Savory Garden Sweeper Bread Pudding

Elevate your dining experience with this delicious garden-inspired savory bread pudding. Enjoy a flavorful blend of bacon, garlic, mixed greens, raisins, and a hint of nutmeg, all baked to perfection and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. A delightful dish that will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

2	diced bacon slices
2	minced garlic cloves
2	shredded and packed greens (see note)
1	cup raisins
1	teaspoon salt
1	teaspoon black pepper (or more, if desired)
4	stale, soft bread cubes
3	cups milk
4	lightly beaten eggs
1⁄2	teaspoon nutmeg
2-4	tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
	zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

• Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a skillet, fry diced bacon over medium heat until slightly browned, approximately 3-5 minutes. Adjust the fat content by adding oil if needed or draining excess fat.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Incorporate shredded greens, raisins, salt, and pepper. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of water. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-8 minutes until the greens are tender.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together milk and beaten eggs. Add bread cubes and nutmeg, mixing well.
  5. Combine the cooked greens with the bread mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x8" baking pan. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until the custard is mostly set.
  6. Switch the oven to broil, remove the foil from the baking dish, and place it under the broiler. Allow it to brown for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with lemon zest, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Aug 13, 2024