Imagine a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Easy Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms is not just another recipe - it's a game-changing comfort food that bridges the gap between a hearty breakfast and an elegant dinner. Perfect for those days when you want something incredibly delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe turns simple stale bread and mushrooms into a mouthwatering creation that'll make you look like a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Sprinkle the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly over the bread and mushrooms.
- Top the dish with shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pudding to set.
- Slice and serve warm as a delicious main dish or side course.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture - it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively and prevents a soggy result.
- Don't skip sautéing the mushrooms and onions, as this step builds deep, rich flavor profiles.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère.
- Make sure to let the pudding rest after baking - this helps it set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the pudding for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor complexity.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
