Mushroom and Parmesan Savory Bread Pudding Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Mushroom and Parmesan Savory Bread Pudding Delight, a perfect dish for any gathering or family meal. Made with rustic white bread, assorted mushrooms, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, and a generous amount of creamy Parmesan, this savory pudding is both comforting and gourmet. Enjoy it as a side dish or even as a main course. The combination of crispy bread cubes with tender sautéed vegetables creates a delightful texture, while the custard makes each bite melt in your mouth. This bread pudding can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for entertaining. Serve warm, and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crusty bread
1 lb (1 loaf rustic white bread, cut into 1" cubes)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for tossing bread cubes)
Fresh thyme
4 teaspoons (chopped)
Garlic
1 large clove (minced)
Butter
6 tablespoons (for sautéing vegetables)
Assorted fresh mushrooms
1 lb (thinly sliced)
Onions
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (thinly sliced)
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
Heavy whipping cream
3 1/2 cups (for custard mixture)
Eggs
8 large (for custard mixture)
Salt
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated, for topping)
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2. Prepare a 13x9 inch glass baking dish by buttering it generously.
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3. Remove the bottom crust and short ends from the loaf of rustic white bread, discarding them. Cut the remaining bread (with crust) into 1-inch cubes, yielding about 10 cups loosely packed. Place these cubes into a very large mixing bowl.
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4. In a separate small bowl, mix the olive oil, chopped thyme, and minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the bread cubes and toss until they are evenly coated. Spread the cubes out on a large rimmed baking sheet.
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5. Season the bread cubes with salt and pepper to taste, and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crunchy. Once toasted, return the bread cubes to the very large mixing bowl.
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6. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the thinly sliced mushrooms, finely chopped onions, and thinly sliced celery. Sauté for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and most of their juices have evaporated.
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7. Stir in the chopped parsley with the sautéed vegetables, and then add this mixture to the bowl containing the toasted bread cubes.
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8. In another large bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, eggs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour this custard mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture in the bowl. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
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9. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
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10. If desired, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) at baking time. Bake the bread pudding uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
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12. Allow the savory pudding to stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mushroom and Parmesan Savory Bread Pudding Delight?
It is a gourmet savory dish made with rustic white bread, assorted mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a rich Parmesan custard.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a loaf of rustic white bread, though sourdough or French bread can also be used.
How many cups of bread cubes do I need?
You will need approximately 10 cups of loosely packed 1-inch bread cubes.
At what temperature should I toast the bread cubes?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to toast the bread cubes.
How long does it take to toast the bread?
Bake the cubes for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crunchy.
What herbs are included in this savory pudding?
This recipe uses 4 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme and 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to the fresh herbs called for.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe requires one large clove of minced garlic.
Which vegetables are used in the sauté?
The dish includes assorted fresh mushrooms, finely chopped onions, and thinly sliced celery.
How long should I cook the mushrooms, onions, and celery?
Sauté the vegetables for about 15 minutes or until they are soft and their juices have evaporated.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13x9 inch glass baking dish for this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The custard base requires 8 large eggs.
What type of cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream?
While you can use half-and-half, the resulting pudding will be less rich and creamy.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
Can this bread pudding be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it a day before baking.
How long can I refrigerate the dish before baking?
The assembled, unbaked pudding can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
What is the baking temperature for the assembled pudding?
Bake the final bread pudding at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pudding need to bake?
Bake it uncovered for approximately 1 hour.
How can I tell if the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The pudding is done when the center is set and the top has turned golden brown.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
No, bake the bread pudding uncovered to achieve a crispy, golden top.
Why is it important to let the dish stand after baking?
Allowing it to stand for 15 minutes helps the custard set, making it easier to slice.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked bacon, pancetta, or crumbled sausage would be excellent additions.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it warm as a side dish or as a comforting main course.
Can I use frozen mushrooms instead of fresh?
Fresh mushrooms are recommended for texture, but frozen mushrooms can work if they are thawed and drained first.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Generously butter the 13x9 inch glass baking dish before adding the ingredients.
Should I remove all the crust from the bread?
Remove the bottom crust and short ends, but keep the crust on the rest of the bread cubes for texture.
Is this dish a side or a main course?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a substantial side dish or a gourmet main meal.
Can I freeze any leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen, though the texture of the custard might change slightly upon reheating.