Bread Pudding Meets Stuffing: A Delicious Fusion

This innovative dish ingeniously marries two beloved culinary concepts: the comforting, custardy richness of bread pudding and the savory, herb-infused goodness of classic stuffing. The result is a harmonious blend that offers the best of both worlds – a moist, flavorful casserole that stands out on any menu.

Its inherent versatility makes it a kitchen hero. You can effortlessly prepare and assemble it ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and significantly reducing stress on busy cooking days. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday feast, a casual family brunch, or a festive breakfast, this savory bread pudding fits right in. It pairs wonderfully as a sophisticated side dish alongside your holiday roast or a creamy green bean casserole, offering a delightful alternative to drier, more traditional stuffings.

The foundation of an outstanding bread pudding lies in the bread itself. After extensive testing with various types, I’ve found that crusty, day-old bread yields the most exceptional results. The firmness of stale bread allows it to absorb the creamy custard mixture without becoming mushy, creating that desirable crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture. Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Challah: This rich, slightly sweet, and eggy bread creates an incredibly tender and moist pudding with a beautiful golden crust.
• Brioche: Similar to Challah, brioche adds a luxurious buttery flavor and a supremely soft crumb, making the pudding extra decadent.
• Potato Bread: Offering a slightly denser texture and a subtle earthy flavor, potato bread contributes to a wonderfully hearty and satisfying pudding.
• Leftover Garlic Bread: A fantastic way to add an instant flavor boost! The existing garlic and herb notes in the bread will infuse the entire dish with savory depth.
• Leftover Savory Scones: For a truly unique twist, using savory scones will introduce a richer, flakier texture and additional layers of flavor (e.g., cheese or chives, depending on the scone).
• Sourdough or French Bread: These classic crusty breads provide an excellent structural base, soaking up the custard beautifully while offering a pleasant chew. A mix of both, as used in this recipe, balances their distinct qualities for a well-rounded flavor.

Regardless of your choice, ensuring the bread is stale or oven-dried is crucial. This step prepares the bread to absorb the liquid evenly, preventing a soggy bottom and promoting that coveted crispy exterior.

One of the most appealing aspects of this savory bread pudding is its incredible versatility. The base recipe is robust enough to carry a wide array of flavors, allowing you to customize it to suit any occasion, dietary preference, or craving. Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your favorite savory ingredients:

• Italian-Inspired: Transform your pudding with a Mediterranean flair. Add crumbled, cooked sweet Italian sausage, generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated and chopped), and a handful of fresh basil leaves. A dash of oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes could further enhance this vibrant profile.
• Hearty Savory Breakfast Casserole: Make it a morning marvel! Incorporate cooked, diced crispy bacon, more Italian sausage (perhaps a spicy variety for a kick), and sharp cheddar cheese for a breakfast staple that will impress. Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or green onions for extra color and flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians. Any fresh vegetables can be incorporated to create a wholesome and flavorful meat-free dish. Try sautéed diced red bell peppers, an assortment of wild mushrooms, wilted spinach, or tender sautéed leeks. Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes also add a lovely sweetness.
• Croque Monsieur Style: For a French-inspired indulgence, elevate your bread pudding with Gruyère or Swiss cheese, layers of deeply caramelized onions, and diced leftover ham. A touch of Dijon mustard mixed into the custard could bring out even more authentic Croque Monsieur flavors.
• Smoky Southern Comfort: Add smoked sausage (like Andouille), smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a warming, smoky kick. Collard greens or kale could be wilted in for a nutritious addition.
• Mediterranean Herb & Feta: Swap out some of the herbs for fresh dill and mint. Introduce crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers for a bright, tangy profile.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite cheeses, meats, and vegetables. Just ensure any meat is cooked and any vegetables are sautéed to remove excess moisture before adding them to the bread pudding mixture.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread & Sauté Aromatics. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cube your bread into 1-inch pieces and spread them on a large unlined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway, until they’re dry and crispy like croutons but without much color. This critical step prevents sogginess. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced mushrooms, onions, and celery. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and the onions become translucent, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once softened, stir in the fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) and minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the herb aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a light roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Season the mixture generously with salt and fresh black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken to a luxurious, gravy-like consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial – the sauce must be at least room temperature before mixing with the eggs to prevent them from scrambling!

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Base. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs and heavy cream until they are well combined and smooth. This forms the rich, binding custard that will permeate the bread, ensuring a moist and tender interior.

Step 4: Combine Bread with Sauce. Once the flavorful sauce has cooled completely to at least room temperature, add the oven-dried, stale bread cubes to the Dutch oven. Gently fold and toss the bread cubes until they are thoroughly coated with the rich sauce. This ensures every piece of bread absorbs the savory flavors before the custard is added.

Step 5: Incorporate the Custard. Pour the whisked egg and cream mixture over the coated bread cubes in the Dutch oven. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the custard evenly distributes and coats all the bread pieces. At this point, the bread should look thoroughly moistened and ready for baking. Avoid overmixing, as this can break down the bread too much.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection! Generously grease your baking dish with butter. Our recipe uses an 8.5×11.5 inch pan, which is ideal for this quantity. Carefully pour the savory bread pudding mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 25-35 minutes. Baking time can vary depending on the depth and material of your pan, so keep an eye on it. The pudding is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the edges are golden brown. For an extra crispy top, if your baking pan is broiler-safe, consider broiling the pudding for an additional 2-3 minutes at the very end. Watch it carefully to achieve a beautiful golden crust without burning! Serve warm and garnish with fresh thyme.

Expert Tips for the Best Savory Bread Pudding

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes for ideal texture. This specific size is crucial for maintaining a perfect balance between structural integrity and sufficient softening during baking. Smaller cubes might become too mushy, while larger ones might not absorb enough custard, leading to dry spots.

Always oven-dry your bread for superior results. While room-temperature stale bread works, oven-drying the bread cubes at a low temperature yields a significantly crispier texture initially, and more importantly, dramatically enhances their ability to absorb the savory custard sauce evenly. This prevents a soggy bottom and ensures every bite is perfectly moist and flavorful.

Make this a Thanksgiving showstopper! This baked bread pudding, rich with eggs and heavy cream, promises to remain wonderfully moist throughout its bake, making it an ideal side dish that won’t dry out. Its savory profile and comforting texture pair magnificently with any holiday roast. For the ultimate festive spread, serve it alongside my irresistible garlic bread rolls.

Assemble and chill the pudding overnight for maximum flavor and creaminess. Allowing the assembled bread pudding to rest in the refrigerator overnight gives the bread ample time to fully soak up the custard and all the delicious flavors, resulting in an incredibly creamy and cohesive texture. If you prefer a slightly less creamy but still delicious texture, you can prepare the sauce and dry the bread cubes in advance, then assemble and bake everything the next day. Just ensure the sauce is fully cooled before mixing with the eggs!

Don’t overmix the bread. Once the bread is added to the sauce and custard, mix gently. Overmixing can break down the bread too much, leading to a pasty texture rather than distinct, custardy bread cubes.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Always taste your sauce before mixing in the bread. This is your last chance to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference. Remember, the bread will absorb some of the seasoning, so ensure the sauce is well-seasoned.

Garnish for presentation. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and an extra burst of fresh aroma.

This savory bread pudding is fantastic for make-ahead meal planning, especially during busy holiday seasons. Its ability to be prepped in advance makes it a favorite for hosts and home cooks alike.

Make in Advance: To prepare ahead, assemble the entire bread pudding mixture and pour it into your greased baking pan. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. While overnight chilling is perfect for flavor development and a creamier texture, I don’t recommend assembling it more than 24 hours in advance, as the bread may become too soggy. Alternatively, you can prep the individual components (sauté the vegetables and sauce, dry the bread, whisk the custard) a few days before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then simply combine and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Storage: If you find yourself with delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This savory bread pudding will maintain its quality and flavor for 4-5 days, making it excellent for enjoying throughout the week. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or a preheated oven until heated through.

Generally, no, this savory bread pudding does not need to be covered while baking. Baking it uncovered allows the top layer of bread cubes to become beautifully crispy and golden brown, adding a desirable textural contrast to the soft, custardy interior. If you find the top browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last portion of the baking time, but this is usually not necessary.

Absolutely! While we baked ours in an 8.5×11.5-inch baking pan, you can definitely use a different size. However, be mindful that the dimensions of your pan will affect the baking time. A larger, shallower pan will likely result in a shorter baking time, possibly around 20-25 minutes, as the heat penetrates more quickly. Conversely, a smaller, deeper pan will require a longer baking time. Always rely on the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and visual cues (golden top, set custard) to confirm doneness, adjusting time as needed.

Yes, this recipe doubles wonderfully for feeding a larger crowd! If you plan on serving more guests, simply double all the ingredients and bake the mixture in a standard 9×13-inch baking pan. When doubling, keep in mind that the baking time will likely increase by an additional 10-15 minutes or more. It’s important to monitor it closely and check for the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked through without drying out.

A soggy bread pudding is usually due to the bread not being stale or dry enough. It’s crucial for the bread cubes to be dry (either day-old or oven-dried) so they can properly absorb the custard without breaking down too much. Ensure you follow the oven-drying step carefully. Also, make sure the sauce is completely cool before adding the eggs and bread, as hot sauce can prematurely cook the eggs and affect the texture.

This savory bread pudding is incredibly versatile! For holiday meals, it’s a perfect side for roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It also pairs well with other classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. For brunch, it’s hearty enough to be a standalone dish or can be served alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad.

More Savory Recipes to Share

If you love this savory bread pudding, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful recipes from my kitchen:

• Bacon, Cheddar, and Scallion Scones: Flaky, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for breakfast or a side.
• Garlic Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic – an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
• Deep Dish Quiche: A versatile and elegant dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
• Everything Spinach Croissants: Flaky croissants filled with a savory spinach and cheese mixture, topped with everything bagel seasoning.
• Parmesan Bread Bites: Cheesy, garlicky, and utterly addictive, these bites are perfect for snacking or as a starter.