
This cheesy Garbage Bread is a stuffed bread lover’s dream. Packed with gooey cheese, savory meats, and plenty of veggies, this is the kind of comfort food I turn to when an ordinary pizza night needs an upgrade or I want something irresistibly crowd-pleasing. It disappears in minutes at family gatherings or game-day parties.
Every bite reminds me of movie nights with my cousins when I set out Garbage Bread fresh from the oven and everyone dove in eager for the first cheesy slice
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: brings convenience and bakes up golden brown Be sure to choose one that feels soft and pliable in the package
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides stretch and classic cheesy flavor Fresher blocks melt best when shredded at home
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds a tangy richness Opt for sharp cheddar for extra bite
- Pepperoni slices: lend pops of spice and savory meatiness Choose a brand with crisp edges after baking
- Cooked sausage crumbles: offer more savory heft A mild or spicy Italian variety both shine
- Diced green bell pepper: gives color and crunchy freshness Look for shiny firm peppers
- Diced onion: adds sweet sharpness as it bakes Yellow or red onions both work well
- Sliced black olives: bring briny depth and contrast to the richer ingredients Rinse and drain well before using
- Marinara sauce: keeps the bread moist and gives pizza like flavor Look for a well seasoned brand with bright tomato taste
- Olive oil: helps the top brown beautifully Choose a high quality extra virgin for added flavor
- Italian seasoning: amplifies the classic flavors Choose a blend with oregano basil rosemary and thyme for complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll the refrigerated pizza dough out on a lightly floured surface aiming for a large thin rectangle to give you plenty of space for even layers of filling
- Spread the Sauce and Add Fillings:
- Using a spoon or spatula spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough but leave about an inch plain along all the edges to allow for tight rolling Later sprinkle on the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses followed by pepperoni sausage green bell pepper onion and black olives in that order for the best distribution of flavor and texture
- Roll and Seal:
- Starting with one long edge carefully roll the dough into a tight log tuck in the ends as you go If you roll loosely the fillings may spill out during baking Once rolled pinch the seam firmly then gently pinch the ends closed as well Lay the log seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet so the crust seals naturally during baking
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Brush the whole top with olive oil for a golden crisp finish Then sprinkle with Italian seasoning pressing lightly to help it adhere
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes The bread is ready when deeply golden brown all over and makes a slightly hollow sound when tapped Cool for five minutes so the filling can firm up which makes slicing much easier
- Serve and Savor:
- Cut the Garbage Bread into thick rounds and set them out with extra marinara sauce or your favorite creamy dip on the side This bread is best enjoyed warm when the cheese is at its most gooey

Black olives are my personal favorite in this recipe My grandmother always added olives to her pizza and that briny flavor mixed with melty cheese tastes like childhood to me Now I always keep an extra jar handy just for Garbage Bread
Storage Tips
Let the bread cool completely then wrap in foil or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator It will stay fresh for up to three days To reheat place slices in a toaster oven or oven at 300 degrees until warmed through
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the pepperoni or sausage for cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham if that is what you have Or use roasted mushrooms and spinach for a meatless version Feel free to try Monterey Jack cheese or provolone in place of the mozzarella and cheddar
Serving Suggestions
Serve Garbage Bread as a main dish alongside a big green salad for a simple meal It also works perfectly as a party appetizer since you can slice it into shareable rounds Ranch or garlic butter makes an amazing dipping sauce for extra richness

Cultural and Historical Context
This stuffed bread goes by many names across regions but the fun of calling it Garbage Bread comes from tossing in whatever meats cheese and veggies you have on hand It is got roots in American pizza shops where creative cooks started rolling up leftover toppings into dough making a new dish entirely Sometimes known as stromboli or pepperoni bread this version celebrates variety and improvisation
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the bread from splitting open during baking?
Ensure the dough is rolled tightly and pinch the seam and ends firmly to seal. Placing seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps keep everything intact as it bakes.
- → Can I use different cheeses or fillings?
Absolutely! Swap or add your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies. Roasted peppers, spicy sausage, bacon, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with this bread?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a creamy cheese sauce make great accompaniments for extra flavor.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it, covered, for several hours before baking. Bring to room temperature before putting it in the oven for best results.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to maintain a crisp crust and gooey center.