Description:This Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is a crowd-pleasing, savory bread stuffed with a delightful medley of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s a fun and flavorful dish perfect for parties, game nights, or a casual family dinner. Imagine biting into warm, golden-brown bread, revealing a molten core of cheesy goodness, punctuated by the savory notes of sausage and pepperoni, the slight sweetness of bell peppers, and the sharp tang of red onion. This recipe transforms simple pizza dough into an irresistible appetizer or main course that’s sure to disappear quickly! Think of it as a calzone’s more relaxed, communal cousin – a bread designed for sharing (if you can bear to!).
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 lb cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (sweet, mild, or hot, your preference!)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (a mix of colors adds visual appeal!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always best!)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (adjust to your taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional but highly recommended!)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced (adds a fragrant depth of flavor to the filling)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
- Optional: Egg wash (for a shinier, more golden crust – 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning (sprinkled on top before baking for extra flavor and texture)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the bread to bake evenly, ensuring a golden-brown crust and a fully melted cheese filling. While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the bread from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps to ensure the bottom of the bread doesn’t stick and gets nice and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, pepperoni slices, chopped bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The olive oil helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the filling, preventing it from becoming dry during baking. Don’t be afraid to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your liking! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Garbage Bread
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness to ensure that the bread bakes uniformly. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges. This border will help to seal the bread and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Tightly roll up the dough, starting from one of the long edges, to create a log shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the bread and prevent the filling from escaping. Gently transfer the rolled-up bread to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
Step 4: Bake the Garbage Bread
Place the baking sheet with the rolled bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the bread and check for doneness. The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a shinier crust, consider brushing the top of the bread with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking. You can also sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Use a serrated knife to slice the bread into portions. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Marinara sauce complements the savory flavors of the bread and adds a touch of acidity. This Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is still melted and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Don’t like sausage? Substitute it with ground beef, shredded chicken, or vegetarian crumbles. Prefer different vegetables? Add mushrooms, spinach, or olives. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients from your refrigerator. Furthermore, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to be a hit at parties and gatherings. The combination of cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors is irresistible.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer for a casual dinner party.
- Serve as a main course alongside a fresh salad.
- Bring it to a potluck or tailgate party.
- Enjoy it as a snack while watching your favorite sports game.
- Cut into smaller pieces and serve as party appetizers.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the dough, or it will be difficult to roll up.
- Make sure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- For a crispier crust, brush the bread with olive oil before baking.
- Experiment with different fillings to create your own unique variations.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store.
- The bread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (estimated, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is a fun, versatile, and utterly delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its customizable nature allows you to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences, while its ease of preparation makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the cheesy, savory goodness of this delightful bread!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results. You could also add a touch of creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, definitely! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and replace them with additional vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, black olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add vegetarian crumbles or tofu for a protein boost. Consider adding roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness or artichoke hearts for a savory bite.
Q3: Can I freeze the garbage bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked garbage bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Q4: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the garbage bread. Just make sure to use a recipe that yields a dough that is easy to roll out and work with. Using a higher quality flour like “00” flour will improve the overall taste and texture!
Q5: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own Italian seasoning blend by combining equal parts of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Adjust the amounts to your liking. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
