Bread pudding with bacon

Delicious Bread Pudding Recipe with Bacon and Cheese

This bread pudding recipe with bacon and cheese is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a nostalgic memory from childhood. Combining simple yet savory ingredients, this dish can quickly become the star of the meal. Perfect both warm and cold, it is ideal for a brunch, a family dinner, or a party with friends. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 4 hours
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 stale loaf (approx. 300 g)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 bunch of green onions (approx. 100 g)
- 250 g bacon (or pancetta for a more intense flavor)
- 250 g grated cheese (or cheddar cheese for a spicier note)
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 100 ml milk (can be replaced with plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Cherry tomatoes for decoration
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing the dish

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the stale loaf into cubes of about 2-3 cm. These will absorb the liquid and transform into a soft and tasty texture. If you prefer, you can use whole grain bread for a healthier option.

2. Preparing the egg mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs with a fork, adding salt and pepper to taste. Add the sour cream and milk, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Including the grated cheese (50 g) in this mixture will add a delicious flavor.

3. Soaking the bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently mix with a spatula to ensure all the pieces of bread are covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as it allows the bread to absorb the liquid and become soft and flavorful.

4. Preparing the filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the sliced green onions and bacon strips for 5-6 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy and the onions become translucent. Let the mixture cool slightly.

5. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soaked bread, the bacon with the sautéed onions, the remaining grated cheese (200 g), and the chopped dill and parsley. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients into a uniform composition.

6. Preparing the dish: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Decorating: Sprinkle chopped herbs and the remaining cheese on top. Decorate with halved cherry tomatoes for an appealing look and a touch of freshness.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the bread pudding dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy on top.

9. Serving: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting. It can be served warm or cold, accompanied by a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic sauce.

Helpful tips

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or brie, for different flavors. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients and taste.
- Adding spices: A sprinkle of spices like paprika or chili flakes can give a spicy note to the dish.
- Fresh bread: If using fresh bread, let it dry out a bit before cutting to avoid it disintegrating during cooking.
- Make ahead: The bread pudding can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavor will intensify after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutritional benefits

This bread pudding is rich in protein due to the eggs and bacon, while the cheese adds calcium and healthy fats. The fresh herbs contribute vitamins and antioxidants. Depending on the chosen ingredients, the dish can be adapted to fit various diets, whether you are vegetarian or following a healthier regimen.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can replace the bacon with ham or even cooked and diced chicken.
- What other sauces can I serve alongside? A yogurt sauce with dill or a fresh tomato and onion salad pairs perfectly.
- Can the bread pudding be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pudding before baking. Once you take it out of the freezer, let it thaw completely before baking.

This bread pudding recipe with bacon and cheese is a perfect choice to bring a touch of nostalgia to your table. With a simple mix of ingredients and an easy technique, the result will be a delicacy that will surely impress everyone. Enjoy!