Irresistible Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding wafting through the house. It teases your senses, inviting you to indulge in its creamy goodness while making you feel like a culinary wizard. Picture this: soft, golden bread soaked in a luscious custard infused with sweet leeks and nutty Gruyère cheese, creating a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly day.

This delightful dish has been a family favorite during cozy gatherings, where laughter fills the air, and plates get passed around faster than you can say “seconds, please.” Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a festive holiday dinner, Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding is the star of the show, bringing everyone together for an unforgettable meal.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin Steve nearly fought me for the last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Day-Old Bread: I prefer using French bread; its texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.

• Leeks: Choose vibrant green leeks; they add a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the cheese.

• Gruyère Cheese: Opt for high-quality Gruyère; its nutty flavor makes all the difference in this recipe.

• Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for creating that rich custard texture we love in bread pudding.

• Milk and Cream: A mix of whole milk and heavy cream adds creaminess and depth to each bite.

• Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley will elevate the flavors with their aromatic freshness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks during baking.

Sauté the Leeks: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add sliced leeks. Cook until they turn soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes—and their sweet aroma fills your kitchen.

Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture should look smooth and inviting—like liquid gold!

Combine Ingredients: Tear your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in your greased baking dish. Sprinkle sautéed leeks over the bread, followed by generous amounts of grated Gruyère cheese.

Pour Custard Over Bread Mixture: Slowly pour your custard mixture over the bread. Gently press down on the bread pieces to ensure they’re all soaked—don’t worry if it looks messy; that’s part of its charm!

Bake to Perfection: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle. The anticipation will be almost unbearable as you await that first heavenly bite!

By following these steps, you’ll create an irresistible Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding that will leave everyone asking for seconds—or thirds! Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful creation with friends and family.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The best cooking sequence involves sautéing leeks first to soften them, then combining with bread and cheese before baking.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding cooked bacon or fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor. You can also swap Gruyère for another cheese that you love.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Sharing this savory leek and Gruyère bread pudding at a family gathering brought smiles all around, especially when my uncle asked for seconds (and thirds!).

FAQ

Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or fontina for unique flavors.

How long does it take to bake the bread pudding?

Bake your savory leek and Gruyère bread pudding for about 45-50 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Leek and Gruyère Bread Pudding is a heartwarming dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting culinary masterpiece. This rich, creamy pudding features soft, golden bread soaked in a velvety custard infused with sweet leeks and nutty Gruyère cheese. Perfect for brunch or as a festive side dish, it’s sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups day-old French bread, torn into pieces
• 2 cups leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the leeks until soft and translucent (5-7 minutes).
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Place torn bread pieces in the baking dish. Layer with sautéed leeks and half of the Gruyère cheese.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and gently press down to soak.
6. Top with remaining Gruyère cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 150mg