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Savoury Bread and Butter Pudding: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

There’s something profoundly comforting about bread and butter pudding. My grandmother, Elsie, used to make it every Sunday, but hers was always sweet, swimming in custard and plump with raisins. While I adored Elsie’s classic, I’ve always been drawn to the savory side of things. This recipe is my homage to her warmth, but with a decidedly moreish, cheesy, and garlic-infused spin. The aroma of the sautéed onion and garlic mingling with the sharp cheddar creates a heady invitation that’s impossible to resist, a beacon of cozy deliciousness on a chilly evening.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes (including resting time)
Servings: 4-6
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

6-8 slices white bread, with the crusts removed
1 1/2 ounces (approx.) soft butter
1 clove crushed garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 egg yolk
2 eggs
300 ml milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Some chopped parsley, for serving

Ingredient Note: For a richer flavour, consider using brioche or challah bread. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan for a more complex taste.

Equipment Needed

Large frying pan
Ovenproof dish (approximately 8×8 inches)
Mixing jug
Knife
Chopping board
Measuring spoons and cups
Aluminum foil (optional, to prevent over-browning)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the aromatic base. Melt a little of the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and paprika. Fry until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
While the onion mixture cools, butter the bread slices liberally with the remaining soft butter. Also, generously butter the inside of your ovenproof dish.
Cut each slice of buttered bread into triangles.
Arrange approximately 6 slices of buttered bread, butter side up, in the prepared ovenproof dish. It’s okay if they overlap slightly; this adds to the texture.
Sprinkle over half of the sautéed onion-garlic mix evenly across the bread. Then, sprinkle over half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Arrange the remaining bread triangles on top of the onion-garlic-cheese layer, this time with the butter side facing down.
Top this second layer of bread with the remaining onion-garlic mix and the remaining cheddar cheese.
In a mixing jug, whisk together the egg yolk, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Be sure to whisk well to ensure the egg is fully incorporated and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Pour the egg-milk mixture evenly over the bread layers in the ovenproof dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to a maximum of 2 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a deliciously moist and tender pudding.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Uncover the pudding and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. The pudding should be puffed up and slightly wobbly in the center. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Remove the savoury bread and butter pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary to the onion mixture while it’s frying.
If you find the pudding is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Day-old bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the custard more effectively.
Don’t skip the resting time! This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful pudding.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
You can prepare the pudding ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Savoury Bread and Butter Pudding warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It makes a fantastic side dish to roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or a hearty salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts until heated. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. While technically safe to leave at room temperature for a couple of hours, refrigeration is always recommended for custard-based dishes. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will be significantly altered.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	371 kcal	19%
Total Fat	23.1g	35%
Saturated Fat	13g	65%
Cholesterol	208.4mg	69%
Sodium	522.4mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	26.2g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.4g	5%
Sugars	3.2g	12%
Protein	14.7g	29%

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, cheese, and milk alternatives (such as almond or oat milk). Note that this will alter the flavour profile. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavour.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion mixture for a touch of heat.
Vegetable Boost: Incorporate some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the onion mixture.
Herby: Mix in some fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to the custard for an extra layer of flavour.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pudding and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What kind of cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar provides a lovely flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a combination.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While white bread is traditional, you can use other types of bread like brioche or challah for a richer flavour.

Q: How do I know when the pudding is done?
A: The pudding is done when the top is golden brown, the custard has set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I reheat this?
A: Yes, you can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Savoury Bread and Butter Pudding is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the simple pleasures, and create a dish that will warm both your heart and your stomach. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with your favorite cheeses and herbs, and make it your own. I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures with this recipe, so please share your feedback and any delicious variations you discover. Perhaps serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Savoury Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe