- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes to soften.
- Roll out your dough into a rectangular or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- On the rolled-out dough, evenly spread the tomato sauce or pesto (if using).
- Layer your leftover vegetables, meats, and shredded cheese evenly over the dough. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Carefully roll up the dough, starting from one edge, similar to how you would roll up a cinnamon roll or a burrito.
- Seal the edges by pinching the dough together, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Optionally, brush the top with a little olive oil to give it a golden finish as it bakes.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve your garbage bread warm, straight out of the oven. It’s perfect with a side of marinara sauce or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variants:
- Vegan Garbage Bread: Use a dairy-free pizza dough and load it up with vegetables, vegan cheese, and plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
- Breakfast Garbage Bread: Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, spinach, and shredded cheese for a morning-friendly twist.
- Spicy Garbage Bread: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chorizo for a little heat in your bread.
FAQ:
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, store-bought pizza dough is an easy and time-saving option for making garbage bread. Just make sure to let it rest and soften before rolling it out.
2. What kind of fillings can I use? Garbage bread is all about using up what you have. You can use vegetables, meats, cheeses, and even leftover pasta or rice. The possibilities are endless!
3. How do I make this gluten-free? You can use gluten-free pizza dough or a gluten-free bread dough for this recipe. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
4. Can I prepare garbage bread in advance? Yes! You can assemble the garbage bread up to a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking and then cook it directly from frozen.
