Cheesy Asparagus Bread Pudding

Indulge in the savory comfort of Cheesy Asparagus Bread Pudding, a decadent dish that pairs tender asparagus with the rich flavors of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe transforms day-old crusty bread into a golden, custard-soaked masterpiece. Blanched asparagus adds a vibrant, fresh twist, while a creamy mixture of eggs, heavy cream, and a touch of nutmeg ties everything together. Baked to perfection with a crisp, cheesy topping, this versatile dish serves as a show-stopping side or a satisfying vegetarian main. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it’s an ideal choice for family gatherings or weekend treats.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 350 g Asparagus
• 8 cups Crusty bread (day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 large Eggs
• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (optional, freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, then cut the spears into 1-inch pieces.

Step 3

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Set the custard mixture aside.

Step 6

In the greased baking dish, layer the bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle the blanched asparagus on top, followed by the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 7

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

Step 9

Let the bread pudding cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, savory creation as a side or a main dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3536.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8769.1

Total Fat 376.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 187.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 1605.8mg	0%
Sodium 15661.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 994.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.0g	0%
Total Sugars 83.8g
Protein 328.9g	0%

Vitamin D 285.9IU	0%
Calcium 4806.3mg	0%
Iron 63.2mg	0%
Potassium 3571.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.0%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 45.8%