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Garbage Bread

A crusty Italian loaf stuffed with sausage, pepperoni, ham, vegetables, and cheeses, baked until golden and melty for a customizable, crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 1-pound Italian sub loaf or round Italian bread loaf
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage removed from casing and crumbled
  • 1/4 pound pepperoni diced
  • 1/4 pound deli ham diced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese diced or shredded
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 medium onion diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or pizza sauce

Equipment

  • Large serrated bread knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper
  • Meat thermometer (optional)
  • Small skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat and brown the crumbled Italian sausage for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through; drain on paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the diced bell pepper and onion with a pinch of salt for 4 to 5 minutes until softened; drain excess moisture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, pepperoni, ham, sautéed vegetables, shredded mozzarella, provolone, black olives, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper; mix until cheese coats all ingredients.
  5. Using a serrated knife, cut off the top quarter of the bread loaf and hollow out the interior, leaving a 1/2-inch shell; reserve the removed bread.
  6. Spread 2 tablespoons marinara sauce inside the hollowed loaf evenly to coat the inner walls.
  7. Stuff the filling mixture into the loaf, packing gently but leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for cheese expansion.
  8. Replace the bread lid, wrap the loaf loosely in foil leaving the top exposed, and place on a baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and the crust is golden; let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For faster prep, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables the night before. Resting the baked loaf helps the filling set for cleaner slices.