Savory Apple-Bacon Bread Pudding

By ltrodrigu

Ingredients

• Butter for greasing pan
• 6 slices bacon, preferably applewood-smoked
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 5 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups cubed (about 1-inch pieces) Challah bread (from 1 loaf)
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from wsj.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in middle. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then coarsely crumble.

Pour off most, but not all, of bacon fat from skillet. Increase heat to medium-high. Sauté shallots and garlic, stirring, until fragrant and softened, about 1 minute. Add apples and cook, stirring, until softened, 2 minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, salt and pepper. Stir in bread, apple mixture and bacon. Transfer to loaf pan, then sprinkle top with Gruyère.

Cover pan with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more. Serve warm.