Tomato Basil Bread Pudding
This savory Tomato Basil Bread Pudding offers a delightful twist on traditional sweet bread puddings, combining crusty bread with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a rich cheese custard for a versatile dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or an elegant side.
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Large skillet,
- large mixing bowl,
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch baking dish,
- - Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old crusty bread cut into 1-inch cubes; sourdough or ciabatta recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved (or 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced)
- 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 0.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a subtle kick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange cubed day-old bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, until tomatoes soften and start to burst. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed onion and tomato mixture, chopped basil, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Toss gently to distribute.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour custard over the bread mixture, gently pressing bread so it is submerged. Let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or 1-2 hours refrigerated.
- Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Optionally sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes until puffed, golden brown and knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from oven, let rest 10-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
This savory Bread Pudding breaks from traditional sweet versions, perfect for experimenting with other herbs, cheeses, and add-ins like vegetables or meats for new flavor profiles.