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Savory Leek Bread Pudding

Savory Leek Bread Pudding

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Savory Leek Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, cheesy, and deeply flavorful. Toasted cubes of French bread soak up a creamy custard infused with Dijon mustard, herbs, and sweet, buttery leeks. Perfect as a side dish or a cozy vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 cups bread cubes (about one large French bread loaf), toasted
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded (or Comté or Emmentaler)

Melted Leeks

  • 3 cups leeks (about 3-4 leeks, white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Custard

  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or brown mustard)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon chives or scallions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh grated, if possible)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or oil.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and salt, cooking gently until soft and translucent, about 10–12 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, chives, thyme, and nutmeg to make the custard mixture.
  4. Add the toasted bread cubes, melted leeks, and shredded Gruyere to a large mixing bowl. Toss until the bread is evenly coated with the leeks and cheese.
  5. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and toss gently to combine. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with a bit of extra cheese if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Notes

  • This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
  • Use day-old bread for the best texture — it absorbs the custard beautifully.
  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/savory-leek-bread-pudding/