Garbage Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Garbage Bread is a cheesy, savory stuffed bread loaded with salami or pepperoni and optional seasonings, perfect for a casual snack or party appetizer.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. loaf pizza dough
  • 1/2 lb. salami or pepperoni
  • 1 lb. mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan (optional)
  • pepper (optional)
  • salt (optional)
  • parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Stretch the pizza dough into a flat shape and layer the ingredients inside.
  2. Seal the edges of the dough and prick the top to prevent bursting.
  3. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
  4. Bake at 400°F until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 5 minutes before adding the filling. You can substitute the salami or pepperoni with cooked sausage or even veggies for a vegetarian version. If you're looking for a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Don't forget to season your filling with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Garbage bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve it alongside garlic knots or a charcuterie board for a fun appetizer spread. This dish is perfect for game day or a casual gathering with friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover garbage bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the crispiness of the crust while warming the cheese and filling.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Garbage Bread contains roughly 302 calories, with 24g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1228mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

302 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.7g 47% DV
Total Fat 16.2g 21% DV
Carbs 16.9g 6% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1228.1mg 53% DV
Potassium 596.5mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 50.3mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 154.2mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 95.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 534.8mg 41% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze garbage bread?

Yes, you can freeze garbage bread before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What other fillings can I use?

You can customize your garbage bread with various fillings. Try adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch the cheeses to include ricotta or provolone. For a unique twist, consider using ingredients from other Italian recipes, such as cooked chicken or spinach.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a healthier version of garbage bread, use whole wheat pizza dough and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini and use leaner meats. This way, you still enjoy the flavors while making it a bit lighter.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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