Savory Oven-Baked Italian Garbage Bread Recipe

Introduction

Savory Oven-Baked Italian Garbage Bread is a delicious, hearty treat packed with classic Italian flavors. This rolled bread filled with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni is perfect for sharing or serving as a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of Italian bread dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the Italian bread dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
3. Step 3: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Step 5: Distribute the pepperoni slices, black olives, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper evenly over the cheese.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
8. Step 8: Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture over the exposed edges of the dough.
9. Step 9: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, sealing the edges to keep the ingredients inside.
10. Step 10: Place the rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Step 11: Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts across the top of the bread to allow steam to escape.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
13. Step 13: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or mushrooms to customize the filling.
• Add fresh basil or oregano for an extra burst of fresh herb flavor.
• Brush the bread with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
• Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust if you have one available.

Storage

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of Italian bread dough?

Yes, pre-made pizza dough works well as a substitute and will produce similar results. Just roll it out to the indicated thickness.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Wrap the baked bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Savory Oven-Baked Italian Garbage Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 146 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Savory Oven-Baked Italian Garbage Bread is a delicious and hearty stuffed bread roll loaded with classic Italian flavors including marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, bell peppers, and olives, all baked to golden perfection. This versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 loaf of Italian bread dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Finishing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the Italian bread dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick to create a base for the filling.
3. Spread marinara sauce: Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to allow for sealing later.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce to add rich, melty texture.
5. Distribute toppings: Spread the pepperoni slices, black olives, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper evenly over the cheese for a colorful and flavorful mix.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top to boost the savory depth and create a crispy crust when baked.
7. Prepare seasoning oil: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper and mix well.
8. Brush dough edges: Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture over the exposed dough edges to enhance flavor and promote browning.
9. Roll the dough: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure to seal the edges to lock in the filling.
10. Place on baking sheet: Position the rolled bread seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it sealed during baking.
11. Score the top: Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts across the top of the bread to allow steam to escape as it bakes.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.
13. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before slicing to preserve its shape and make serving easier.

Notes

• Make sure not to overfill the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
• The red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted according to your heat preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add mushrooms or additional vegetables.
• Use a sharp knife when scoring the bread to avoid tearing the dough.
• The bread is best served warm but can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian bread, garbage bread, baked stuffed bread, pepperoni bread, mozzarella, marinara sauce, savory bread, party appetizer