Print

Savory Leek Bread Pudding

Savory Leek Bread Pudding
Print Recipe

Savory Leek Bread Pudding is a comforting and versatile dish combining the subtle sweetness of tender leeks with a rich custard base soaked in stale bread, savory herbs, and creamy cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this baked pudding offers warm flavors and a satisfying texture that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh leeks, cleaned and chopped
  • 4 cups stale bread cubes (day-old French baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups Gruyere or cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing leeks)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the leeks: Thoroughly wash and thinly slice the leeks. Sauté them in butter over medium heat until soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.
  2. Cube the bread: Cut stale or day-old bread into bite-sized cubes, ensuring it is firm enough to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
  3. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs until fully blended and smooth.
  4. Combine ingredients: Grease a baking dish. Layer the bread cubes and sautéed leeks evenly, then pour the custard mixture over everything, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  5. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top to form a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
  6. Bake the pudding: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown with a slight crisp.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to soak the custard better without falling apart during baking.
  • Sauté leeks gently to bring out their natural sweetness and prevent bitterness.
  • Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and develop flavor.
  • Season properly with salt and pepper to enhance all flavor layers.
  • Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast to avoid burning while the custard cooks through.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory bread pudding, leek bread pudding, comfort food, brunch recipe, custard bread bake, cheesy bread pudding, leek recipe

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/savory-leek-bread-pudding/