Sausage and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding

Bold, savory, and irresistibly cozy, this Sausage and Caramelized Onion Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Perfect for brunch or dinner, this hearty dish combines golden caramelized onions, savory Italian sausage, and melty Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese with cubes of day-old bread soaked in a luscious custard of eggs, milk, cream, and Dijon mustard. Fresh thyme adds an aromatic depth, while the crispy, cheesy topping delivers a satisfying crunch. Ready in just over an hour, this baked delight shines as a standalone meal or a decadent side. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onion
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups day-old bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cups grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dijon mustard, thyme leaves, remaining salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they're fully soaked. Let stand for 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

Step 7

Fold the caramelized onions, cooked sausage, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese into the bread mixture. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 8

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 10

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3997.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9389.8

Total Fat 419.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 171.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 1967.0mg	0%
Sodium 19081.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1000.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 57.7g	0%
Total Sugars 64.3g
Protein 365.0g	0%

Vitamin D 474.2IU	0%
Calcium 5188.8mg	0%
Iron 81.5mg	0%
Potassium 5432.0mg	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: 40.9%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 43.3%