Crunchy Spinach and Mushroom Bread Pudding
Indulge in this deliciously savory bread pudding featuring a delightful medley of spinach, mushrooms, and colorful bell peppers. Inspired by the classic comfort food, this version boasts crispy edges for that irresistible crunch while maintaining a creamy center. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients from wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm and watch it quickly become a family favorite that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Beaters egg substitute
1 cup (liquid)
skim milk
2 cups (liquid)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
whole wheat bread
7 slices (cubed)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
mushrooms
2 cups (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Egg Beaters, skim milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
Add the cubed whole wheat bread to the egg mixture, making sure that all pieces are soaked. Set aside to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
4
Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water to remove as much moisture as possible.
5
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
6
Stir in the chopped mushrooms and minced garlic, reducing the heat slightly to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
7
Add the prepared spinach to the skillet and mix well, cooking for another 5 minutes to ensure any remaining moisture evaporates.
8
Combine the sautéed vegetables with the soaked bread mixture, adding 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese. Toss everything together until well incorporated.
9
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Check the center for doneness; continue baking in 10-minute increments until the center is fully set.
11
(Optionally, for a softer texture, place the 8x8 pan inside a larger 9x13 pan filled with 2-3 cups of water and bake as directed.)
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
23
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Spinach and Mushroom Bread Pudding?
It is a savory bread pudding made with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, featuring a creamy center and crispy edges.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for seven slices of whole wheat bread, cubed.
How many slices of bread do I need?
You will need 7 slices of whole wheat bread.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but ensure it is cooked down and squeezed dry to match the 10 ounces of frozen spinach required.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach for this pudding?
Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bread pudding need to bake?
Bake for approximately 50 minutes, adding 10-minute increments if the center is not yet set.
What size baking dish should I use?
The recipe is designed for an 8x8-inch baking dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 233 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use real eggs instead of Egg Beaters?
Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of Egg Beaters with approximately 4 large eggs.
What kind of milk does this recipe use?
This recipe uses 2 cups of skim milk.
How do I ensure the bread pudding isn't soggy?
Make sure to squeeze all excess moisture from the spinach and sauté the vegetables until their moisture evaporates.
Is there a way to make the texture softer?
For a softer texture, place the 8x8 pan inside a larger 9x13 pan filled with 2-3 cups of water to create a water bath during baking.
How can I tell if the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The dish is done when the center is fully set and no longer liquid.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes spinach, mushrooms, onions, and red bell peppers.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the dish?
Mix 1/2 cup of cheese into the bread and vegetable mixture, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup on top before baking.
Should I sauté the vegetables before adding them to the bread?
Yes, you should sauté the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil before mixing.
How long should I sauté the onion and red bell pepper?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they have softened.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic along with the chopped mushrooms after the onions and peppers have softened.
How do I prepare the bread for the mixture?
Cube the bread and soak it in a mixture of Egg Beaters, skim milk, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutrient-packed dish using wholesome ingredients like whole wheat bread and spinach.
What meal is this dish best for?
It is ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Can I add meat to this bread pudding?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could add cooked bacon or ham if desired.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for saut9ing the vegetables.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the mixture.