Cheeseburger Garbage Bread

Cheeseburger garbage bread delivers all the delicious, satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a fun, shareable format. Imagine seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheeses (think Velveeta and cheddar!), and even pickles if you like, all wrapped up in a warm, golden pizza crust. It’s the perfect dish for parties, game days, or whenever you crave pure comfort food.

Brief History of Garbage Bread

The term “garbage bread” has been around for a while, and it likely comes from the idea of throwing together whatever ingredients you have on hand. Think of it as a culinary freestyle – a dish that encourages using leftovers or pantry staples to create something tasty while minimizing food waste.

Why It’s Called “Garbage Bread”

Let’s be honest, the name “garbage bread” isn’t exactly the most appetizing. But don’t let that fool you! The name is more of a playful nod to the recipe’s adaptability. The idea is that you can toss in a variety of ingredients, like you might find in your fridge, and it will still turn out delicious. It’s a testament to the dish’s versatility and how there are no hard and fast rules.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: The savory heart of this recipe. For a lighter version, substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 6 slices bacon: Adds a delicious smoky, salty flavor. You can omit it for a vegetarian option or use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Provides a hint of sweetness and complements the savory flavors.
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning: Gives the meat mixture a flavor boost. Use your favorite burger seasoning blend or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• 1 (13.8 ounce) can pizza dough: The foundation of your garbage bread. Store-bought dough saves time, but you can use homemade if you prefer.
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed: Provides that classic, super-melty cheeseburger cheese experience. For a sharper flavor, substitute with some shredded cheddar.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and delicious meltability. Experiment with different types of cheddar or mix it with Monterey Jack.
• Optional additions:
  • Dill pickles (chopped): For a tangy crunch.
  • Green onions (sliced): For a touch of freshness
  • Ketchup and mustard: These classic toppings spread on before baking add another layer of cheeseburger flavor.

Importance of Each Ingredient

• Ground beef and bacon: These create the classic cheeseburger protein base, providing savory, satisfying flavor.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Seasoning: Enhances the meaty profile, making the flavors pop.
• Pizza dough: Forms the bread-like crust, making it easy to hold and share.
• Velveeta and cheddar cheese: These offer the ultimate gooey, cheesy experience essential for that authentic cheeseburger feel.
• Optional ingredients: Allow you to customize the garbage bread based on your taste preferences.

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until it reaches your desired crispness. Once done, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then roughly chop it.

2. Brown the beef and onions: Don’t wipe out the skillet. The bacon grease adds flavor! Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Flavor the filling: Stir in the steak seasoning (or your preferred seasoning blend) to the cooked beef mixture.

4. Prep the dough: While the beef cools slightly, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12×18 inches in size.

5. Assemble the filling: Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Top with the cubed Velveeta cheese, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle on any optional ingredients like chopped pickles or green onions.

6. The big roll-up: Starting from the long side, carefully roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal the filling inside securely.

7. Transfer to baking sheet: Gently place the roll, seam-side down, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Optional: Brush and top: For a touch of golden deliciousness, brush the top of the roll with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips for Perfect Dough and Filling

• Dough handling: If your pizza dough is cold, allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit to become easier to roll. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
• Don’t overfill: Overfilling will make the bread difficult to roll and can lead to bursting during baking. Leave a border around the edge to seal properly.
• Cool the filling slightly: Allow the beef mixture to cool a bit before spreading it on the dough, as hot filling can make the dough soggy.
• Customize to your taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings like jalapeños, sliced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of burger sauce.
• Check for doneness: The garbage bread is ready when golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can insert a toothpick or thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C)

Baking and Serving

Oven Preparation and Baking Tips

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps create a crispy crust and evenly melt the cheese.
2. Baking time: Place your garbage bread on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the outside is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is gooey and bubbly.
3. Rest before slicing: Allow the bread to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This lets the cheese set slightly and makes for easier, cleaner cuts.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and share: Slice the cheeseburger garbage bread into thick slices and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness. Each piece is a mini-cheeseburger sensation!
• Classic toppings Serve with traditional burger toppings like ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and tomato to complete the cheeseburger experience.
• Dipping delight: Provide side dishes of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces for some extra flavor variations.

Optional Secret Sauce

Kick your garbage bread up a notch with a simple but delicious secret sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and serve alongside your warm cheeseburger garbage bread.

Tips

• Adjust the heat: For a slightly spicier secret sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it ahead: The secret sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
• Get creative: Experiment by adding other favorite ingredients like a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of finely chopped dill pickles.

Nutritional Information

Cheeseburger garbage bread is a delicious and satisfying treat, but it’s important to be aware of its nutritional profile. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 400-500
• Fat: 25-35 grams (including a high amount of saturated fat)
• Sodium: 800-1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 20-25 grams

Discussing the Health Aspects

Cheeseburger garbage bread is high in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s best considered an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. If you have dietary concerns, consider:

• Smaller portions: Enjoy a smaller slice to control intake.
• Lighter ingredients: Use leaner ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, or turkey bacon.
• Whole-wheat dough: Opt for whole-wheat pizza dough for some added fiber.
• Side of veggies: Balance with a side salad or fresh vegetables.

FAQs

Can I customize the ingredients for dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! Cheeseburger garbage bread is highly adaptable. Try ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and gluten-free pizza dough if needed.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Wrap leftover slices individually or store the whole loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts.

What are some variations of garbage bread I can try?

The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Taco twist: Use taco seasoning, ground beef, beans, salsa, and Mexican cheese.

• • Philly Cheesesteak: Swap in thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers, and provolone.
  • Breakfast style: Fill it with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and hashbrowns.
  • Dessert delight: Try cinnamon roll filling with cream cheese for a sweet treat.

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