Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe

If you are looking for a heartwarming dish that combines the subtle sweetness of leeks with the nutty richness of cheese, you have to try this Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s a comforting, elegant, and utterly delicious way to elevate simple bread into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Whether you serve it for brunch, a cozy dinner, or as a fancy side, this dish brings a perfect balance of creaminess, tender vegetables, and golden baked goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each element plays an important role: from the crispy toasted bread cubes that give it structure, to the creamy custard that envelops everything, and of course, the heavenly Gruyère cheese that adds a luscious melt and flavor punch.

• 12 cups bread cubes: Use a sturdy, crusty French loaf to ensure perfect texture after baking.
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese: Shredded for that nutty, rich melt; Comté or Emmentaler are lovely substitutes.
• 3 cups leeks: Only the white and light green parts for a mild, sweet flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the leeks just right.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creamy depth when cooking the leeks.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps soften the leeks without overpowering them.
• 4 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, providing richness and structure.
• 4 cups milk: Balances the custard’s creaminess with freshness.
• 2 cups half and half: Adds luscious silkiness to the custard mix.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang that brightens the savory flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the custard’s flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Adds subtle warmth without harshness.
• 1 tablespoon chives or scallions: Fresh chopped herbs for a mild oniony lift.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme: Earthy notes that marry beautifully with leeks and cheese.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: A hint of warmth and magic that completes the dish.

How to Make Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the bread pudding to bake evenly, letting the custard set while the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 2: Clean and Slice the Leeks

Take the white and tender light green parts of about 3–4 leeks and slice them into 1/2 inch rounds. Soaking them briefly in lukewarm water helps loosen any hidden dirt, ensuring your pudding is fresh and clean. Remember to let the dirt settle before straining the leeks.

Step 3: Cook the Leeks to Tender Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your drained leeks without oil at first. Season with kosher salt and pepper, stirring for around 5 minutes to start releasing their sweetness. Then reduce the heat, add butter and olive oil, cover, and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring periodically until the leeks soften into a buttery, melting texture.

Step 4: Toast the Bread Cubes

Cut your French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step is crucial because dry, golden bread cubes will soak up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, milk, and half and half until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, white pepper, fresh chopped herbs, and the freshly grated nutmeg. This mixture is the flavorful creamy base that binds the bread and leeks into a luscious pudding.

Step 6: Combine Leeks and Bread Cubes

Add the tender cooked leeks to the bowl with toasted bread cubes and toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly—this ensures every bite bursts with leek flavor and soft, buttery bread.

Step 7: Assemble the Bread Pudding

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded Gruyère cheese across the bottom for a melty, cheesy base. Layer half the leek and bread mix over it, sprinkle another half cup of cheese, then top with the remaining bread and leek mixture for a well-balanced cheese-to-bread ratio.

Step 8: Add Custard and Let It Soak

Pour most of your custard over the bread mixture, pressing down gently so the cubes soak up all the creamy goodness. Letting it sit for 10 minutes before baking helps the flavors meld and the bread absorb maximum custard.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Custard and Cheese

Pour the remaining custard over the top, allowing some bread cubes to peek through for a luscious texture contrast. Finish with the last of the shredded Gruyère, ensuring a rich and bubbly golden crust once baked.

Step 10: Bake Until Puff and Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 1 1/2 hours until puffed up and lightly browned. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a welcome reward while you wait!

Step 11: Rest and Serve Warm

Allow your savory creation to cool slightly so the custard can set fully. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and tender leeks in every satisfying bite.

How to Serve Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped scallions brightens up the rich pudding and adds a lovely pop of green. You can even add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for an elevated touch.

Side Dishes

This rich Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a bright tomato salad to cut through the richness. A simple bowl of lightly dressed arugula or a fresh citrus salad brings balance and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming brunch or dinner, serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins topped with a small nest of microgreens or edible flowers. Alternatively, cut into squares and serve alongside roasted meats or grilled fish, turning it into a delightful accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread pudding before baking. Assemble it fully in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices or the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and the top regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pudding soggy instead of delightfully creamy and textured.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gruyère?

Absolutely! Comté and Emmentaler are great substitutes, offering similar nutty and creamy qualities. You can also experiment with sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, though it will slightly change the character of the dish.

Is it necessary to toast the bread cubes first?

Toasting the bread cubes is a key step to achieve that perfect texture; it helps the bread absorb the custard without turning mushy and ensures the pudding has a delightful bite with a golden crust.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-based broths. Just be sure your cheese is free from animal rennet if you follow strict vegetarian guidelines.

How spicy is this bread pudding?

The dish is gently seasoned with white pepper and a bit of mustard, which provide a subtle warming flavor rather than heat. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and assemble the bread pudding the day before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh just before serving. This makes entertaining easier and ensures the pudding is hot and bubbly when your guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender leeks, rich custard, and melty Gruyère creates a luxurious texture and flavor you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch this humble bread pudding become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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