If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and downright fun meal, the Garbage Bread Extravaganza is exactly what you need. This dish is a delightful explosion of savory ingredients piled high on crispy French bread, creating a perfect balance between gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned ground beef. It’s not just delicious—it’s also a quick and simple way to feed a crowd or enjoy a satisfying family dinner. Fun fact: this style of bread “pizza” or open-faced sandwich started as a way to clean out the fridge, turning odds and ends into a mouthwatering masterpiece. For those who love our classic Sloppy Joe Casserole, this recipe delivers a similar comfort with a crispy, crunchy twist. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this indulgent yet simple dish!
What is Garbage Bread Extravaganza?
You might be wondering, “Why is it called Garbage Bread Extravaganza?” Well, don’t be fooled by the name—it’s not garbage at all! The name comes from the fun tradition of using whatever meat, cheese, and toppings you have on hand, making this recipe a little “kitchen sink” creation. Think of it as a delicious patchwork of flavors that come together like magic. Rumor has it this recipe was born out of leftover creativity—because as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this bread certainly wins hearts! So don’t hesitate—grab your favorite ingredients and give this extravaganza a try!
Why You’ll Love This
What makes Garbage Bread Extravaganza so irresistible? First, it’s the loaded, gooey layers of meat, cheese, and crispy bacon all piled on a sturdy French bread base. Every bite offers a blend of textures—the tender ground beef, crunchy pickles, and melty cheese make it downright addictive. Second, making this at home is a budget-friendly way to satisfy your cravings without splurging on takeout. Using simple pantry staples and leftovers means less waste and more flavor. Third, the toppings—especially the salty bacon and tangy pickles—give the bread a delicious punch. If you enjoyed our Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip recipe, you’ll love how this bread takes those flavors to the next level. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Garbage Bread Extravaganza is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual game day snack. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. You get a crispy bread base topped with seasoned ground beef, bacon, and melted cheese, all topped off with crunchy pickles for a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 slices bacon
- Pickles (sliced, amount as preferred)
- Cheese (cheddar or your favorite melting cheese, about 1 ½ cups shredded)
- 1 loaf French bread
- Butter (for spreading, about 2 tablespoons)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove it and drain on paper towels, then crumble into pieces.
- In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the onions and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise and spread butter evenly on both halves. Place on a baking sheet, butter side up.
- Layer the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly on the bread. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Top generously with shredded cheese and arrange pickle slices on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread edges are crispy.
- Remove from oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
What to Serve Garbage Bread Extravaganza With
Pair this flavorful bread with light, fresh sides to balance the rich toppings. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables works beautifully. You can also serve it alongside crispy fries or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy combo. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager can cut through the richness, creating a well-rounded meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use day-old French bread if you can—it holds up better against the juicy toppings and stays crispy after baking.
- Don’t skip draining the cooked ground beef to avoid soggy bread.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce to the beef mixture.
- If pickles aren’t your thing, sliced jalapeños or olives are tasty substitutes with a bit of zip.
- Keep watch during baking to prevent the cheese from burning; you want it bubbling and golden, not blackened.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place bread slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy. You can also freeze unbaked meat and onion mixture separately for up to one month—just thaw before assembling. For freezing the fully assembled bread, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks; reheat in the oven directly before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Garbage Bread Extravaganza vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils, beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. Load up on veggies and cheese for flavor.
Q: What type of cheese works best?
A: Cheddar melts beautifully, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend all work well depending on your preference.
Q: Can I use different bread?
A: French bread is ideal for its crusty texture, but Italian bread or a sturdy baguette can be good alternatives.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: This recipe is mild by default, but adding jalapeños or a spicy sauce can give it a nice kick.
Q: Is it okay to prepare ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and assemble just before baking for convenience.
Conclusion
Garbage Bread Extravaganza is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves bold, satisfying flavors without a complicated cooking process. It’s a clever, cost-effective way to turn simple ingredients into a party-worthy dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy. With its crispy bread base, savory meat, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting dinner, this recipe delivers in both flavor and ease. So next time you want to wow your family with minimal fuss, give Garbage Bread Extravaganza a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Garbage Bread Extravaganza
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Meat and Toppings
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Diced Onion
- 2 slices Bacon
- Pickles (sliced) amount as preferred
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheese cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 2 tablespoons Butter for spreading
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove it and drain on paper towels, then crumble into pieces.
- In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the onions and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise and spread butter evenly on both halves. Place on a baking sheet, butter side up.
- Layer the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly on the bread. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Top generously with shredded cheese and arrange pickle slices on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread edges are crispy.
- Remove from oven, slice into pieces, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.