Cheesy Garbage Bread Today

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

Savor every bite of this cheesy, meat-stuffed bread with melty mozzarella and cheddar, pepperoni, savory sausage, and colorful veggies all rolled inside soft pizza dough. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with olive oil and herbs, each slice delivers a warm, gooey center and crisp crust. Customize the filling to suit your taste by adding bacon, spicy sausage, or extra veggies. Serve with marinara or ranch for extra flavor, and enjoy this shareable, indulgent loaf hot from the oven as a comforting main or hearty snack.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:55:19 GMT
A plate of food with a cheese and bacon wrapped bread. Pin
A plate of food with a cheese and bacon wrapped bread. | mellierecipes.com

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
A pizza with cheese and ham on it. Pin
A pizza with cheese and ham on it. | mellierecipes.com

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

A stack of cheese and ham sandwiches. Pin
A stack of cheese and ham sandwiches. | mellierecipes.com

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.

Cheesy Garbage Bread Today

Melted cheese and hearty fillings wrapped in golden dough make this stuffed bread a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 8 Portions (1 large stuffed bread (about 8 portions))

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Dough

01 1 can (about 400 g) refrigerated pizza dough

→ Cheeses

02 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
03 60 g shredded cheddar cheese

→ Meats

04 60 g pepperoni slices
05 60 g cooked sausage crumbles

→ Vegetables

06 35 g diced green bell pepper
07 35 g diced onion
08 35 g sliced black olives

→ Sauce and Seasonings

09 60 ml marinara sauce
10 15 ml olive oil
11 5 g Italian seasoning

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

On a lightly floured surface, roll out refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle.

Step 03

Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2.5 cm border. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, sausage, bell pepper, onion, and black olives over the sauce.

Step 04

Starting from a long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.

Step 06

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 07

Slice into rounds and serve with additional marinara sauce or favorite dipping sauce.

Extra Tips

  1. Customize with other meats like spicy Italian sausage or add roasted red peppers and bacon.
  2. For a richer crust, brush with melted butter before baking.
  3. A layer of grated Parmesan in the filling boosts flavor.
  4. Serve with ranch dressing for an extra dipping option.

Tools Required

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and may contain eggs depending on dough brand.
  • Contains processed meats which may have allergens such as soy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 300
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Content: 12 grams