Ah, Garbage Bread — that gloriously cheesy, meaty, veggie-packed, “throw-everything-in-a-loaf” Italian-American masterpiece 😄 Here’s a classic homemade version that hits every comfort note.
🍞 Garbage Bread
Ingredients (1 large loaf)
Bread
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread (or homemade if you prefer)
Fillings
- 6–8 oz sliced pepperoni
- 6–8 oz cooked sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
- 6–8 oz cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 2–3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf horizontally without slicing all the way through, so it opens like a book. Hollow out some of the soft inner bread if desired.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine all meats, veggies, cheeses, and seasonings. Add a bit of sauce if you like.
- Stuff the loaf: Spoon filling evenly into the hollowed bread. Press gently.
- Close and wrap: Close the loaf, place on a baking sheet. Optionally wrap in foil for softer bread.
- Top it: Brush the top with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: 25–30 min uncovered (or 35–40 min wrapped in foil), until cheese is melted, bread is slightly crispy, and everything is hot.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Mega cheesy: Layer extra mozzarella inside and sprinkle on top.
- Spicy: Add banana peppers, crushed red pepper, or hot sausage.
- Vegetarian: Skip meats, double the veggies, and add more cheese.
- Dipping sauce: Serve with marinara or ranch for dunking.
If you want, I can also give you a shortcut sheet-pan “mini garbage bread” version that’s ready in 20–25 minutes and just as loaded.
Do you want me to do that?
