Garbage Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread (or Italian bread), sliced lengthwise
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Fillings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices, halved
- ½ cup cooked sausage crumbles
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced mushrooms
- Jalapeños (for heat)
- Chopped ham or salami
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Slice the French bread lengthwise, creating two long halves. Hollow out the center slightly to make room for the fillings, leaving about ½ inch of bread around the edges to prevent crumbling.
Pro Tip: Save the removed bread pieces for making breadcrumbs or croutons later!
Step 3: Brush with Butter
Generously brush the inside and outside of both bread halves with melted butter . This adds flavor and helps crisp up the exterior during baking.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bottom half of the bread. Press the cheese gently into the bread to help it adhere.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings
Top the cheese with your choice of fillings —pepperoni , sausage crumbles , bell peppers , onions , black olives , and any other toppings you love. Be sure not to overload the bread so it stays intact when slicing.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Place the top half of the bread back onto the filled bottom half, pressing gently to seal. Transfer the assembled bread to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes , or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Tip: If the bread browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes cutting easier.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Garbage Bread warm alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.
