Savory Bread Pudding

A bread pudding full of onions, mushrooms, and cheeses.

I was tasked with using leftover baguettes from a bakery to make a savory bread pudding. I wanted something simple, easy, and that could use household ingredients you already have.

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, for example, I imagine this dish would be just as good without or with a different vegetable. I think something like this would be great for brunch, the holidays, or Easter coming up!

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

• 8 cups (454g) baguettes, cubed

• 6 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Butter, for preparing the pan

Method

1. In a skillet on medium, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the onions and mushrooms. Add salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions and mushrooms begin to soften.

2. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, add your eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Whisk to combine. Add salt and pepper and combine. Add the mushroom and onion mixture and combine. Next, add the shredded cheese and combine again. Set aside.

4. In a 9x13 baking dish, add butter to prepare the pan. Ensure you butter the corners to avoid sticking.

5. Sprinkle the cubed baguettes throughout in an even layer. Pour in the egg mixture and using a spatula, get the baguettes fully covered in the liquid.

6. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to let the liquid fully soak into the baguettes.

7. Preheat your oven to 325.

8. Once ready to get baked, add additional 1/2 cup of your gruyere cheese and place dish in the oven for 1 hour.

9. After an hour, the bread pudding should be golden brown and bubbling, the cheese on top should be melted.

10. Remove from the oven, garnish with additional thyme and let sit for about 5 minutes before enjoying.