Introduction
Delve into a delightful recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of bacon, eggs, and cheese in a scrumptious bread bake. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. The combination of diced bacon or ham with creamy eggs and melted cheese, all soaked into bread cubes, creates an irresistible savory treat. What’s more, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great choice for gatherings or busy mornings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
6 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
1/4 tsp salt
Black pepper
7 cups (packed) any plain bread (I use baguettes), cut into 2 cm / 1 inch cubes (preferably slightly stale)
2 cups cheese, shredded
OPTIONAL GARNISH
parsley, finely chopped (garnish – optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes (or overnight for best results)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting time)
Yield: 8 servings
This simple yet delicious dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The savory combination of ingredients will warm your heart and fill your stomach, making it a crowd favorite. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Bacon
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. If you are not using a non-stick pan, add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the diced bacon (reserve some for topping just before baking) and cook until lightly browned. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and drain it on paper towels.
Whisk Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined. If you wish to leave the mixture overnight, you can use a container.
Soak Bread
Add the bread cubes, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Cover the mixture and set it aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Preheat Oven
While the bread is soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F, regardless of the oven type you are using.
Grease Cake Tin
Generously grease a 20cm/8″ springform cake tin with butter. If you do not have a springform pan, a regular cake pan without loose sides is also acceptable. Refer to the note about potential leakage for additional guidance.
Fill Cake Tin
Pour the bread mixture into the greased cake tin, pressing it down gently to compact it. Scatter the reserved uncooked bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Loosely cover the cake tin with aluminum foil.
Bake
Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The dish is ready when it is golden on top and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating no raw egg.
Rest & Slice
Once baked, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before removing the springform or turning it out of the cake pan. If desired, garnish with finely chopped parsley. Cut the dish into slices to serve. Consider serving it on a plate with a fork, or enjoy it with your hands for a more casual approach.
Notes
1. Bread
You can use any plain bread for this recipe, including white or wholemeal loaves, French sticks/baguettes, hamburger buns, or rolls. It is recommended to use slightly stale bread for better texture. Aim for a total of 7 packed cups of cubed bread, measuring by pressing down the cubes into a 1-cup measure.
2. Cheese
Any good melting cheese works well here, such as cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack. It is advisable to avoid using mozzarella as it lacks flavor, although if you choose to use it, consider adding an additional 1/4 tsp of salt.
3. Cake Pan
If a springform pan is not available, a standard cake pan or a 10″/25cm square baking dish can be used. Do not use a sandwich pan with a loose base, as the egg mixture may leak out.
4. Leftovers
Leftover portions can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days and reheated in the microwave. It can also be enjoyed at room temperature. The dish freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped in cling wrap and stored in an airtight container.
5. Nutrition
The nutritional information is based on 8 servings, including an estimation of bacon fat that has been discarded during cooking.
Cook techniques
Cooking Bacon
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. If not using non-stick, add a bit of oil. Cook the diced bacon until lightly browned, reserving some for topping.
Whisking Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Soaking Bread
In the egg mixture, add the cubed bread, shredded cheese, and cooked bacon. Mix until well combined, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the bread soak up the egg mixture.
Greasing the Cake Tin
Generously grease a 20cm (8-inch) springform cake tin with butter to prevent sticking while baking.
Baking the Dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Fill the prepared cake tin with the soaked bread mixture, patting it down to compress. Top with reserved bacon and remaining cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes before removing the foil to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
Resting and Serving
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
FAQ
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any plain bread such as white, wholemeal, or baguettes. Avoid dense artisan breads with thick crusts.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Good melting cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack work well. Avoid using mozzarella alone due to its lack of flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I reheat the dish?
Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave or enjoy it at room temperature.
Is there a risk of leaking from the cake pan?
If using a springform pan prone to leaking, place a tray on the shelf below as a precaution. Most of the egg should be absorbed by the bread.
Conclusion
This savory bread and bacon pudding offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its custardy center and crispy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized with various ingredients. Following the simple preparation steps, you can create a hearty dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
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