Savory French Onion Bread Pudding
Indulge in this delightful Savory French Onion Bread Pudding, combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese. This dish is an updated take on the classic French Onion Soup, transforming it into a warm and hearty baked delight. Perfectly paired with a succulent beef roast or roasted chicken, it can also stand alone as a comforting main dish. Every bite is infused with savory goodness, offering a creamy texture and cheesy top that will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather your loved ones and serve this inviting dish at your next gathering or cozy dinner.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
8 tablespoons (Melted)
Corn oil or Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (Used for cooking onions)
Onions
8 cups (Thinly sliced)
Dry vermouth
1/4 cup (Added for deglazing)
Garlic clove
1 (Split in half)
Stale crusty French bread
6 ounces (Cut into chunks)
Gruyere or Swiss cheese
2 cups (Grated)
Eggs
3 (Beaten slightly)
Half-and-half
2 cups (Mixed with eggs)
Salt
To taste (Seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
To taste (Seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a heavy pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter along with the corn or vegetable oil over low heat.
3
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot, covering it to steam for about 15 minutes to soften the onions.
4
Once softened, uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium. Stir occasionally, cooking until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
5
Pour the dry vermouth into the pot and boil for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom to release any caramelized bits until the liquid evaporates.
6
Prepare a 1 1/2-quart shallow round casserole dish by rubbing the cut sides of the garlic clove all over the inside, then discard the garlic.
7
In a large bowl, combine the bread chunks and the caramelized onions, tossing to mix.
8
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
9
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the bread and onions.
10
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
11
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the half-and-half, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
12
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese, ensuring even coverage. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down into the liquid.
13
For enhanced flavor, this dish can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
14
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown on top.
15
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory dish immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory French Onion Bread Pudding?
It is a savory twist on bread pudding that incorporates the flavors of French Onion Soup, featuring caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I steam the onions initially?
Cover the pot and steam the thinly sliced onions over low heat for about 15 minutes to soften them.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
After steaming, cook the onions uncovered over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes until deeply browned.
What type of oil is used for the onions?
You can use either corn oil or vegetable oil along with butter.
What is used to deglaze the pot?
1/4 cup of dry vermouth is used to deglaze the pot and release caramelized bits.
How do I prepare the casserole dish with garlic?
Rub the cut sides of a split garlic clove all over the inside of the dish, then discard the garlic.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 1 1/2-quart shallow round casserole dish is recommended.
What type of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of stale, crusty French bread cut into chunks.
Which cheeses work best for this recipe?
Gruyere or Swiss cheese are the best options for this savory dish.
How much cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 2 cups of grated cheese.
What is the total amount of butter used?
A total of 8 tablespoons (one stick) of butter is used in the recipe.
What ingredients make up the custard liquid?
The liquid is a mixture of 3 beaten eggs, 2 cups of half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
How should I ensure the bread is soaked properly?
Use a spatula to gently press the bread chunks down into the egg and half-and-half mixture.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the dish can be covered and refrigerated overnight for enhanced flavor.
What must I do if I refrigerated the dish overnight?
Ensure you bring the casserole to room temperature before placing it in the oven to bake.
How long does the pudding need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
What is the indicator that the bread pudding is finished?
It is done when the top is puffed and golden brown.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Allow it to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven before serving.
Is this dish a side or a main?
It works perfectly as a side dish for beef or chicken, but can also be served as a comforting main dish.
What does the dry vermouth add to the recipe?
The vermouth adds depth of flavor and helps lift the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot.
How many cups of onions are required?
The recipe requires 8 cups of thinly sliced onions.
Can I use fresh French bread?
Stale bread is preferred as it absorbs the liquid better without becoming too mushy, but you can toast fresh bread chunks to dry them out.
What seasoning is used for the custard?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to the egg and half-and-half mixture to taste.
How much half-and-half is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of half-and-half.
Is the onion mixture added to the bread or vice versa?
The bread chunks and caramelized onions are tossed together in a large bowl before being transferred to the dish.
Is the cheese mixed in or just put on top?
The grated cheese is sprinkled evenly over the top of the bread and onion mixture.
What is the texture of this dish?
Every bite offers a creamy interior texture with a cheesy, golden top.
Can I substitute the Gruyere?
Yes, Swiss cheese is a suggested alternative if Gruyere is not available.