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.
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.