BreakfastReader rated
Italian-style Breakfast Bread Pudding
Start your morning with a warm, comforting dish that combines savory Italian flavors with the cozy texture of bread pudding. It’s an easy, delicious way to brighten up breakfast and impress your family or guests.
◷1 hr 45 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Saut Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a medium skillet, melt a little butter over medium-high heat, then add chopped onions, green and red bell peppers, some black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in some fresh parsley, then take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool.
2
Cook Sausage and Soak Bread
Next, heat another skillet over medium and cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss in cubed bread and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
3
Combine and Bake Casserole
Once the bread has absorbed the egg mixture, stir in the cooked sausage, some crispy bacon, the sautéed veggies, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well, then pour it into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes until it’s mostly set.
4
Add and Bake Topping
While that’s baking, mix together the remaining bread crumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. When the pudding is almost done, take it out, remove the foil, and sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the surface. Turn the oven up to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or so, until it’s puffed up, golden on top, and fully set in the middle.
5
Let it Rest
Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let everything settle and make slicing easier. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines savory Italian flavors with the comforting texture of bread pudding. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and makes for a hearty breakfast or brunch. The mix of eggs, cheese, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
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 fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch. Pair it with a cup of coffee or fresh juice for a complete morning meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
