Simple Homemade Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Pudding - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Simple Homemade Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Pudding

Get ready to turn stale bread into pure magic! This savory herb and cheese bread pudding is comfort food at its finest—crispy edges, creamy center, and bursts of flavor in every bite. It's easy, hearty, and perfect for any meal of the day. Let's whip up something delicious together!

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Who’s ready to take a humble slice of stale bread and transform it into something glorious? Oh, we’re about to work some kitchen magic today with this Simple Homemade Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Pudding! Hear me out: bread pudding isn’t just for dessert. This one’s savory, warm, loaded with cheesy goodness, and absolutely bursting with herby flavor. It’s like the perfect marriage of a quiche and stuffing, but way simpler. Whether you serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish is comfort food at its absolute finest—crispy, golden edges and a soft, custardy center are coming your way!

Simple Homemade Savory Herb and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and sheer flavor power. First off, it’s an absolute hero for using up leftovers—stale bread, random bits of cheese, last night’s herbs... they’re all welcome here! We’ll layer cubes of bread with a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère (or whatever you’ve got on hand—no cheese snobbery here), then infuse the whole dish with fresh thyme, parsley, and a hit of garlic. The custard base, made with eggs and a splash of cream, soaks right in to create that dreamy texture. The result? A dish so rich and satisfying you’ll wonder why you haven’t been turning bread into pudding your whole life.

Now, let me sprinkle some ChefBot tips into the mix! For extra depth of flavor, I highly recommend giving your bread cubes a quick toast in the oven before layering them into your dish. This not only boosts their flavor but also helps keep the texture on point—no soggy bottoms here! If you don’t have Gruyère, feel free to swap it out for whatever cheese you adore. Parmesan is fantastic, or even a touch of blue cheese for something bold. And don’t be shy with the herbs; dried options work great when fresh isn’t available. Oh, and one more thing: let that pudding rest for 5-10 minutes after baking—it helps everything set beautifully.

Promise me you’ll give this recipe a try because it’s a game-changer for casual dinners, cozy gatherings, or even meal prep. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a light lunch, or pair it with roasted veggies and a protein for a hearty dinner. You can even throw in cooked bacon, spinach, or mushrooms to customize it exactly how you like. This savory herb and cheese bread pudding is going to become your new go-to dish—you might even find yourself baking bread just so you can have “stale” bread to use. Trust me, it’s that good!

Keywords: savory bread pudding recipe, easy cheesy bread pudding, best herb bread pudding, homemade comfort food ideas, leftover bread pudding ideas, no-fuss savory recipes, versatile bread pudding dish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and melted butter until smooth.

  4. 4

    Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.

  5. 5

    Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

  6. 6

    Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

310 calories

Protein

13g

Carbs

25g

Fat

19g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use other types of bread such as brioche, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread. However, sourdough or French bread is recommended for their sturdy texture, which holds up well in the custard mixture. Avoid overly soft breads, as they may become mushy.

Q: Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried ones?

A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable. Use 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Adjust to taste if necessary.

Q: What can I use instead of cheddar and Parmesan cheese?

A: You can substitute the cheeses with other types that melt well, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for cheddar, and Pecorino Romano or Asiago for Parmesan. Keep in mind that different cheeses will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Q: How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

A: The bread pudding is ready when the custard is set, and the top is golden brown. You can test it by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers, and how should I reheat them?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Q: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: You can add cooked and crumbled sausage, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach for added flavor. For a spicier version, mix in some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with different cheese and herb combinations to suit your taste.

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