If you’ve never had Garbage Bread, get ready to meet your new guilty pleasure. Despite its funny name, this dish is anything but “garbage.” In fact, it’s one of the most satisfying, crowd-pleasing recipes you can bake at home. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite bacon cheeseburger—savory beef, melted cheese, smoky bacon, crunchy pickles—wrapped inside warm, buttery dough and baked until golden and irresistible. One slice, and you instantly understand why this recipe has become a favorite for game nights, parties, and cozy weekends. What makes Garbage Bread so special is the way all the layers come together. You roll out the dough, spread the sauces, add the beef and bacon, scatter the cheese… and then roll it all up like a giant cheesy log. The moment you slice into it after baking, you see those beautiful swirls of meat, cheese, and sauce—it’s the kind of food that makes everyone stop and say, “Whoa… what is THAT?” It’s comfort food with personality. Zero fuss, maximum flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table. And the best part? You can customize it endlessly: pizza filling, breakfast filling, chicken bacon ranch, vegetarian—whatever you’re craving.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
For the Bread Roll
- 1 (11 oz) tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp mustard
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until browned.
Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Spread the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Coat the entire surface with ketchup and mustard.
4. Add the Good Stuff
Layer the cooked beef mixture, crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, and American cheese slices evenly across the dough.
5. Roll It Up
Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll.
Pinch the seam closed and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Finish & Bake
Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Serve
Let it cool slightly, slice into thick spirals, and serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes & Variations
✨ Swap the beef for sausage, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
✨ Try different fillings: pizza toppings, Philly cheesesteak, jalapeño popper, or breakfast scramble.
✨ Leftovers freeze beautifully—just reheat in the oven or air fryer for ultimate crispiness.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Because it’s everything we love about comfort food: warm, cheesy, flavorful, with just the right amount of messiness to make it fun. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, with everyone grabbing another slice before it’s gone.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just want something delicious for a movie night, Garbage Bread is one of those unforgettable dishes that always steals the show.