Hearty Garbage Bread Rolls

This golden-crusted garbage bread delivers a comfort food experience that combines savory beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all wrapped in a light, flaky dough. Despite its humble name, this recipe creates an impressive meal that's perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

I discovered this recipe during a potluck emergency when I needed something substantial that could be made quickly. The empty platter and requests for the recipe convinced me to keep this in my regular rotation. Now my teenagers request it weekly for movie nights.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Brings smoky flavor and crispy texture that elevates the filling
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness that balances the savory meat
• Ground beef: Forms the hearty base of the filling
• Steak seasoning: Provides complex flavor without measuring multiple spices
• Green onions: Contribute fresh flavor and color contrast
• Gouda cheese: Melts beautifully with a buttery richness
• French bread dough: Creates the perfect vessel with minimal effort
• Butter: Helps achieve that irresistible golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

Cook bacon in a nonstick pan until perfectly crispy. The fat rendered from the bacon will flavor the entire dish so use good quality bacon. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the filling.

Build the Filling:

Cook the ground beef and diced onion in the bacon drippings using the same pan. This layering of flavors is crucial for depth. Season generously with steak seasoning which contains salt, pepper, garlic and herbs. Cook until the beef is just slightly pink as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Complete the Filling:

Fold the crispy bacon pieces and green onions into the beef mixture. The residual heat will slightly wilt the green onions releasing their flavor. This combination creates the perfect balance of savory elements with a hint of freshness.

Assemble the Roll:

Roll out the bread dough into a large rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches. Spread the meat mixture evenly leaving a one-inch border around the edges. The border ensures proper sealing. Distribute the grated gouda across the entire surface for maximum cheese coverage.

Create the Roulade:

Carefully roll the dough from the long side creating a spiral effect. Tuck the ends underneath to prevent filling from escaping during baking. Place the roll seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Finishing Touches:

Brush the entire surface with melted butter to encourage browning. This step ensures a beautiful golden exterior and adds richness to the crust. Bake until the bread is fully cooked and the cheese has melted completely inside.

Gouda is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. The first time I served this at a family gathering, my cheese-loving uncle declared it the best thing I'd ever made. Now I keep blocks of gouda in my refrigerator specifically for impromptu garbage bread making. The way it creates those pockets of melty goodness throughout the roll keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Make-Ahead Options

This garbage bread shines as a make-ahead meal solution. You can prepare the entire roll up to 24 hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Allow the roll to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, prepare the meat mixture up to two days in advance and store separately, then assemble just before baking for a fresh-from-the-oven experience without the prep time.

Creative Variations

Consider this recipe a blueprint for endless variations. Italian sausage can replace ground beef for a spicier version. Vegetarian options work beautifully by substituting mushrooms and bell peppers for the meat. The cheese can be swapped based on your preferences. Cheddar offers a sharper flavor while mozzarella creates dramatic cheese pulls. Adding spinach or roasted red peppers introduces color and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve garbage bread sliced into thick spirals to showcase the beautiful layers inside. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment by cutting through the richness. For appetizer portions, slice thinner and provide marinara sauce for dipping. When serving as a main course, consider offering roasted vegetables or creamy soup alongside to complete the meal.

The Curious Name Origin

The peculiar name comes from this recipe's humble beginnings as a clever way to use up leftover ingredients. Early versions literally incorporated whatever proteins and cheese were nearing their expiration date. Despite the unglamorous name, the technique creates a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its origins. Modern garbage bread has evolved into an intentional creation rather than a leftover solution, though it maintains its adaptable spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pizza dough instead of French bread dough?

Yes, pizza dough is a great substitute if French bread dough is unavailable. It works just as well and bakes perfectly.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Gouda is recommended for its creamy melt and rich flavor. Other options include mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses you prefer.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead and assemble the bread just before baking. Store the filling in the fridge for up to a day.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin when rolling out the dough to avoid sticking.

→ Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the filling?

Yes, you can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, along with your choice of cheese.