Easy Garbage Bread Recipe
This Easy Garbage Bread Recipe is a quick, customizable, and delicious way to use up leftover bread, cheese, vegetables, and proteins from your fridge. Baked into a crispy, cheesy loaf, it’s perfect for snacks, lunch, or as a side dish. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a convenient zero-waste recipe that’s perfect for busy days and family-friendly meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free bread)
Ingredients
Bread Base
- Day-old bread, cubed or torn (about 4 cups)
Cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend) 1 to 1½ cups
Vegetables
- Chopped sautéed veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.) about 1 cup
Protein
- Cooked protein (bacon bits, sausage, or leftover chicken), ½ cup
Garlic Butter Mix
- Butter, melted (4 tbsp)
- Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic (1 tsp or 2 cloves minced)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cube your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop your chosen vegetables and cook any protein you plan to use. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic or garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating for the bread.
- Combine Everything in a Bowl: Toss the bread cubes in the garlic butter mixture until well coated. Add the sautéed vegetables, cooked protein, and shredded cheese, then gently mix everything together evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Bake Until Golden and Gooey: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread becomes crispy on the edges.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better absorption of butter and crispier texture.
- Chop all ingredients to similar sizes for consistent cooking and balanced bites.
- Spread mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding and promote even crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper before baking to taste.
- Watch the oven near the end of baking to prevent burning and ensure a crunchy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: garbage bread, leftover bread recipe, easy snack, zero waste recipe, cheesy bread, savory bread, quick appetizer, gluten free option
Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/easy-garbage-bread-recipe/