Oh, you know those nights where you just crave something warm, cozy, and utterly delicious? That’s exactly when I whip up this amazing Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs! It’s such a fantastic twist on the usual sweet bread pudding, making it perfect for dinner or a hearty side. My grandma used to make a similar version when we had a big family gathering, and the smell alone would make everyone gather in the kitchen. It’s just pure comfort food, packed with earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs that just sing together. Trust me, this recipe is pure gold!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs
Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both comforting and ridiculously easy? This savory bread pudding is:
- Packed with Flavor: Earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and savory cheese create an irresistible taste.
- Super Simple to Make: It uses common ingredients and mostly hands-off baking time – my kind of recipe!
- Incredibly Versatile: It shines as a side dish or can even be a light main course.
- Pure Comfort: It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients for Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this fantastic dish! It’s pretty straightforward, using pantry staples and fresh bits that really make it shine. You’ll want:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mushrooms, just give them a good slice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced up nice and small
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread – stale is best here!
- 3 cups milk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to your liking!
Don’t worry if your bread isn’t perfectly cubed; that’s part of the charm! Anything to get those delicious mushroom and herb flavors all tied up with the bread.
Essential Equipment for Your Savory Bread Pudding
To get this amazing Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs on the table, you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets. Just these basics will do the trick:
- A good sized 9×13 inch baking dish for that perfect shape.
- A large skillet to get those mushrooms and onions beautifully softened.
- A big mixing bowl for tossing everything together.
- A whisk for whipping up the egg and milk mixture.
See? Nothing too wild! Just your everyday kitchen heroes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic really happens, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. Follow these steps and you’ll have a delightful Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, and totally worth it!
Preparing the Base for Your Savory Bread Pudding
First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease your 9×13 inch baking dish really well – we don’t want any sticking! Now, grab a big skillet and warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook ’em up until they’re nice and soft, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Stir it all around for just one minute more until you can really smell those lovely herbs. It’s a smell that just says “comfort food is coming”!
Combining Ingredients for the Savory Bread Pudding
Next up, grab a big bowl – the biggest you have! Dump in your cubed day-old bread and then pour that gorgeous mushroom and onion mixture right over the top. In a separate bowl, whisk together your milk, your beaten eggs, and that yummy Parmesan cheese. Give it a good seasoning with salt and black pepper. Then, pour this liquid gold all over the bread and mushrooms. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon, making sure every single piece of bread gets happily moistened. Don’t be rough; we want it to soak in the goodness!
Baking and Resting Your Savory Bread Pudding
Now, carefully pour all that yummy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Pop it into that preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for it to be set in the middle and get a lovely golden-brown color on top. It’s like a cozy blanket of deliciousness! Once it’s out of the oven, the hardest part: you have to let it stand for about 10 minutes before you serve it. This little rest lets everything settle and makes it taste even better. You can think of it as a little pause before pure deliciousness!
For some more amazing recipes perfect for sharing, check out these easy Thanksgiving side dishes!
Tips for the Perfect Savory Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s dish out some secrets to make your Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs absolutely sing! It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. Don’t overlook these; they’re what elevate it from good to GAH-MAZING!
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to jazz things up? You totally can! If you prefer fresh herbs, use about a tablespoon of each – fresh rosemary and thyme are lovely. For a little extra green power, toss in some chopped spinach or colorful bell peppers with the mushrooms. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese along with the Parmesan is *divine*. Play around with your favorite mushrooms too; a mix of cremini, shiitake, and even oyster mushrooms adds a wonderful depth.
Achieving the Ideal Texture
The key to that perfect, not-too-soggy, not-too-dry texture really comes down to your bread. Make sure it’s truly day-old and a bit stale – it needs to be able to soak up all that creamy goodness without falling apart. Also, don’t over-stir once the liquid is added; just gently toss to coat. And let it rest after baking! Seriously, that 10 minutes is crucial for it to set up beautifully.
Need some more inspiration for sides? Check out these easy side salad recipes or these green bean dishes!
Serving Suggestions for Savory Bread Pudding
This Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs is so fantastic, it really shines all on its own! But if you’re looking to make it a star on a bigger spread, it’s incredible alongside a juicy roasted turkey or pork roast. It’s also a total dream with a big bowl of creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Honestly, it’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or just a cozy Sunday dinner when you want something special but easy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs keeps beautifully. Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for more goodness, the best way to reheat is in the oven at around 300°F (150°C) until it’s warmed all the way through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the oven gives it that lovely gentle warmth without drying it out too much.
Frequently Asked Questions about Savory Bread Pudding
Got a question about this yummy Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs? I’ve got you covered! We get asked these a bunch, so here are some quick answers for you:
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
You know, day-old bread is really best because it’s a bit drier and soaks up the custard mixture beautifully without getting mushy. If you only have fresh, just cube it and toast it in the oven at about 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until it’s a little firm.
What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Oh, I love a mix! While plain ol’ button mushrooms work just fine, using a combination like cremini, shiitake, or even a few oyster mushrooms adds so much more depth and earthy flavor. It really makes the mushroom part of the Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs sing!
Can I make this Savory Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before it goes into the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, the nutrition info for this amazing Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs is estimated per serving. Things can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea:
- Calories: About 350
- Fat: Around 18g
- Protein: Roughly 15g
- Carbohydrates: About 30g
It’s a satisfying dish that’s pretty balanced, don’t you think?
Print
Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Herbs
- Total Time: 70 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful bread pudding featuring earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 3 cups milk
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and the mushroom mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread and mushroom mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all bread cubes are moistened.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs; use 1 tablespoon of each fresh herb.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
