Garbage Bread

Stuffed pizza roll-ups turn basic items into a swirled delight bursting with taste - they're awesome for big groups or when you're craving something hearty. This adaptable bread wraps seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce in fluffy pizza dough, making a portable meal that's fun to create and totally addictive.

I first tried these spiral rolls at my friend's house during a football championship and couldn't stop eating them. After watching everyone scramble for the final piece, I begged for the instructions. Now I bring it everywhere I need a guaranteed hit—there's never anything left to take home!

Tasty Everyday Ingredients

• Store-bought pizza dough saves tons of time while giving you that perfect flaky wrap
• Ground beef makes for a filling that's rich and keeps hunger away
• Onions and bell peppers bring a nice crunch and natural sweetness
• Mozzarella cheese creates those wonderful stretchy pulls everyone loves
• Barbecue sauce mixed with ketchup gives you that perfect sweet-sour flavor
• Basic spices like Italian mix and paprika round everything out nicely

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Quick Assembly Steps

Making The Meaty Base

Start by cooking ground beef in a big pan, breaking it up as you go. Don't rush this part - getting that nice brown color means more flavor. Once it's fully cooked, pour off the extra fat so your bread won't end up soggy.

Adding Fresh Veggies

Toss in your diced onions, peppers, and garlic with the meat and cook until they're soft and smell amazing. These veggies don't just make it healthier - they add layers of flavor and make the texture way more interesting. They also keep everything nice and juicy.

Spicing Things Up

Throw in salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika, letting them warm up in the hot mixture. Then mix in your ketchup and barbecue sauce combo, which sticks everything together with a sweet-tangy kick. Let it bubble a bit to mix the flavors, then set it aside to cool down some.

Getting The Dough Ready

Spread out your pizza dough on a floured counter into a big rectangle about 12×15 inches, keeping the thickness even. Don't stress about perfect edges - this is comfort food at its best. Your flat dough is now ready for all that tasty filling.

Putting It Together

Spread your cooled mixture across the dough but leave an inch empty around the edges. This empty space is super important - it helps you seal everything inside without leaks. Cover the filling with lots of shredded mozzarella that'll melt into pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.

Rolling It Up

From one of the long sides, roll the dough up like you would for cinnamon buns. Take your time and keep even pressure so it's nice and uniform. Once rolled, pinch the edges and seam firmly to lock everything in, then put it seam-side down on your baking tray.

Final Prep Before Baking

Brush everything with melted butter mixed with garlic powder before it goes in the oven. This quick step makes all the difference, giving you a golden, tasty crust that nobody can turn down. Bake until it's deep gold with a crispy outside and melty cheese inside.

The first time I made this at home, my normally silent teenager actually said, "Can we have this again tomorrow?" From him, that's practically a marriage proposal to a recipe. The whole thing was gone before I could even grab a seat at the table!

Perfect Pairings

Cut your spiral bread into thick slices while it's still warm enough for stretchy cheese pulls. Many folks love dunking pieces in marinara sauce, though it's great on its own too. If you want a complete dinner, add a light green salad with tangy dressing to cut through the richness.

Mix-It-Up Ideas

Switch things up by using Italian sausage or pulled chicken instead of beef. For a meatless option, try a mix of cooked mushrooms, wilted spinach, and colorful peppers. Buffalo chicken versions with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and blue cheese are fantastic for sports viewing parties. Morning varieties filled with eggs, bacon, and cheddar work great for family brunches.

Prep-Ahead Tricks

You can put everything together up to 24 hours early and keep it in the fridge uncooked. When you're ready to eat, let it warm up on the counter for 15 minutes while your oven heats, then bake as usual. Already cooked bread warms up nicely in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, though nothing beats that first time it comes out fresh.

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Smart Cooking Tips

• If your dough keeps bouncing back when you try to roll it out, let it rest a few minutes before trying again
• Throw in some pepperoni slices or cooked bacon bits before the cheese for extra flavor
• Use a bread knife for cutting to keep those pretty spiral patterns intact

I'll always remember taking this to a block party where someone had spent forever making a fancy cheese and meat board. By the end of the night, their beautiful display was barely touched while people kept asking if I had a second roll hidden somewhere. There's just something about this humble, flavor-packed creation that makes everyone smile—and isn't that what we all want from food anyway?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the story behind the name garbage bread?

It’s called garbage bread because you can toss in whatever you have lying around in your fridge or pantry. The name might sound odd, but the flavor is amazing!

→ Can I put this together in advance?

Sure! Prep the roll and stick it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When baking it cold, just add 5-10 extra minutes. You can also freeze it raw for up to three months.

→ What works as a swap for pizza dough?

Try crescent roll dough or bread dough instead. For a lower-carb option, experiment with fathead dough (made with almond flour and cheese), though it’s a tad softer.

→ How do I know it’s done cooking?

The crust should turn a nice golden color and tapping the bottom should give a hollow sound. If you’re unsure, check inside with a thermometer—160°F (71°C) means it’s ready!

→ Can I make this without meat?

Of course! Use plant-based meat or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a rich veggie filling.

→ What’s good to serve alongside it?

Dip slices in marinara or ranch dressing. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For parties, add chicken wings or veggie platters to the table too.