Savory Cheddar and Onion Bread Pudding
This Savory Cheddar and Onion Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on the classic bread and butter pudding, perfect for those who favor savory over sweet. Bursting with the rich flavor of mature farmhouse cheddar and the sweetness of slowly caramelized onions, this dish makes for an excellent breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a comforting supper. Using thick slices of hearty bread ensures a satisfying texture that crisps beautifully in the oven. Easily prepped the night before, it’s a convenient make-ahead option that lets the creamy, cheesy custard soak into the bread, enhancing the flavor. Customize your dish with optional ingredients like tomatoes, ham, or chutneys to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy a warm, melty, and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to please cheese lovers everywhere.
4
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick bread (white or wholemeal)
8 slices (sliced)
butter
to taste (softened for spreading)
onion
1 (peeled and finely sliced)
mature farmhouse cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
milk
1 pint (none)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
English mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
fresh mixed herbs or dried herbs
1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon (chopped (fresh) or added (dried))
sliced tomatoes
optional (none)
sliced ham
optional (none)
cooked sausage
optional (sliced)
cooked and crumbled bacon
optional (none)
Branston pickle
optional (none)
chutney
optional (none)
Instructions
1
Butter 8 slices of thick bread generously on one side. Create sandwiches by layering the grated mature cheddar and the finely sliced onion between two slices of bread.
2
Cut each sandwich into four equal triangles.
3
Arrange the triangle sandwiches upright in a well-greased baking dish with the points facing upward.
4
If desired, add additional fillings to each sandwich such as ham, sliced tomatoes, or a smear of Branston pickle for extra flavor.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, lightly beaten eggs, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and fresh or dried herbs until well combined.
6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
7
Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the arranged sandwiches in the baking dish. If you have any remaining cheese or onions, sprinkle them on top for added flavor.
8
Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step lets the custard soak into the bread, resulting in a lighter pudding.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
10
Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper. This dish can be prepared the night before; just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition Information
20 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
20 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheddar and Onion Bread Pudding?
It is a savory version of the classic bread and butter pudding, featuring mature farmhouse cheddar and caramelized onions.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Thick slices of white or wholemeal bread are recommended to ensure a satisfying texture.
Can I use wholemeal bread instead of white bread?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests that both white and wholemeal bread work well.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the best flavor?
Mature farmhouse cheddar is recommended for its rich and robust flavor profile.
How should I prepare the onions?
The onions should be peeled and finely sliced before being layered into the bread sandwiches.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prep the dish the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
How long should the pudding rest before baking?
The dish should rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the egg custard to soak into the bread.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 200C or 400F.
How long does it take to bake this bread pudding?
It typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes for the custard to set and the top to become golden brown.
Can I add meat to this savory bread pudding?
Yes, you can add optional ingredients like sliced ham, cooked sausage, or crumbled bacon.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is suitable for vegetarians as long as you do not include the optional meat fillings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What herbs are recommended for seasoning?
You can use either one tablespoon of fresh mixed herbs or one teaspoon of dried herbs.
What are some suggested optional fillings for extra flavor?
You can include sliced tomatoes, Branston pickle, or various chutneys within the sandwiches.
For which meals is this dish appropriate?
This versatile dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a comforting supper.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many eggs are needed for the custard mixture?
The recipe calls for 3 lightly beaten eggs.
How much milk is required for the custard?
You will need 1 pint of milk to whisk together with the eggs and seasonings.
How should the sandwiches be arranged in the dish?
Cut the sandwiches into four triangles and arrange them upright in a well-greased baking dish with the points facing upward.
What type of mustard is used in the custard?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of English mustard powder.
How many slices of bread are used in total?
The recipe requires 8 slices of thick bread.
Should I add anything on top of the bread triangles before baking?
If you have any remaining cheese or onions, you can sprinkle them over the top for added flavor.
Why is the 30-minute resting period necessary?
The resting period allows the bread to absorb the custard, which results in a lighter, more flavorful pudding texture.
Does the bread need to be buttered?
Yes, 8 slices of bread should be generously buttered on one side.
Can I use Branston pickle in this recipe?
Yes, adding a smear of Branston pickle to the sandwiches is a recommended optional flavor enhancement.
How should the pudding be served?
The pudding is best served warm shortly after baking.
How do I know the pudding is fully cooked?
The dish is ready when the custard has set and the top is golden brown and bubbling.