Irish Cheddar and Vegetable Bread Pudding Recipe

By
Carrie Vasios Mullins
Carrie Vasios Mullins is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Carrie Vasios Mullins is the former national editor at Serious Eats, with a focus on all things sweet.
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Updated April 03, 2025
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Carrie Vasios Mullins

This savory bread pudding marries onions, carrots, thyme, and sharp cheddar cheese for an earthy, cheesy brunch, side or main course.

Note: If your bread isn't yet stale, you can toast it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Recipe Details

Irish Cheddar and Vegetable Bread Pudding Recipe

Prep 5 mins
Cook 75 mins
Active 20 mins
Chilling Time 30 mins
Total 110 mins
Serves 12 servings
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups (about 1 lb) stale country bread, cut into 1-inch squares (see note)

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3/4 cup carrots in 1/4-inch dice

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 20 ounces baby spinach

  • 10 eggs

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

  • 7 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add spinach and sauté until leaves are wilted, adding them in two batches if necessary. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

  2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat together eggs, milk, and whipping cream.

  3. In a large bowl, combine bread, spinach mixture, cheese, and thyme. Add egg mixture and toss to coat. Pour filling into baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the fridge for 30 minutes.

  4. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Bake until filling is set and bread at top is golden, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly before serving.

Special equipment

sauté pan, mixing bowls, 4 quart baking dish

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
271Calories
22gFat
7gCarbs
12gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories271
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g28%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Cholesterol 201mg67%
Sodium 236mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 7g2%
Dietary Fiber 2g5%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 15mg73%
Calcium 235mg18%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 424mg9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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