Savory Bread Pudding With Bacon Peppers And Spinach Recipes

SAVORY BREAD PUDDING WITH SPINACH AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 and spray an 8X8 pan.
• Whisk egg with milk, salt and pepper.
• Toss with the bread and set aside.
• Thaw and squeeze water out of spinach.
• In skillet, heat oil- and add onion and red pepper.
• Saute for about 5 minutes, then add mushrooms and garlic.
• Lower heat so garlic doesn't burn.
• Continue to saute for about 5 minutes.
• Add spinach and mix well and let cook about 5 minutes to remove any reamining moisture.
• Add the vegetables and 1/2 cup cheese to the egg/bread and toss well.
• Pour into prepared pan and top with 1/2 cup cheese.
• Bake at 350 for 50 minutes- then check to see if the center is set. Continue in 10 minute increments until set.
• (see above on optional water bath).

SAVORY BREAD PUDDING WITH BACON, PEPPERS, AND SPINACH

Steps:

• One day before preparing the pudding, place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let stand at room temperature overnight, or until the cubes are dried out.
• The next day, in a big skillet, cook the bacon over med-high heat, turning once, for 5 minutes, or until evenly browned and crisp; remove to paper towels to drain.
• Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish; arrange the cubes in the dish.
• Scatter the bacon, peppers, and spinach leaves evenly over the cubes.
• Sprinkle with the 2 cups cheese.
• With a large spoon, evenly distribute the ingredients.
• In a big bowl, whisk together or beat with an electric mixer on medium speed the eggs, milk, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until well blended.
• Ladle the milk mixture over the bread, using your fingers, if necessary, to press the bread into the liquid.
• Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese.
• Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
• The next morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator 1 hour before baking and preheat the oven to 350°.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until slightly puffed, set, and browned on the top.
• If the center is still underdone, push the bread down with a wooden spoon to help the bread absorb the liquid; bake for a few more minutes.
• Let rest for a few minutes and then cut into squares.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.