If you’re craving big, bold flavor wrapped in gooey cheese and crisp, golden bread, Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread is your dream come true. It’s loaded with seasoned beef, crunchy bacon, melty Velveeta, and a tangy sauce, all bundled up in soft pizza dough. Trust me: one bite, and you’ll see why this masterpiece is the hottest thing to hit our dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is packed with smoky bacon, savory beef, and a melty duo of cheddar-jack and Velveeta, all seasoned perfectly.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: Game day, gatherings, or family dinners—Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread always disappears fast!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead, bake, and reheat—so it’s totally doable for busy weeknights or party plans.
- Secret Sauce Bonus: That simple mayo-ketchup dip takes it way over the top (don’t skip it!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread is that each ingredient serves a delicious purpose—think meaty, cheesy, and a hint of smoky bacon all enveloped in tender pizza dough. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Chopped Bacon: Gives a crave-worthy smoky crunch and unbeatable aroma. Go thick-cut for extra texture!
- Chopped Onion: The secret to adding savoriness and sweetness that ties the whole filling together.
- Lean Ground Beef: Hearty, meaty, and the ultimate protein base for your filling.
- Steak Seasoning (like McCormick): Packed with bold spices—skip the guesswork and use your favorite blend.
- Velveeta, Cubed: The magic ingredient that melts into creamy, dreamy pockets throughout your bread.
- Thin Crust Pizza Dough (like Pillsbury): Store-bought dough keeps things easy while baking up perfectly golden and soft.
- Grated Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and brings sharp, gooey flavor—don’t skimp!
- Mayonnaise & Ketchup: For the tangy, creamy dipping sauce that makes every bite sing.
- Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch to finish your sauce.
Variations
The beauty of Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread is how easy it is to customize. Don’t be afraid to use what’s in your fridge or mix it up for dietary needs or to match your personal cravings. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, sausage, or even cooked shredded chicken for a new twist on the filling.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Get Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper, spicy steak seasoning, or swap in pepper-jack cheese for some heat.
- Go Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and beef, and load up on cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles plus extra veggies and cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread
Step 1: Prep the Bacon and Beef Filling
Start by crisping up the chopped bacon in a big skillet over medium-low heat. Give it time to get beautifully golden and crunchy, then scoop the bacon out to drain (try not to “sample” too much!). Leave a little bit of that savory grease behind—it’s flavor gold. Toss in your onions and ground beef, turn up the heat, and cook until the onions are soft and the beef is richly browned. Drain off any excess fat so your bread isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness
Return the skillet to low heat. Add the crispy bacon back in, sprinkle over the steak seasoning, then pile in those cubes of Velveeta. Stir, stir, stir—soon you’ll have a luscious, melty, cheesy beef mixture that’s absolutely irresistible. When everything is gooey and combined, remove from the heat so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Assemble and Roll the Bread
Roll out your pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for a nice big rectangle (about 15×10 inches). Evenly spread the meat and cheese filling over the dough, but leave about an inch at the edges—this gives you space when rolling so your filling won’t spill out. Scatter the grated cheddar-jack cheese right over the top. Now, tightly roll up the dough from the long side, pinching the seam and ends to seal everything in. Place the seam-side down so it bakes up nice and tidy.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Bake your Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, or until it’s deeply golden and the crust feels firm to the touch. When it’s done, let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This short wait helps the cheese set a little, so the slices don’t fall apart—and trust me, the anticipation makes that first bite even better!
Step 5: Make the Sauce & Serve
Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with all that melty cheese and bacon. Dunk, devour, and repeat—this sauce is the finishing touch Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread didn’t know it needed.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread
- Dough Rolling Hack: Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface for easy, tear-free stretching of the pizza dough—this helps you get that big, even rectangle without frustration!
- Prevent Filling Leaks: Always leave a border when spreading the filling and tightly pinch the seam and ends to keep all that cheesy, meaty goodness where it belongs.
- Golden-Brown Finish: For extra shine and crunch, brush the loaf lightly with olive oil (or an egg wash) just before baking.
- Customize Your Cheese: Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a signature melty twist on classic Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread.
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh bite—perfect for balancing all that rich cheese and bacon. For extra flair, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot honey for sweet-heat magic.
Side Dishes
This bread is so hearty, it almost steals the spotlight, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, simple roasted veggies, or even a big platter of pickles can create a well-rounded meal. If you’re hosting, serve Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread alongside classic potato salad or a cup of tomato soup for a truly comforting spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the bread into thick slices and serve on a wooden board with little bowls of sauce for dunking. Fancy brunch? Try bite-sized pieces skewered with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can even turn leftovers into loaded grilled cheese sandwiches—just grill the slices in a skillet with a little butter until crisp and golden!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days—making it a fabulous option for next-day lunches or quick after-school snacks.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread! Let it cool completely, then tightly wrap whole or sliced pieces. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a fuss-free meal in minutes.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through—this keeps the crust crisp and the filling wonderfully gooey. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough gives a wonderful artisan touch to Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough for an even bake. Allow a little extra rise time if your dough is very fresh, and watch for golden color during baking.
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How can I make Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread less greasy?
For a lighter result, be sure to drain the bacon and ground beef thoroughly before assembling the bread. Using lean meat and dabbing the top with a paper towel after cooking can also help. Lightly brushing the crust with olive oil rather than bacon fat before baking adds a lovely golden finish with less greasiness.
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Can I prep Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the bread and refrigerate it (unbaked) for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready, just bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed. The finished bread also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping.
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What’s the best way to keep the bread from splitting open in the oven?
Be sure not to overfill the dough, and always leave an uncovered border before rolling. Pinch the seams tightly closed (use a dab of water to help seal if needed), and bake seam-side down. Chilling the rolled-up bread briefly before baking can also help it hold its shape.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food that’s bold, hearty, and impossible to resist, you absolutely have to try Cheesy Bacon Garbage Bread. It’s easy, fun, and sure to make you the star of your next meal. Don’t be shy—give it a go and let the deliciousness speak for itself!
PrintCheesy Bacon Beef Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garbage Bread is a hearty and indulgent dish that combines savory bacon, ground beef, and gooey cheeses all rolled up in pizza dough. Perfect for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1/2 pound chopped bacon
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (e.g., McCormick)
- 12 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- 1 (13.8 ounce) thin crust pizza dough (e.g., Pillsbury)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar jack cheese
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook bacon and prepare meat mixture: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, then in the same skillet, cook onions and ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add back bacon, season, and melt Velveeta.
- Assemble and bake: Roll out pizza dough on the baking sheet. Spread meat mixture and grated cheese over the dough. Roll up the pizza dough, seal, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with the sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 450
- Sugar: Approx. 3g
- Sodium: Approx. 850mg
- Fat: Approx. 28g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 14g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 25g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 75mg