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Sweet and Savory Bread Pudding

Why should stuffing be only a once- or twice-a-year treat? A savory bread pudding has all the comfort food flavors of stuffing with no need for the bird. This one is especially delicious, packed with homey winter vegetables and a hint of sweetness and spice. Serve it at your holiday feast or with any meal you want to make a touch more festive.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (1-pound) loaf of brioche, challah, or sourdough bread, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces
3 cups heavy cream
8 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.

    Step 2

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the butternut squash and parsnips. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until slightly softened. Set aside to cool.

    Step 3

    Put the bread in a large bowl. In another large bowl, combine the heavy cream, eggs, and brandy. Whisk in 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, the vegetable oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and thyme until smooth. Pour the cream mixture over the bread. Add the cooled vegetables and toss until the bread and vegetables are coated. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

    Step 4

    Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the bread pudding is puffed and golden (cover the pan with foil if the top becomes too brown during baking).

Giada at Home by Giada De Laurentiis. Copyright © 2010 by Giada De Laurentiis. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Giada De Laurentiis is the star of Food Network's Everyday Italian and Behind the Bash. She attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and then worked in a variety of Los Angeles restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Spago, before starting her own catering and private-chef company, GDL Foods. The granddaughter of movie producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada was born in Rome and grew up in Los Angeles, where she now lives.
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