Savory Bread Pudding

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 servings

📝 Ingredients List

• 8 cups day-old crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta), cubed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 slices turkey bacon, chopped and sautéed until crispy
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crisp, then set aside on a paper towel.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. 🥣
4. Add the bread cubes, crispy turkey bacon, shredded cheese, and diced onions to the bowl. Fold gently until the bread is thoroughly soaked in the custard mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Let it sit for 10 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid fully.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The pudding should puff slightly when ready! ✨

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
• Bread Choice: Using stale or “day-old” bread is essential as it absorbs the custard without turning into mush.
• Customization: Feel free to swap turkey bacon for sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the pudding the night before and store it in the fridge; just add 5–10 minutes to your baking time.

What if I don’t have turkey bacon? You can substitute with smoked chicken strips or simply omit the meat for a delicious cheese and herb pudding.