If you love comfort food, then this savory bread pudding will become your new breakfast favorite! Packed with rich flavors, tender mushrooms, and melted cheese, this dish is a perfect twist on traditional sweet bread puddings. Think of it as a cross between your favorite holiday stuffing and a creamy, custard-soaked breakfast casserole.
The magic of this dish lies in how the stale bread soaks up the egg custard, infusing it with herbs and cheese for an incredibly satisfying texture and flavor. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for holiday gatherings, this savory bread pudding is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bread Pudding
- Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Great use for leftover bread – A delicious way to repurpose stale sourdough or brioche.
- Versatile – Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish.
- Packed with flavor – Mushrooms, Gruyère cheese, and fresh herbs create a rich, indulgent taste.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Soak Time: 3 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 552 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50.2g
- Protein: 24.5g
- Fat: 27.6g
Ingredients
- 22 ounces sourdough or brioche bread, torn into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces wild mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced small
- 6-8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- Pinch of black pepper
- 7 large eggs
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup (4 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Let the bread cubes sit out on a baking sheet for 1-2 days to dry.
- For a quicker option, bake them at 200°F for 1 hour.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to break down.
- Stir in shallots, celery, sage, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
- Make the Custard:
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and warm water until combined.
- Add heavy cream, milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Stir in the Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble the Pudding:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Layer half of the bread cubes in the pan.
- Spread half of the mushroom mixture evenly over the bread.
- Pour half of the custard over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, mushrooms, and custard.
- Cover with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove the pudding from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Savory Bread Pudding Variations
Want to switch up your savory bread pudding? Try these fun twists:
- Different Cheese: Swap Gruyère for Swiss, sharp cheddar, or mozzarella.
- Add Protein: Mix in Italian sausage, bacon, or cubed ham.
- Bread Options: Use French bread, challah, or Italian bread instead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Make-Ahead: Soak the bread overnight for deeper flavor.
- To Freeze: Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
This savory bread pudding is an easy, satisfying, and flavorful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch! Try it out and let me know how you like it. For more delicious recipes, visit Foodandtips.com!