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Easy Creamy Bacon and Cheddar Bread Pudding Recipe

Bacon and Cheddar Bread Pudding

This Bacon and Cheddar Bread Pudding is a savory comfort food masterpiece combining crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a custardy seasoned bread base. Versatile for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying savory cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Brunch, dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces day-old bread preferably a sturdy, crusty loaf (like sourdough or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8-10 slices thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus a little extra for topping
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • oven
  • Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
  • Large skillet,
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • - Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread onto a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and dry. Remove from oven and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it once cooled, and set aside. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
  3. Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  5. In another very large bowl, gently combine the toasted bread cubes, crumbled bacon, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, ensuring all bread cubes are well coated with custard. Press down lightly to help absorb liquid. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to soak.
  7. Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Use day-old or toasted bread to avoid sogginess. Customize cheese or add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Assemble ahead for convenience and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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