A cheesy, meaty, flavor-packed roll that combines the best of a bacon cheeseburger and a calzone. This stuffed bread is golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfect for dipping. It’s comfort food at its finest—great for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight meal.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cool Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 slices
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- WW SmartPoints: ~11–13 (varies by dough and cheese used)
Ingredients List:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (11-ounce) tube refrigerated French bread dough
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
- 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (or ½ cup store-bought bacon pieces)
- 2 dill pickle spears, chopped
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Thousand Island dressing, for dipping
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. -
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is fully browned and onions are softened, about 7–9 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease and set aside. -
Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the French bread dough into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. -
Add Condiments:
Spread ketchup and mustard evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. -
Layer the Fillings:
Distribute the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the condiments. Sprinkle with bacon and chopped pickles. -
Add Cheese:
Layer American cheese slices over the top of the fillings in a single layer. -
Roll and Seal:
Starting from one long end, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch and seal the seam and ends. Carefully place the rolled dough seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. -
Brush and Bake:
Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Additional Notes:
- Ensure the beef is well-drained to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Pickles add a tangy bite—feel free to add more or omit depending on preference.
- Refrigerated pizza dough can be used in place of French bread dough if preferred.
Dietary Info:
- High-Protein
- Kid-Friendly
- Freezer-Friendly (see storage notes)
- Contains Gluten and Dairy
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha before rolling.
- More Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms or green peppers for added depth.
- Cheese Options: Use shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone instead of American cheese.
- Bun-Less Burger Style: Serve with a side salad instead of bread for a low-carb approach.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve sliced with dipping sauces: Thousand Island, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Pair with coleslaw, fries, or a crisp dill pickle on the side.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty party appetizer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat slices in a toaster oven or 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked (without egg wash) for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble up to 1 day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use crescent roll dough?
A: Yes. Seam the perforations together before rolling out to prevent splitting during baking.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Substitute beef with plant-based ground or sautéed mushrooms and omit bacon for a veggie-friendly version.
Optional Personal Note or Story:
Garbage bread got its name in my house because we’d throw in whatever toppings we had—cheese, pickles, leftovers—and it always turned out amazing. It’s messy, delicious, and surprisingly comforting. A true weeknight hero!
