Savory Sourdough Cheddar Bread Pudding
This Savory Sourdough Cheddar Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining the tanginess of sourdough with the rich, creamy flavor of two types of cheddar cheese. Perfect for brunch, a cozy family dinner, or as a side at your next gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The batter soaks overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring a rich, custardy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy top. Serve it warm, and watch as everyone digs in for seconds!
N/A
Servings
667
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
sourdough bread
10 slices (cubed)
cheddar cheese
6 ounces (grated)
sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (grated)
milk
2 cups (whole milk recommended)
egg yolks
3 (from large eggs)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (ground or powdered)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for heat)
Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes (for flavor)
egg whites
3 (from large eggs)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
2
Add the cubed sourdough bread to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly with butter. Allow it to toast slightly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in both types of grated cheddar cheese until well combined with the bread mixture. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, salt, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined and smooth.
5
Gradually pour the milk mixture over the bread and cheese, gently folding to ensure all bread cubes are soaked in the custard mixture.
6
In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the bread mixture until just combined.
7
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
9
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the bread pudding uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
42g
Fat
50g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sourdough Cheddar Bread Pudding?
It is a savory twist on traditional bread pudding that uses sourdough bread and two types of cheddar cheese for a tangy and rich flavor profile.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of sourdough bread, cubed and toasted.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe specifies cheddar and sharp cheddar, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
Why does the bread need to be toasted in butter first?
Toasting the bread cubes in butter for about 5 minutes helps them hold their shape and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish.
What is the recommended milk for this bread pudding?
Whole milk is recommended to achieve the best custardy texture.
Do I need to separate the eggs?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 egg yolks for the custard base and 3 egg whites to be beaten separately and folded in.
What seasonings provide the flavor in this dish?
The flavors are enhanced with salt, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Is this bread pudding spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a mild heat, but it is not considered an overly spicy dish.
Why must the mixture be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together.
At what temperature should I bake the bread pudding?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How long does it take to bake?
It typically takes 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9-inch square baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
Can I make this dish the same day?
The recipe is designed for overnight soaking to ensure the bread is properly hydrated, so same-day baking may result in a different texture.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 667 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 42g of fat per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
This dish provides 25g of protein per serving.
What are 'stiff peaks' in egg whites?
Stiff peaks mean the egg whites are beaten until they stand straight up without collapsing when the beaters are lifted.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add sautéed onions, spinach, or peppers to create more variety in the savory pudding.
What is the purpose of the dry mustard?
Dry mustard acts as a flavor enhancer that specifically complements and sharpens the taste of the cheddar cheese.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 12 ounces of cheese: 6 ounces of regular cheddar and 6 ounces of sharp cheddar.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become crispy and golden.
Is this suitable for a brunch side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as an excellent choice for brunch, family dinners, or social gatherings.
Can I substitute the sourdough bread?
While sourdough provides the intended tang, you could use French bread or Challah, though the flavor profile will change.
How should I serve the bread pudding?
It is best served warm after allowing it to cool slightly following the baking process.
Does this recipe use Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce are added to the custard mixture for savory depth.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this is a savory recipe and does not list sugar as an ingredient.
Can I use low-fat milk?
You can, but the final result will be less creamy and may have a thinner custard consistency.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I prepare this without a mixer?
While a mixer is best for achieving stiff peaks with egg whites, you can whisk them by hand with significant effort.