This Stuffing Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food for the holiday season! Combining the savory flavors of sautéed vegetables, herbs, and cheese, it’s a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy family meal, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a holiday favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably stale), cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt. Toss to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, broth, and milk. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 350
Servings: 6
History and Inspiration
Stuffing bread pudding is a comforting dish that blends the savory flavors of traditional stuffing with the rich texture of a bread pudding. It’s often enjoyed during the fall and winter holidays, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it can also make a great side dish for any occasion. The combination of bread, eggs, broth, and seasonings has deep roots in European culinary traditions, but this dish takes it up a notch by transforming the classic stuffing into a rich, custard-like pudding.
The idea of “stuffing” dates back to medieval times, where various grains and vegetables were used to stuff meats. Over time, the concept evolved into the stuffing or dressing we recognize today, often baked in a casserole dish. The addition of a bread pudding twist adds a creamy, comforting element that is perfect for colder months.
Customization Ideas
- Meats: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked sausage, diced turkey, or even bacon to the stuffing bread pudding. This adds both richness and depth to the flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a great option, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fresher flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For more texture and color, you could add chopped mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a plant-based alternative like flax eggs, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: The type of bread you use can make a big difference. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. You can use white bread, whole wheat, or even brioche for a richer taste.
- Broth Choice: Using a flavorful broth is key to infusing the bread pudding with the right savory flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth are both excellent options, but you can also use homemade broth for an extra layer of richness.
- Resting Time: After you assemble the bread pudding, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to fully soak up the liquid, ensuring a moist, custardy texture throughout.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish the day before and refrigerate it, then bake it the next day. This makes it a great option for holiday meals when you need to save time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffing bread pudding is a wonderful balance of savory and comforting. It’s a versatile dish that can be served alongside roasted meats, turkey, or even as a main vegetarian dish. It’s an easy-to-make recipe with pantry staples that brings a touch of elegance and warmth to any meal. The creamy custard texture and crispy golden top are a perfect combination, and the flavors of the vegetables and herbs make every bite satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional stuffing or a new side dish to add to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Tips for Making Perfect Stuffing Bread Pudding
- Choose the Right Bread: Stale bread works best for this recipe. It absorbs the broth and egg mixture without becoming too soggy. You can use any type of bread, but a hearty, rustic bread like sourdough, French baguette, or even brioche will give the dish a wonderful texture and flavor. If you don’t have stale bread, simply dry it out in the oven for 10–15 minutes at a low temperature.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the bread cubes with the egg and broth mixture, make sure not to overmix. Gently stir to ensure the bread is well-coated with the liquid, but don’t break up the cubes too much. This will help maintain the texture of the pudding.
- Let It Rest: After assembling the dish, let it sit for about 15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb more of the liquid, making the pudding more flavorful and moist.
- Cover and Uncover During Baking: If the top is getting too brown before the dish is fully set, you can cover the casserole dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking and then uncover it to allow the top to crisp up for the last 10–15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffing bread pudding is a versatile dish that can easily be served as a side dish or even as a main vegetarian meal. Here are a few reasons why it’s perfect for the holiday season and beyond:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, savory filling combined with the crispy golden top creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s filling yet light, with a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish is an excellent option for meal prep. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This is particularly helpful when you’re hosting a holiday meal and need to save time on the day of.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover bread or want to use up extra vegetables, this is the perfect way to avoid waste. Plus, it tastes just as delicious the next day!
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a small group or a large crowd, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It pairs well with everything from roasted meats to roasted vegetables, and it can complement a wide variety of main dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffing bread pudding is incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost anything. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The richness of the bread pudding pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted poultry. Add some cranberry sauce on the side to add a tangy contrast.
- Gravy: A rich, flavorful gravy is the perfect accompaniment. Pour it over the top of the bread pudding for extra moisture and flavor.
- Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or steamed vegetables are a great side to balance out the heaviness of the bread pudding. The freshness of green beans or the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts works beautifully with the creamy texture of the pudding.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich, savory bread pudding.
Why This Recipe is Great for Holidays
This Stuffing Bread Pudding is ideal for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a special Sunday dinner. The combination of familiar flavors, like onion, garlic, and sage, gives it that nostalgic stuffing taste, but the bread pudding twist makes it a standout dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means less time in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying the company of loved ones.
Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or preparing for an intimate gathering, this dish will satisfy your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Its warm, homey feel makes it a perfect addition to any festive meal.
Conclusion
Stuffing bread pudding is a comforting and versatile dish that combines the savory flavors of traditional stuffing with the creamy texture of bread pudding. Perfect for holiday feasts or any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, and even meats.
This easy, make-ahead recipe is perfect for stress-free entertaining, and its rich, golden top and hearty flavors make it a favorite at any table. Whether served as a side or a main, stuffing bread pudding is sure to become a new holiday classic.