Savoury Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Gruyère

Savoury Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Gruyère

This Savoury Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Gruyère balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.

Savoury Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Gruyère captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Savoury Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Gruyère becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf (about 12 ounces) crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450g) mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
6 large eggs
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 cup (20g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

PREPARATION STEPS

Prep the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, until lightly crisped. Set aside.
Cook the Mushrooms:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the mushrooms and thyme, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and the liquid has evaporated (8-10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese.
Assemble the Bread Pudding:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the toasted bread cubes and cooked mushroom mixture evenly in the dish.
Pour the custard mixture over the top, pressing gently to ensure the bread is fully soaked.
Add Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère and Parmesan (if using) over the top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Serve:
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main or side dish.
Pro Tips:
Add a handful of sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour and colour.
For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Approx. 300 kcal per serving | Serves 8
Bon appétit and enjoy this rich, cheesy dish!

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.

Related Articles