Garbage Bread

Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20–25 minutes


Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
    • 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
    • 1 cup pepperoni slices or other deli meats (optional)
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 1 small bell pepper, diced
    • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:
    • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
    • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.
    • Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • While the dough is rising, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned and crumbled, remove from heat and set aside.
    • Dice the onion, bell pepper, and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
  3. Assemble the Garbage Bread:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches).
    • Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly across the dough.
    • Layer the cooked sausage, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the cheese.
    • Roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
    • Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the Garbage Bread:
    • Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.
    • Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Serve:
    • Slice the garbage bread into thick pieces and serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Garbage bread is a fun, customizable dish that’s packed with cheese, meats, and veggies. You can add whatever fillings you like (hence the name “garbage”)!

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