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Savory Leek Bread Pudding

Savory Leek Bread Pudding
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Savory Leek Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dish blending tender leeks, creamy custard, and golden baked bread. Perfect for brunch, dinner sides, or a hearty snack, it combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a cozy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and customizable to your tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh, tender leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced thinly

Bread

  • 6 cups day-old sturdy bread (such as sourdough or French baguette), cut into bite-sized cubes

Custard

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cheese & Butter

  • 1 cup grated Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing leeks and greasing the dish)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or chives), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Leeks: Trim and thoroughly clean the leeks to remove any grit. Slice them thinly, then sauté in butter over medium heat until soft and golden, releasing their sweet, oniony aroma.
  2. Cube the Bread: Cut the day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking tray and toast lightly in the oven or let them air dry to ensure they will absorb the custard evenly without becoming soggy.
  3. Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Stir in the grated cheese and fresh herbs to infuse flavor into the custard.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the sautéed leeks and bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure every piece is well-coated. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid fully.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for better absorbency and texture; fresh bread may result in a mushy pudding.
  • Do not skip sautéing the leeks, as this develops their sweetness and removes any raw onion flavor.
  • Allow the bread cubes to soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking for optimal texture.
  • Add fresh herbs into the custard just before baking to maintain their brightness and flavor.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory bread pudding, leek recipe, brunch recipe, comforting dish, savory custard bake

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