Savory Bread Pudding
You may be surprised to learn that savory bread pudding has roots dating back centuries to the cuisine of ancient Europe. This comforting dish blends day-old bread with a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and cheese, resulting in a rich, flavorful meal. While its humble origins may suggest a simple preparation, the versatility of savory bread pudding allows for endless creative variations. Intrigued? Explore deeper to uncover the secrets behind this timeless culinary delight.
History
The origins of savory bread pudding can be traced back to ancient European cuisines. The dish has French origins, with regional variations emerging across the continent.
In France, a savory bread pudding known as pain perdu was a common peasant food, utilizing stale bread and leftover ingredients. Over time, the dish evolved, incorporating local flavors and ingredients.
In Italy, a similar dish called strata became popular, while in Spain, the classic tortilla española shares bread pudding's layered, eggy structure.
These regional adaptations showcase the versatility of the savory bread pudding concept, which has endured as a comforting, practical, and flavorful staple across Europe.
Recipe
Savory Bread Pudding is a delightful dish that combines the richness of bread with the savory flavors of cheese, herbs, and vegetables. This versatile recipe can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
The key to a successful Savory Bread Pudding is to use day-old bread, which helps the custard-like texture develop. The combination of eggs, milk, and cheese creates a creamy base that perfectly complements the cubed bread.
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. To guarantee the best results, let the Savory Bread Pudding rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set. You can also experiment with different cheese and vegetable combinations to suit your personal preferences.
Nutritional Guide
One savory serving of this bread pudding provides a balanced nutritional profile, catering to various dietary needs.
Its caloric content of 350 calories per serving strikes a reasonable balance, making it suitable for most consumers.
The key ingredients – bread, eggs, cheese, and vegetables – offer beneficial nutrients like protein, calcium, and fiber.
The bread lends complex carbohydrates, the eggs supply high-quality protein, the cheese provides calcium, and the vegetables contribute valuable vitamins and antioxidants.
This nutritious composition makes this savory bread pudding a well-rounded option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thought
With the savory bread pudding's well-balanced nutritional profile in mind, you can confidently incorporate this dish into your culinary repertoire.
As a versatile comfort food, savory bread pudding allows for endless culinary creativity. Experiment with different bread types, cheese varieties, and aromatic seasonings to craft a signature version that tantalizes the palate.
This adaptable recipe lends itself to both simple weeknight meals and impressive dinner party presentations. Whether served as a main course or side, savory bread pudding's rich texture and robust flavors will satisfy and delight.
Embrace the culinary potential of this crowd-pleasing dish and expand your cooking skills with this beloved comfort food.
