These carb-loaded, meat-and-veggie-bursting, extra-cheesy breads are basically the ultimate tailgating party food. They're similar to strombolis, but less reliant on tomato sauce — so we turned our favorite dishes (pulled pork, shrimp scampi, roasted Brussels sprouts and more) into succulent, savory fillings. Store-bought pizza dough makes the construction easy, so you have plenty of time to prep before the game starts. Serve the breads sliced into wedges so party guests can eat them with a cold drink in hand.
Photography by Kate Mathis
Barbecue Pulled Pork Garbage Bread
Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce and sharp cheddar transform pulled pork in this bread, but barbecued brisket or chicken would also make party guests' mouths water.
Crumbled bacon and breakfast sausage mingle with Tater Tots, eggs and melted American cheese in this dish, which is reminiscent of a breakfast sandwich or burrito. Serve it with lots of hot sauce or ketchup for early-morning tailgating or for a portable breakfast on a camping trip.
Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Garbage Bread
Smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses are delicious in this vegetarian garbage bread stuffed with crisp roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Serve this to a group on a nippy fall day. It's the perfect snack after picking apples or going on a hayride.
Chili powder, coriander and cumin add spice to the chicken and peppers in this sizzling fajita-inspired bread. Serve slices with ice-cold Mexican beer at your next party, with our avocado crema, lots of fresh lime juice and cilantro sprinkled over each bite.
Calling a truce in the great Philly cheesesteak debate, this garbage bread uses both provolone and American cheese with thinly sliced beef and plenty of caramelized onions and peppers. Serve it as a hearty dinner after the game or as a warming meal for an outdoor picnic in the fall.
Tender shrimp bake up without a fuss, surrounded by melty mozzarella and a garlic-and-parsley butter sauce — it all tastes just like eating a bowl of shrimp scampi on a sandwich. This garbage bread is delightful in a picnic basket or served at home for dinner with a salad of mixed greens.
For the meat lovers in your family, this bread is packed with pepperoni, sausage and ham, along with bell peppers and onions — all the classic fixings of a supreme pizza. Like all of these breads, it's great for game day, but we bet your family will love it on a quiet movie night, too.
