Savory Bread Pudding Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Have you ever wondered what to do with that leftover stale bread sitting in your kitchen? Savory bread pudding is an easy, delicious solution that can transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. With recipes featuring bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and more, this dish is perfect for any time of day.

Imagine waking up to a warm, cheesy bread pudding for breakfast or having it as a comforting lunch or dinner. The best part is you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just bread, eggs, milk, and whatever you have in your pantry. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or just craving something cozy and satisfying, savory bread pudding is a must-try recipe. Dive in and discover how a dish so simple can be incredibly tasty and versatile.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

For a savory bread pudding, you will need these key ingredients:

Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Provides a good texture and flavor.
  • Substitute: Any crusty bread like ciabatta or French bread.

Eggs

• Large Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients.
  • Substitute: Egg substitute or egg whites can be used if necessary.

Milk/Cream

• Whole Milk or Half and Half: Both provide richness.
  • Substitute: Non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.

Cheese

• Gruyere Cheese: Melts well and has a great taste.
  • Substitute: Cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella can work.

Meat

• Ham: Adds a protein and savory taste.
  • Substitute: Cooked bacon, sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

Vegetables

• Mushrooms and Shallots: These add flavor and texture.
  • Substitute: Bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add different flavors.

Herbs and Spices

• Thyme, Salt, and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
  • Substitute: Rosemary, basil, or any preferred herbs.

Butter/Oil

• Butter: Used for greasing the pan.
  • Substitute: Olive oil or a non-stick spray.

You can mix and match these ingredients based on your preferences and availability. This flexibility makes savory bread pudding a great dish for using up leftovers and customizing to your taste.

Instructions

1. 
   

   Prepare the Pan:
   Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set it aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the Eggs:
   In a large bowl, whisk 6 large eggs together. Add 2 cups of half and half and mix well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add Flavor:
   Stir in herbs (like rosemary or thyme), salt, pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheese.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine Ingredients:
   Add 8 cups of cubed stale bread to the egg mixture. Stir until the bread is well-coated.

   
   
5. 
   

   Layer the Dish:
   Spread half of the bread mixture into the baking dish. Place 1 cup of sautéed veggies (like mushrooms or shallots) on top. Add the remaining bread mixture evenly.

   
   
6. 
   

   Refrigerate:
   Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

   
   
7. 
   

   Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

   
   
8. 
   

   Bake:
   Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45-60 minutes until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

   
   
9. 
   

   Cool and Serve:
   Let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!

   
   

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choose Your Bread Wisely
Use stale bread for the best texture. Day-old baguettes, sourdough, or ciabatta are perfect.

Customize Your Ingredients
Feel free to swap out ingredients. Ham can be replaced with bacon or sausage, and different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella work well.

Perfect the Custard
Whisk eggs and dairy thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Prevent Soggy Bottoms
Make sure your bread is fully coated but not swimming in custard. This prevents a mushy texture.

Grease the Pan
Always grease your baking dish to avoid sticking. Use butter or cooking spray.

Cooking Time
Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Usually, this takes about 40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with hot sauce or alongside grilled meats. It pairs well with a fresh salad too.

Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips
Oven: Reheat at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power to avoid drying out. Start with 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

You can change up the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Try using different cheeses like Gruyere, Cheddar, or Parmesan.

If you like meat, add in bacon, sausage, or ham.

Vegetables can also be a great addition. Consider spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

For a fresh taste, add herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the savory bread pudding as a main dish for breakfast or brunch.

Pair it with a green salad for a light lunch or dinner.

It also works well as a side dish for meats like steak or chicken.

Bread Choices

Use sourdough, French bread, or any leftover stale bread you have.

Cornbread can also add a unique flavor.

Table of Possible Combinations

Cheese	Meat	Vegetables	Herbs
Gruyere	Bacon	Spinach	Thyme
Cheddar	Sausage	Mushrooms	Rosemary
Parmesan	Ham	Bell Peppers	Sage

Mix and match to create your perfect savory bread pudding!