Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Bread Pudding

This Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Bread Pudding is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to make and a great way to use up stale bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter / olive oil / oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 6 cups cubed stale bread (about 500g) – a hearty loaf like sourdough or ciabatta works well
• 1 cup cooked bacon, diced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese of choice
• 6 large eggs
• 1 370 ml can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), chopped, for garnish or dried herbs of choice

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
   • Preheat the oven to 380°F (180°C) or preheat the air fryer to 340°F (180°C).
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
   • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Bread Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and the spinach mixture.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and mustard powder (if using).
5. Combine and Soak:
   • Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring all pieces of bread are well coated.
   • Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
6. Bake:
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
   • Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
   • If using an air fryer, bake for about 12-13 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh or dried herbs before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Cooking Tips:

• Use a variety of cheeses for extra flavor.
• Ensure the bread is stale for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Spinach: Adds vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber.
• Eggs: Provide protein and essential nutrients.
• Cheese: Adds calcium and protein.

Dietary Information:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect for any meal.
• Versatile: Great for using up leftover bread and customizable with different ingredients.
• Flavorful: Packed with cheese, bacon, and fresh spinach.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Bread Pudding is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Enjoy making and eating this comforting recipe. Bon appétit!

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Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Bread Pudding

Recipe card for Cheesy Bacon and Spinach Bread Pudding.

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Course: Dessert

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter / olive oil / oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 6 cups cubed stale bread (about 500g) – a hearty loaf like sourdough or ciabatta works well
• 1 cup cooked bacon, diced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese of choice
• 6 large eggs
• 1 370 ml can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder optional
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), chopped, for garnish or dried herbs of choice

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat the oven to 380°F (180°C) or preheat the air fryer to 340°F (180°C).
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
5. Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and the spinach mixture.
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and mustard powder (if using).
7. Combine and Soak: Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring all pieces of bread are well coated.
8. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
9. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
10. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
11. If using an air fryer, bake for about 12-13 minutes or until cooked through.
12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh or dried herbs before serving.

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