Savory Mushroom & Gruyere Bread Pudding
Rich, Comforting, and Perfect for Brunch!
Inspired by French cuisine, this Savory Mushroom & Gruyere Bread Pudding transforms humble bread into a rich, flavorful dish. With earthy mushrooms and nutty Gruyere, it’s an elegant yet comforting option for brunch, dinner, or festive celebrations.
Comforting Savory Mushroom & Gruyere Bread Pudding – Easy and Delicious Vegetarian Brunch Recipe
DifficultyMedium
Servings6
Prep time20 minutes
Cook time45 minutes
Total time1 hour5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Mushroom Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, (cremini or white), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably a hearty bread like sourdough or French bread)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, (optional)
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Mushroom Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 7-10 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated.
- Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
- 2
Prepare the Bread Pudding Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture, stirring gently to coat the bread with the liquid. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Stir in the grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
- 3
Assemble the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish.
- Layer the soaked bread mixture into the dish, then evenly spread the cooked mushrooms on top of the bread. Gently press down to compact the layers.
- 4
Bake the Bread Pudding:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set. You can test by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out clean when done.
- 5
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a savory side dish or as a brunch centerpiece.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x9-inch or similar)
- Large bowl for mixing
- Whisk
- Knife for slicing and dicing
Recipe Notes & Variations:
Substitutions:
- Mushrooms: Use any variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for different textures and flavors.
- Cheese: Gruyere can be replaced with Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Milk/Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or skim milk for the heavy cream. You can also use a dairy-free milk for a vegan option.
Pro Tips:
- Stale Bread: Use bread that is a few days old for the best texture. Fresh bread will be too soft and may become mushy when baked.
- Soak the Bread Well: Let the bread soak for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure it absorbs enough of the egg mixture for a rich and moist pudding.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the pudding after 40 minutes. It should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. Overbaking can make it dry.
FAQs:
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day for about 50 minutes.
Can I use a different type of bread?
- Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread is recommended, you can also use challah, brioche, or any other dense bread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
The savory bread pudding has roots in classic French cuisine, where stale bread was often repurposed into a hearty, filling dish. Over time, bread pudding evolved from a simple, frugal meal into a gourmet dish, especially when paired with rich ingredients like Gruyere cheese and mushrooms. This modern twist brings the classic together in a delightful, savory treat that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or even as a holiday side dish.
The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe
The key to this Savory Mushroom & Gruyere Bread Pudding lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The earthiness of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Gruyere cheese. When combined with cubed bread that soaks up the rich egg mixture, it creates a satisfying, comforting dish. The secret is to allow the bread to soak thoroughly before baking, ensuring it has the perfect texture.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
This dish can be both a vegetarian brunch showstopper and an excellent holiday side. The layers of mushroom gruyere bring a depth of flavor that is both rich and light at the same time. It’s the kind of dish that works equally well as a comforting family meal or as a savory casserole for guests at a special occasion.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
- Mushrooms: The earthy, savory star of the dish, sautéed with onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Gruyere Cheese: Rich, nutty, and creamy, it elevates the bread pudding to a decadent level.
- Egg-Cream Mixture: This binds the bread together, creating a custard-like texture.
- Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture beautifully, giving the pudding its structure.
What Occasions It’s Good For
- Holiday Side: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter as a comforting addition to your table.
- Easy Brunch Recipe: A showstopping dish for family brunch or gatherings with friends.
- Savory Casserole: An excellent addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
The Savory Mushroom & Gruyere Bread Pudding is the perfect dish for so many occasions. It combines hearty mushrooms with the rich flavors of Gruyere cheese, all soaked into bread and baked to perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
