Savory Bread Pudding

Savory bread pudding is a warm and comforting dish that combines crispy, old bread with creamy custard and cheese. It’s a great way to use up stale bread while creating a delicious, hearty meal. This recipe can serve as a side dish or even as a satisfying main course, filled with flavor and texture.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make savory bread pudding because it is easy to prepare, packed with flavors, and a fantastic way to reduce food waste. If you have leftover bread, this recipe transforms it into something delightful and comforting. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, as it can feed a crowd and everyone will love it!

How to Make Savory Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 pound (454 g) stale, hearty and buttery bread
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Start by pouring a tablespoon (15 ml) of melted butter into the bottom of a 9 or 10-inch deep dish pie plate or an 11 x 7 or 9 x 13 casserole dish. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly.

2. Next, cube pieces of your stale bread like brioche, croissant, challah, or French bread, and set them aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together until they are well combined. Add the milk, heavy cream, herbs, salt, and pepper, then whisk until everything is mixed well.

4. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese until it’s evenly combined.

5. Fold in the bread cubes gently until all the pieces are coated in the cheese custard. Let the mixture rest and soak in the custard while you preheat the oven.

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for 20 – 30 minutes. Once preheated, pour the savory pudding mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Top it with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.

7. Bake the savory pudding casserole for 40 – 50 minutes, or until the center is puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil around 30 – 35 minutes of baking.

8. Once baked, cool the savory pudding on a cooling rack for 10 – 15 minutes. If you like, top it with more fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy it warm!

   
   

How to Serve Savory Bread Pudding

Serve your savory bread pudding warm, straight from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra touch!

How to Store Savory Bread Pudding

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Savory Bread Pudding

• Use a variety of breads for different flavors and textures.
• Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed vegetables, cooked meats, or different cheeses for more depth.
• Make sure to let the bread soak in the custard long enough for the best texture.

Variation

You can create a vegetarian version by adding different veggies like spinach or mushrooms. You could also use different herbs or cheeses according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, but stale bread will absorb the custard better, giving you a nicer texture. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven briefly.

Can I freeze savory bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just be sure to cool it completely and store it in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use non-dairy substitutes?

Yes! You can use non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, and plant-based cheese to make the dish vegan-friendly.

Savory Bread Pudding

Savory bread pudding is a warm and comforting dish that combines crispy, old bread with creamy custard and cheese, making it a perfect way to use up stale bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Bread Base

• 1 pound stale, hearty and buttery bread

Custard Mixture

• 5 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pour a tablespoon (15 ml) of melted butter into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate or a casserole dish, coating the bottom and sides evenly.
• Cube the stale bread and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Add the milk, heavy cream, herbs, salt, and pepper, and whisk until mixed.
• Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese until evenly combined.
• Fold in the bread cubes gently until all pieces are coated in the custard.
• Let the mixture rest and soak while the oven preheats.

Baking

• Pour the savory pudding mixture evenly into the prepared pan and top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
• Bake for 40 – 50 minutes, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
• If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil around 30 – 35 minutes into baking.

Cooling and Serving

• Once baked, cool on a cooling rack for 10 – 15 minutes. Top with fresh herbs before serving.
• Serve warm, either on its own or with a green salad or soup.

Notes

Use a variety of breads for different flavors and textures. You can add sautéed vegetables, cooked meats, or other cheeses for more depth. Let the bread soak long enough for the best texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Keyword bread pudding recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, leftover bread, savory bread pudding