Savory Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Bread Pudding
A rich, custardy savory bread pudding combining tangy goat cheese with salty prosciutto and earthy mushrooms. The creamy base transforms day-old bread into an elegant brunch centerpiece or sophisticated side dish. Toasted pine nuts add crunch while fresh thyme brings herbaceous brightness. Perfect for holiday entertaining or weekend gatherings when you want something impressive yet comforting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 6 ounces chevre cheese, finely crumbledricotta1:1vegetarianadds dairy
milder flavor
- 3 ounces prosciutto, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 2 shallots, minced
- 4 cremini mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- 1
Toast bread cubes in oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through
- 2
Leave oven on
- 3
Mix together eggs, yolk, milk, and cream until thoroughly blended
- 4
Toss together bread cubes, prosciutto, shallot, mushrooms, pine nuts, thyme, and pepper
- 5
Spray or lightly butter baking pan and pour in bread mixture
- 6
Pat to distribute evenly
- 7
Crumble the chevre over all and mix in slightly with hands
- 8
Pour egg mixture over bread cubes
- 9
Sprinkle with shredded cheese for a golden crust
- 10
Bake for 30-40 minutes, until it springs back when poked in the middle or thermometer reads above 145 degrees
Tips
Use day-old bread for best texture - fresh bread becomes too soggy.
Let the assembled pudding sit 15 minutes before baking for better custard absorption.
Test doneness with a knife inserted in center - it should come out mostly clean.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days covered. Reheat individual portions in microwave.
Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to bake time if cold.
Serve warm cut into squares. Pairs well with simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Use stale bread to avoid soggy texture.
Don't skip toasting bread cubes or pudding will be mushy.
Check internal temperature to avoid underbaked center.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What if I don't have goat cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese work well as substitutes. Use the same amount but expect a milder, less tangy flavor profile.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.