten egg on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 7: Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cool 5 minutes, slice, and serve with Thousand Island dressing.