What is garbage bread?

Garbage bread is a savory rolled bread stuffed with meats, cheeses, sauces, and veggies—basically, anything delicious you have on hand. It's similar to a stromboli but with fewer rules and more creativity. You roll it up like a jelly roll, bake it until golden and bubbly, then slice and serve. The name comes from the idea of using “whatever you’ve got”—not actual garbage, of course!

What kind of dough works best for garbage bread?

Pizza dough is the go-to choice for most garbage bread recipes because it’s easy to roll, seals well, and bakes into a chewy, golden crust. Crescent dough, puff pastry, or even bread dough also work if you want different textures. The key is using dough that holds up well to fillings without getting soggy or tearing.

Can I make garbage bread ahead of time or freeze it?

Absolutely! You can assemble garbage bread up to a day ahead and store it unbaked in the fridge. It also freezes well—either raw or baked. Just wrap tightly, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw and bake (or reheat), and it’s just as delicious as day one.

What fillings or variations are popular?

Classic fillings include ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara. Other favorites? Philly cheesesteak, buffalo chicken, breakfast sausage and eggs, or veggie combos like spinach and artichoke. The fun is in using leftovers and personalizing your garbage bread to fit your mood or pantry.

How do I store leftovers & reheat garbage bread?

Wrap leftovers in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (best method), air fryer (for crispiness), or microwave (quick but soft). You can also freeze slices for later, just thaw before reheating.

Why is it called “garbage” bread?

Despite the odd name, garbage bread is called that because it’s often made with a mix of ingredients you already have at home—leftovers, extra cheese, sauce jars, deli meat. The idea is to toss everything together into one delicious roll, bake it, and enjoy. It’s anything but garbage!

Garbage Bread Recipe: The Best Flavor‑Packed Loaf You’ll Love

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (cooked and seasoned)

- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- ½ cup cheddar cheese

- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning

- 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 10×15 inches).

1. Spread the sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

1. Layer on the cooked meat, followed by cheese and seasonings.

1. Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, starting from the long edge.

1. Seal the seam and ends by pinching the dough, then place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

1. Brush with egg wash to get that golden crust.

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

1. Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm!

Notes

Let fillings cool before rolling. Use parchment paper for easy rolling and sealing. Don’t overfill to avoid leaks or sogginess. Can be prepped ahead or frozen raw/baked for convenience.

Author: Anna Gomez
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: garbage bread, stuffed bread, stromboli, leftovers, savory roll