Name: Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup diced onion; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough; ⅓ cup ketchup; 3 tablespoons mustard; 2 dill pickle spears, chopped; 8 slices American cheese; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Thousand Island dressing (for serving)

Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is a savory, stuffed bread roll packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy condiments—all baked to golden perfection inside a crisp French bread dough. It's the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, perfect for sharing during game nights or family gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s deliciously messy in the best way possible. It takes simple ingredients I often have on hand and transforms them into something warm, hearty, and downright irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prep and even easier to customize based on what I’m craving.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
½ cup diced onion
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
11-ounce tube refrigerated French bread dough
⅓ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons mustard
2 dill pickle spears, chopped
8 slices American cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Thousand Island dressing, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
Roll out the French bread dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
Distribute the cooked beef mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped pickles.
Lay the American cheese slices on top of the filling.
Starting at one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges well.
Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with Thousand Island dressing on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Cheese Variety: Mozzarella, provolone, or a shredded cheddar blend all work great.
Extra Kick: Adding jalapeños or hot sauce gives the bread a spicy twist.
Pickle Alternatives: Swap in relish or banana peppers for a different tangy flavor.
Dough Options: Pizza dough or crescent roll dough can be used for a softer texture.

Storage and Reheating

I store any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—about 1–2 minutes per slice.

FAQs

What is Garbage Bread?

Garbage Bread is a fun and filling stuffed bread roll that combines meats, cheeses, and condiments inside dough, then baked into a gooey, golden loaf.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, I can assemble it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. I just let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

What sauce goes best with this?

Thousand Island dressing is my go-to, but I also like dipping it in ranch, marinara, or even a spicy mayo depending on the mood.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the meat and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and lots of cheese for a meatless version.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

I always drain the meat well and avoid using too much sauce. Letting it rest before slicing also helps keep the inside from getting too soft.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garbage Bread Delight is one of my favorite comfort foods—easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m making it for a casual dinner, a party, or just because, it always hits the spot. It's a guaranteed hit that brings together all the best flavors in one delicious loaf.