Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding: 4 Amazing Twists

Savory zucchini bread pudding has become my go-to dish for using up that summer garden bounty, and I think you’re going to adore it. This isn’t your sweet, breakfast-style bread pudding; oh no, this is a hearty, cheesy bake that smells absolutely incredible as it cooks. I remember the first time I made this savory zucchini bread pudding recipe for a potluck. People kept asking what that amazing dish was, and I proudly shared my creation. If you’ve ever wondered what is savory zucchini bread pudding, it’s essentially a savory custard baked with cubes of bread and delicious zucchini, creating a comforting, flavorful casserole that works perfectly as a side or even a light main course. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

• Incredible savory flavor that pairs perfectly with many meals.
• Surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a weeknight winner.
• Packed with vegetables for a healthier spin on comfort food.
• Budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and garden zucchini.
• A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• The addition of savory zucchini bread pudding with cheese makes it extra decadent.
• It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and zucchini.
• This savory zucchini bread pudding with cheese is so satisfying and comforting.

Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding Ingredients

Gathering the right savory zucchini bread pudding ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 cups diced zucchini – about two medium zucchini, any variety works
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 1 medium onion, diced – adds a sweet, savory base
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – provides an earthy, herbaceous note
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread – French or Italian bread is perfect, as it soaks up the custard beautifully
• 4 large eggs – these bind everything together and create the rich custard
• 2 cups milk – whole milk makes it extra creamy
• 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar or mozzarella are great choices for meltiness
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty topping
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped – optional, but adds a lovely fresh finish

How to Make Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

Let’s get started on this delightful dish! Learning how to make savory zucchini bread pudding is easier than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding.

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.
2. Step 2: Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it sauté until it’s nice and soft, about 5 minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful aroma!
3. Step 3: Now, add the diced zucchini and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these for another 5-7 minutes, just until the zucchini begins to soften.
4. Step 4: Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This combination really wakes up the vegetables. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool down a bit. This step is crucial for how to make savory zucchini bread pudding without cooking the eggs prematurely.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cubed day-old bread with the cooled zucchini mixture. Give it a gentle toss to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 2 cups of milk until they are completely combined. This creates the luscious custard base.
7. Step 7: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and zucchini. Stir everything gently until all the bread cubes are nicely coated.
8. Step 8: Fold in the 1 cup of shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens, making it wonderfully cheesy and gooey.
9. Step 9: Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will give you that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust. This technique is key to a great savory zucchini bread pudding.
11. Step 11: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden-brown top and a custard that’s set.
12. Step 12: Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to fully set, ensuring the best texture for your savory zucchini bread pudding.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

Want to elevate your savory zucchini bread pudding game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference!

• Don’t skip the day-old bread; it’s essential for soaking up the custard perfectly.
• Ensure your zucchini isn’t too wet before adding it to the mix. Squeeze out excess moisture if needed.
• Letting the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes before baking can help the bread truly absorb the liquid for an even better texture.
• For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the milk.

What’s the secret to perfect Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding?

The secret to the best savory zucchini bread pudding lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Using day-old bread is crucial for absorption, and making sure your zucchini is cooked until just tender, not mushy, creates that perfect bite. For more on selecting the right bread, check out this guide on different types of bread.

Can I make Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the unbaked mixture tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes make ahead savory zucchini bread pudding a fantastic option for busy schedules.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding?

To ensure an easy and delicious result, avoid using fresh, wet zucchini, as it can make the pudding watery. Also, don’t overmix the ingredients; gently combine them to maintain a good texture. This helps create an easy savory zucchini bread pudding that’s always a hit. For tips on handling vegetables, you might find information on vegetable gardening helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

This versatile dish truly shines as a zucchini bread pudding savory side dish, but don’t stop there! It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken or pork chops, adding a comforting and flavorful element to your meal. For a delightful brunch, serve it with a simple green salad and some fresh fruit. It also pairs wonderfully with a hearty soup, like a creamy tomato or a robust lentil soup, making for a satisfying vegetarian dinner option. The cheesy, savory goodness is sure to impress no matter how you serve it!

Nutrition Facts for Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

This healthy savory zucchini bread pudding is a nutritious addition to any meal. While exact values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general breakdown per serving (approximately 1/8th of the dish):

• Calories: 300-350
• Fat: Moderate
• Saturated Fat: Moderate
• Protein: Good source
• Carbohydrates: Moderate
• Fiber: Good source
• Sugar: Low
• Sodium: Moderate

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

One of the best things about this dish is that it’s perfect for make ahead savory zucchini bread pudding planning. Once baked, let your savory zucchini bread pudding cool completely on a wire rack. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the cooled bread pudding for up to 3 months. To reheat, I find the best method is to warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes for refrigerated portions and 30-40 minutes for frozen portions. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, though the texture might be slightly softer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

Can I make this a Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding no sugar recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! The current recipe is naturally low in sugar because it doesn’t call for any added sweeteners. The sweetness comes only from the vegetables. If you’re looking to make it even more sugar-free, just ensure your bread doesn’t have any added sugars. This makes it a fantastic option for anyone watching their sugar intake.

Is this a suitable Vegetarian zucchini bread pudding recipe?

Definitely! This vegetarian zucchini bread pudding recipe is made without any meat products, relying on eggs and milk for the custard base. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that can stand on its own or complement other vegetarian mains. It’s a comforting dish that proves vegetarian meals can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. For other vegetarian options, consider a mediterranean chickpea salad or a roasted carrot soup.

What are the best bread choices for Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding?

For the best results, I always recommend using a day-old, somewhat sturdy bread like French bread, Italian bread, or even a good sourdough. These types of bread have a slight dryness that allows them to soak up the custard beautifully without becoming completely mushy. Avoid very soft, squishy breads, as they can break down too much.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe?

You bet! This recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to add other diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the zucchini. For a heartier meal, you could also stir in some cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken. It’s a great way to customize your savory zucchini bread pudding to your liking!

Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic savory zucchini bread pudding, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to switch up this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Low Carb Option: For a low carb zucchini bread pudding, swap the regular bread for low-carb bread cubes or even use cauliflower florets instead of zucchini. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make this a gluten free savory zucchini bread pudding by using your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold its shape after soaking.
• Fruity Swap: If you’re out of zucchini or just want to try something different, a savory squash bread pudding is a fantastic alternative. Yellow squash or butternut squash cubes work beautifully.
• Extra Cheesy Bake: Amp up the indulgence with a cheesy zucchini bread pudding bake by adding a mix of cheeses. Try Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a dollop of cream cheese stirred into the custard for extra richness.

For a delicious side dish, consider pairing this with spaghetti with garlic and oil or a fresh caprese salad. If you’re looking for a hearty main, pappardelle with beef ragu is always a winner. For a lighter option, try veggie burgers with avocado green harissa. For a sweet finish, you might enjoy pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.

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