Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 45 min. + standing

Makes

9 servings (1-1/2 cups syrup)

Updated: Aug. 25, 2023
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 cups cubed day-old French bread
  • 1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2-1/4 cups 2% milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • SYRUP:
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in brown sugar. Cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
  2. In a greased 8-in. square baking dish, layer half of each of the following: bread, bacon, apples and cheese. Repeat layers. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon and salt; pour over top. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove bread pudding from refrigerator; uncover and let stand while oven heats. Bake until puffed and golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave syrup and walnuts until warmed, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding.

Can you freeze Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding?

After assembling, cover and freeze bread pudding. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake and serve bread pudding with syrup as directed.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece with 8 teaspoons syrup: 505 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.