Start your morning with a warm, comforting dish that’s full of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This savory bread pudding is the perfect way to transform simple bread into a delicious breakfast everyone will love.
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little butter. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt some butter and sauté the onions, green and red bell peppers, along with black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until the veggies are nice and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the parsley, then take the pan off the heat and let it cool.
Next, cook the sausage in another skillet over medium heat until it’s browned, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain it on some paper towels to get rid of the excess grease.
In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, and the rest of the salt and pepper. Toss in the bread cubes and let everything soak for about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the sausage, bacon, sautéed veggies, cheddar cheese, half of the bread crumbs, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared dish and cover it with foil.
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes, until it’s almost set. While that’s baking, mix the remaining bread crumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
When the pudding is nearly done, take it out (leave the oven on), remove the foil, and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top. Turn up the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20 minutes or so, until it’s fully set, puffed up, and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let everything settle.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture and to absorb the custard well.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of aroma.
This dish combines the comforting texture of bread pudding with savory Italian flavors, making it a satisfying and unique breakfast option. It’s easy to prepare ahead and warms up beautifully, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a nice finishing touch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the pudding moist and flavorful. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
