Tomato and Basil Savory Bread Pudding

In a departure from sweet bread puddings, this savory version featuring cherry tomatoes, Romano cheese, and fresh basil makes a nice evening meal alongside a glass of wine.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 239 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces ciabatta bread, cut into cubes
• 1 cup packed, chopped fresh basil
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1.5 cups freshly grated Romano cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and place bread cubes in the dish.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes have softened slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in basil. Pour the entire tomato mixture over the bread. Sprinkle Romano cheese over top, then stir until well combined.

Step 3

Beat milk, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together for custard in a large bowl until smooth. Pour over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat.

Step 4

Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven until slightly puffed and golden, 24 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.