Savory Bread Pudding: The Unconventional Thanksgiving Star You Didn’t Know You Needed!

Quick Overview

• Recipe Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and the delightful promise of endless feasting. While turkey and stuffing hold their rightful place on the table, there’s one hidden gem that deserves a moment in the spotlight: Savory Bread Pudding. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up this comforting dish, often using leftover bread and whatever savory ingredients she had on hand. It became a holiday staple that transcended conventional side dishes, showcasing the simplicity and heartiness of humble ingredients. This recipe is not only adaptable but caters to various dietary preferences – feel free to make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or even vegan! Let’s dive into how this savory bread pudding can elevate your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients List

• Bread: 4 cups cubed stale bread (French or sourdough)
• Eggs: 4 large eggs
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option
• Cheese: 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
• Vegetables: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale, 1 cup diced onions, and 1 cup diced mushrooms
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic
• Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
• Broth: 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty twist

Substitutions:

• Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
• Swap cheese for nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the vegetable or chicken broth. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until tender (about 5 minutes). Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
4. Mix Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine All Ingredients: Add the sautéed veggies and cheese to the soaked bread mixture, then pour in the egg mixture. Stir gently until fully combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch Baking dish.
7. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks Section

• Use Leftover Bread: This recipe is perfect for utilizing day-old bread.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the bread pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake it in the morning.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad to balance the heartiness of the bread pudding.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Macronutrients:
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Micronutrients:
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
   Yes, but you may need to reduce the liquid slightly to prevent sogginess.

2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
   Yes! Freeze before Baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then bake as directed.

3. Can I substitute the cheese with a dairy-free option?
   Absolutely! Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

4. How do I make this dish vegan?
   Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cheese.

5. What can I serve with savory bread pudding?
   A refreshing green salad, cranberry sauce, or sautéed seasonal vegetables make excellent pairings.

Please give us your feedback! We love hearing how this Savory Bread Pudding turned out for you. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your thoughts on social media!

Recipe Card: Savory Bread Pudding

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• Bread: 4 cups cubed stale bread
• Eggs: 4 large eggs
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk or almond milk
• Cheese: 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
• Vegetables: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale, 1 cup diced onions, 1 cup diced mushrooms
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic
• Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
• Broth: 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with broth and let soak for 10 minutes.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet until tender; add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Whisk together eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Fold sautéed veggies and cheese into the soaked bread; add egg mixture and stir.
6. Transfer to a greased Baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
7. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Tips and Variations:

• Use leftover bread for a budget-friendly option.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.