Description
This Savory Bread Pudding is the ultimate brunch centerpiece, combining crusty artisan bread with a rich, creamy custard, melted sharp cheddar, and smoky turkey bacon. It is a perfect, stress-free make-ahead dish that delivers golden-brown, crispy edges and a soft, savory center. Whether you are hosting a holiday breakfast or looking for a cozy dinner side, this dish offers sophisticated comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with butter.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crisp, then set aside on a paper towel.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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.
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.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Notes
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Using stale or day-old bread is essential so the cubes hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 195mg