Apple, Bacon, and Leek Bread Pudding
(from Lucianolinda’s recipe box)
Source: Archives
Serves 12 peopleCategories: Puddings- Custard-Mousse- Flan
Ingredients
- 1 lb. herbed country bread or other crusty country bread, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
- 8 oz. bacon
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced fresh mushrooms
- 4 large leeks, white and tender green parts only, cut in 3/4 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Granny Smith apples (1 lb.) or pears, cored and cut in wedges
- 6 eggs, lightly beaten
- 5 cups milk
- 6 oz. aged provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp. milk
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place bread cubes in two 15 × 10 × 1 inch baking pans or shallow roasting pan . Bake 15 to 20 minute or until crisp, rotating and stirring once. Set aside.
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Heat a very large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, drain bacon on paper towels, reserving 3 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, set aside.
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Add mushrooms to skillet, cook about 7 minutes or until just brown. Stir in leeks and garlic; cook until just tender. Add apples, cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until apples begin to soften. Remove from heat, add crumbled bacon and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
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In a 4 quart casserole or Dutch oven combine eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, bread cubes, and the leek mixture, toss well. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
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Remove from refrigerator. Let stand 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 minutes more or until instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 170 degrees. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.