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Ready to swap your usual morning routine for something a bit more exciting? If you’ve ever stared blankly into your fridge wondering what to whip up, this tale of a savory bread pudding might just save your day (and your taste buds). I first stumbled upon this gem during a crazy brunch potluck—yes, the one where everyone brings something that starts with “omlet breakfast ideas” or “tortilla quiche bake” but ends up looking meh. Long story short, mine stole the show, and ever since then I’ve made this my go-to healthy breakfast casserole for busy weekends.
Think of it as a hybrid of a **brunch casserole**, a **breakfast basket** favorite, and a **breakfast casserole overnight** miracle—all rolled into one. The magic lies in soaking hearty bread cubes in an herb-infused custard, then topping them with melty cheese and fresh herbs. Ever wondered why [breakfast casserole] recipes keep popping up on your feed? Because they’re ridiculously adaptable! You can toss in hashbrowns, tater tots, or even mini quiche fillings for fun.
Stick around if you crave **easy breakfast ideas** that feed a crowd without turning your kitchen into chaos. I’ll walk you through ingredients, steps, tasty variations, and my top tips for leftovers (yes, they last—which is perfect for breakfast casserole make ahead fans). Let’s dive into the world of **savory breakfast** wonders and get your oven preheated! 😊
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough or French loaf works best)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onion and garlic until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Layer Bread and Mix-ins
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle sautéed aromatics, diced ham/bacon, and half the cheese over the bread.
- Top with remaining bread and cheese.
- Whisk Custard
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread layers—press gently so every cube soaks up the custard.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top turns golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing—you’ll get neat squares, perfect for brunch or weekday breakfasts.
Variations
You love options, right? Here are a few fun spins on this **breakfast casserole recipe**:
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns: Swap one layer of bread for a layer of frozen hashbrowns. You can even prep it the night before—just cover and refrigerate.
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole: Replace bread entirely with a single layer of tater tots for a crispy, indulgent twist.
- Vegetarian Veggie Medley: Skip the meat and stir in diced bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a green-packed, meatless morning.
Serving & Tips
Got leftovers? I’ve got you covered. Store cooled squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or pop back in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp up the edges.
If you’re planning a **brunch potluck**, cut into bite-sized squares and serve with toothpicks—instant **mini quiche recipes** vibes! You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright pop of color.
Feeling seasonal? Swap in butternut squash or sweet potato cubes when fall rolls around, or add fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes in summer for a Mediterranean twist.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones you can tweak endlessly. This **Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese & Herbs** has earned a permanent spot in my recipe arsenal—whether it’s for **Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd** or a simple solo treat. IMO, nothing beats the comfort of warm, cheesy bread infused with herbs first thing in the morning.
Give it a go, make it your own, and let me know how you customized it. Did you try an **Egg Frittata** spin or throw in some spicy sausage? I wanna hear all about it (seriously, tag me!). Oh, and next time someone asks for **Breakfast Ideas Casserole**, you’ll have the ultimate showstopper ready to roll.
Follow me on Pinterest for recipes that feel like home—because, tbh, brunch should always feel cozy. 🙂
Savory Bread Pudding with Cheese & Herbs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and half of the Parmesan, along with parsley and thyme.
- Add the cubed bread and any optional mix-ins. Toss until all the bread soaks up the custard.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center sets and the top turns golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help it firm up nicely.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes—swap the bread for gluten-free cubes or use hearty gluten-free rolls. Make sure any mix-ins (like sausage) are also certified gluten-free.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 300°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I use different cheeses?
Go wild! Cheddar and Gruyère provide great melt and flavor, but you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of goat cheese and feta for a tangy twist.
Follow me on Pinterest for more breakfast casserole recipes!
