Description

Garbage Bread is a quick and satisfying homemade snack featuring a delicious medley of savory meats, vegetables, and cheese stuffed into sturdy bread and baked until golden and melty. Perfect for busy days, this flexible recipe lets you customize with leftovers or pantry staples for a comforting and flavorful treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

6 sturdy white or whole wheat bread slices (Italian, sourdough, or thick sandwich bread recommended)

Cheese Blend

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Meats or Leftovers

1/2 cup diced ham, pepperoni, bacon, or cooked chicken (optional; adjust per preference)

Vegetables

1/4 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup diced onions
1–2 teaspoons chopped jalapeños (optional for spice)

Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano mix)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauces

1/3 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce

Finishing Touch

2 tablespoons butter or oil (for buttering bread)

Instructions

Prepare Your Filling: Chop the meats and vegetables finely, then grate the cheeses. In a bowl, mix the chopped meats, vegetables, shredded mozzarella and cheddar, seasonings (garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper), and tomato or pizza sauce until well combined to form a flavorful filling.
Prep the Bread: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each bread slice without slicing all the way through. Lightly butter the outside of each slice to help achieve a golden, crispy finish when baked.
Stuff the Bread: Generously fill each bread pocket with the prepared filling, packing it evenly but avoiding overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.
Bake Until Golden: Place stuffed bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool for about a minute to allow the filling to set. Serve warm as a comforting, gooey snack or appetizer.

Notes

Use sturdy bread (Italian, sourdough, or thick sandwich bread) to hold fillings well and avoid sogginess.
Do not overfill the bread pockets to prevent spilling during baking.
Lightly sauté firmer vegetables before stuffing for softer texture, if desired.
Keep an eye on baking time to avoid burnt edges since ovens vary.
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top after baking for a fresh flavor boost.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed bread slice
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Garbage Bread, quick snack, baked bread, savory appetizer, cheesy bread, leftover recipe, flexible recipe